LF Help SS/ELA

First I just want to say that I read these forums frequently, but rarely post.

I recently came back to the game after a long break. Upon logging in and playing with my old main EM/ELA I find a super long activation time on ET. EM on a brute, to me, is unplayable because of this. My two heavy hitters both with an extremely long animation. Absolutely ruins my attack chains and I often end up nailing a corpse while grouped.

Having said that, I've been leveling a new brute and Im about to hit 50 (now 48). I love /ELA, and I already have a Claws/Fire, so I chose SS having never played the set at 50. I also thought SS would go well with ELA. After browsing the forums this morning while having my coffee I found several SS/ELA builds, but not exactly what I was looking for. I cant seem to make it work in mids either. So Im looking to my fellow brutes for some help.

I want lots and lots of recharge. My thought were to 6 slot Punch, Haymaker, and KOB, with 5 C'ing Impact and use the 6th slot for +chance to recharge. I also want to 4 slot my armor toggles, Ive seen many ppl only 3 slotting, but thats just not for me. 4 set Reactive armor is too good to pass up IMO. I want the fighting pool obviously, and Mu PP, but I also wanted to somehow pickup Leadership pool for Man, Assault, and Veng.

Im not super familiar with what is out there IO wise. I keep thinking I have to pickup acrobatics, but I rarely see any builds with it anymore. I remember it being mandatory for any Brute at one point and time.

Anyway, long winded post I know, but Im just trying to explain the idea of what I want and touch on what I like. If there is a better way to go, by all means do tell. I've been browsing the forums a lot recently trying to educate myself on all that I've missed, but theres so much that has changed.

Thank you for your time,

Dev-X

Getting some views, but no replies. I can only guess that people want to see a build so here is what I came up with.

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Science Brute
Primary Power Set: Super Strength
Secondary Power Set: Electric Armor
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Mu Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Punch -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(13), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(3), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(5), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(5), FrcFbk-Rechg%:50(7)
Level 1: Charged Armor -- RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(7), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(9), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(9)
Level 2: Lightning Field -- Oblit-Dmg:50(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg:50(46), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg:50(46), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(48), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(48)
Level 4: Conductive Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(11), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(11), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(13)
Level 6: Haymaker -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(3), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(15), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(15), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(17), FrcFbk-Rechg%:50(23)
Level 8: Knockout Blow -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg:50(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg:50(17), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(19), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(19), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(21), FrcFbk-Rechg%:50(21)
Level 10: Static Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(23), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(25), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(25)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), Ksmt-ToHit+:30(48)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(27), RechRdx-I:50(31)
Level 18: Rage -- AdjTgt-ToHit:50(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg:50(40), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg:50(40), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg:50(40), AdjTgt-Rchg:50(42), GSFC-Build%:50(42)
Level 20: Lightning Reflexes -- Run-I:50(A)
Level 22: Boxing -- Empty(A)
Level 24: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(27), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(29), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(29)
Level 26: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), LkGmblr-Def:50(50), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(50)
Level 28: Energize -- Dct'dW-Heal:50(A), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx:50(31), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg:50(31), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:50(34), Dct'dW-Rchg:50(37)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A)
Level 32: Foot Stomp -- Oblit-Dmg:50(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg:50(33), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg:50(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(34), FrcFbk-Rechg%:50(34)
Level 35: Power Sink -- Efficacy-EndMod:50(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg:50(36), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:50(36), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg:50(36), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc:50(37), Efficacy-EndMod/EndRdx:50(37)
Level 38: Power Surge -- TtmC'tng-ResDam:50(A)
Level 41: Mu Lightning -- Decim-Acc/Dmg:40(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx:40(42), Decim-Dmg/Rchg:40(43), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:40(43), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:40(43)
Level 44: Ball Lightning -- Posi-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx:50(45), Posi-Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Posi-Dmg/Rng:50(45), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(46)
Level 47: Assault -- EndRdx-I:50(A)
Level 49: Grounded -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(A), RgnTis-Regen+:30(39), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+:50(50)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod:50(39), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg:50(39)
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 10.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 10.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 10.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 10.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 10.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 10.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 10.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 10.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 8% Defense(Smashing)
• 8% Defense(Lethal)
• 3% Defense(Fire)
• 3% Defense(Cold)
• 8% Defense(Energy)
• 8% Defense(Negative)
• 3% Defense(Psionic)
• 5.5% Defense(Melee)
• 5.5% Defense(Ranged)
• 3% Defense(AoE)
• 2.25% Max End
• 4% Enhancement(Heal)
• 57% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 60% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 5% FlySpeed
• 112.4 HP (7.5%) HitPoints
• 5% JumpHeight
• 5% JumpSpeed
• MezResist(Immobilize) 13.8%
• MezResist(Stun) 4.4%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 2.2%
• 4% (0.07 End/sec) Recovery
• 20% (1.25 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 2.84% Resistance(Fire)
• 2.84% Resistance(Cold)
• 1.26% Resistance(Energy)
• 1.26% Resistance(Negative)
• 5% RunSpeed

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%
• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints
• 7% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%
• 3% DamageBuff(All)
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%
• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints
• 7% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%
• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints
• 7% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 2% DamageBuff(All)
• 1.26% Resistance(Energy,Negative)
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• 10% (0.62 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Terrorized) 2.2%
• 1.26% Resistance(Fire,Cold)
• 4% Enhancement(Heal)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime) (Exceeded 5 Bonus Cap)

• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%
• 3% DamageBuff(All)
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime) (Exceeded 5 Bonus Cap)

• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints
• 1.5% (0.03 End/sec) Recovery
• 10% (0.62 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime) (Exceeded 5 Bonus Cap)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.75%
• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints (Exceeded 5 Bonus Cap)
• 2.25% Max End
• 6.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 2.5% (0.04 End/sec) Recovery
• 1.58% Resistance(Fire,Cold)
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 6.25% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 3% Defense(Melee), 3% Defense(AoE), 3% Defense(Ranged), 3% Defense(Smashing), 3% Defense(Lethal), 3% Defense(Fire), 3% Defense(Cold), 3% Defense(Energy), 3% Defense(Negative), 3% Defense(Psionic)

• 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed
• 28.1 HP (1.88%) HitPoints

After posting it I already see a problem, apparently there is a max of x5 on set bonuses. So now back to the drawing board. Things like this are the reason I came here.

Suggestions please.

Defense. Stacking smashing/lethal defense is your best bet for increasing survivability for /Electric Armor. The best bet for stacking SL defense is Kinetic Combat, and switching some or all of your Crushing Impact sets for KC sets would increase your survivability and help with your wasted 5% recharge bonuses.

The Force Feedback proc isn't very useful in single-target attacks, especially when you're running multiple copies of it. It's great in Foot Stomp, because it's near-impossible to form a seamless AOE attack chain and each target has a chance to set off the proc, but it's not great in your already-seamless ST attack chain. You'd probably be better using some of those slots for damage procs, like the Perfect Zinger proc.

Obliteration is a poor set for damage fields, because the recharge enhancement is nearly useless and Obliteration has poor endurance reduction enhancement. I usually frakenslot damage fields for damage, endred, and a bit of accuracy. For example:

Level 2: Lightning Field -- C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx(A), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(46), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(48)

The Kismet global is near-useless for super-strength, because Rage will always be on and will sometimes be double-stacked.

I'm not fond of Adjusted Targeting in Rage, because the accuracy isn't very useful, and Rage really doesn't need much for enhancement to do its job. It can do just fine with one or two common Recharges, or a two-set of Rectified Reticle for the SL defense. Five slots for 5% global recharge just isn't worth it.

Maneuvers is underslotted. It's a major endurance burn, a decent source of global defense, and the LOTG set bonuses are nice.

Power Sink is overslotted. It automatically hits, and doesn't need a great deal of endmod enhancement to do its job effectively. You can get by with as few as three pieces of Efficacy Adaptor, or slot a common endmod IO and Taunt set pieces with recharge.

This is how I have Power Sink slotted in my own brute:
Level 35: Power Sink -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(36), Efficacy-Acc/Rchg(36)

And this is how it's slotted on my wife's FM/ElA brute:
Level 35: Power Sink -- Efficacy-EndMod(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(37), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg(37), Mocking-Rchg(37), Mocking-Acc/Rchg(42), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(42)

Assault is a poor choice for a SS brute, because both brutes and Super Strength have very low base damage values. It's somewhat useful on teams, where other team members will both benefit from the buff and offset the additional endurance burn for using Assault, but there are other options that would contribute more, both solo and on teams. I wouldn't take Assault unless it was to qualify for Vengeance, and even then I'd consider Tactics instead, to mule a two-piece set of Rectified Reticle.

Taunt is extremely useful in the incarnate trials, and you don't have it. /ElA is the best set in the game for tanking Siege, Nightstar, and Anti-Matter, and it's important to have Taunt for all of those. In addition, both Mocking Beratement and Perfect Zinger are fantastic sets and a decent source of SL defense.

I can't imagine putting off Grounded until level 49. That's probably why you feel like you need Acrobatics.

Personally, I prefer Soul Mastery to Mu Mastery, because of Gloom's vastly superior damage and how much -to-hit debuffs benefit resistance sets. Mu Mastery is fine, though; it's a matter of taste. In any case, the damage proc in Positron's Blast is more useful than the Damage/Range IO. You might also want a sixth slot in Ball Lightning for a common Recharge IO, if you've got the slot to spare.

Thank you, A Man In Black. Your feedback is much welcomed.

I put Grounded at 49 because Im about to use one of my vet respecs and it doesnt need slotting (to my knowledge) so I picked it last.

I just hit 50 and tabbed out to see if anyone responded, and someone did. Thank you. Im now about to respec, and spend what I have on IO sets. I have approx. 1.5 bil to spend, and I do want to get into running TFs for incarnate powers. I am ready to make the changes you suggested including picking up taunt, but I have no idea how to slot it. If you have the time, would you mind posting a mid's build reflecting your suggestions? I would greatly appreciate it.

I only have 1 vet respec left after trying multiple times to make my old EM/ELA Brute work for me. Not even sure I can afford everything but I'll do what I can. I have some IOs I took from my old brute to save me some cash, but I had to waste a vet respec to get them. In the meantime, Im gonna load up mids and see what I can come up.

Thanks again,

Dev-X

Alright, instead of sitting on my hands waiting to be spoon fed I did some more digging on these forums and got some ideas keeping what you said in mind.

Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Science Brute
Primary Power Set: Super Strength
Secondary Power Set: Electric Armor
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Punch -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg:40(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx:40(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg:40(3), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:40(5), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:40(5), T'Death-Dam%:40(7)
Level 1: Charged Armor -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(7), RctvArm-ResDam:40(9), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(9)
Level 2: Haymaker -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg:40(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx:40(11), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg:40(11), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:40(13), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:40(13), T'Death-Dam%:40(15)
Level 4: Lightning Field -- Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(A), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(15), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(17)
Level 6: Conductive Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(17), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(19), RctvArm-ResDam:40(19)
Level 8: Knockout Blow -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg:40(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx:40(21), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg:40(21), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:40(23), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:40(23), T'Death-Dam%:40(25)
Level 10: Static Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(25), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(27), RctvArm-ResDam:40(27)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Winter-ResSlow:50(A)
Level 16: Grounded -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A)
Level 18: Boxing -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg:40(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx:40(29), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg:40(29), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:40(31), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:40(31), T'Death-Dam%:40(31)
Level 20: Rage -- Rec'dRet-ToHit:20(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg:20(33), RechRdx-I:50(33)
Level 22: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(33), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(34), RctvArm-ResDam:40(34)
Level 24: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), LkGmblr-Def:50(34), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(36)
Level 26: Lightning Reflexes -- Run-I:50(A)
Level 28: Energize -- Numna-Heal:50(A), Numna-Heal/Rchg:50(36), Numna-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:50(36), RechRdx-I:50(37)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(40)
Level 32: Foot Stomp -- Oblit-Dmg:50(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg:50(40), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg:50(40), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(42), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(42), Oblit-%Dam:50(42)
Level 35: Power Sink -- P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg:50(43), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc:50(43)
Level 38: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(43), LkGmblr-Def:50(45)
Level 41: Gloom -- SipInsght-ToHitDeb:50(A), SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb:50(45), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg:50(46), SipInsght-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg:50(46), SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(46)
Level 44: Dark Obliteration -- SipInsght-ToHitDeb:50(A), SipInsght-Acc/ToHitDeb:50(48), SipInsght-Acc/Rchg:50(48), SipInsght-ToHitDeb/EndRdx/Rchg:50(48), SipInsght-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:50(45)
Level 47: Taunt -- Mocking-Taunt:50(A), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg:50(50), Mocking-Taunt/Rng:50(50), Mocking-Taunt/Rchg/Rng:50(50)
Level 49: Power Surge -- ResDam-I:50(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+:50(A), Numna-Heal:50(37), Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(37), RgnTis-Regen+:30(39)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod:50(39), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg:50(39)
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 13% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 13% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 13% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 13% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 13% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 13% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 13% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 13% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 29.3% Defense(Smashing)
• 29.3% Defense(Lethal)
• 3% Defense(Fire)
• 3% Defense(Cold)
• 8% Defense(Energy)
• 8% Defense(Negative)
• 3% Defense(Psionic)
• 30.2% Defense(Melee)
• 5.5% Defense(Ranged)
• 3% Defense(AoE)
• 1.8% Max End
• 27% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 27.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 18% FlySpeed
• 208 HP (13.9%) HitPoints
• 18% JumpHeight
• 18% JumpSpeed
• MezResist(Held) 13.8%
• MezResist(Immobilize) 15.4%
• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%
• 54% (3.37 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 20% ResEffect(FlySpeed)
• 20% ResEffect(RechargeTime)
• 20% ResEffect(RunSpeed)
• 18% RunSpeed
• 4% XPDebtProtection

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.75%
• 22.5 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
• 3.75% Defense(Melee), 1.88% Defense(Lethal), 1.88% Defense(Smashing)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.75%
• 22.5 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
• 3.75% Defense(Melee), 1.88% Defense(Lethal), 1.88% Defense(Smashing)

• 10% (0.62 HP/sec) Regeneration

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.75%
• 22.5 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
• 3.75% Defense(Melee), 1.88% Defense(Lethal), 1.88% Defense(Smashing)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 20% ResEffect(RunSpeed), 20% ResEffect(RechargeTime), 20% ResEffect(FlySpeed)

• 3% Defense(Melee), 3% Defense(AoE), 3% Defense(Ranged), 3% Defense(Smashing), 3% Defense(Lethal), 3% Defense(Fire), 3% Defense(Cold), 3% Defense(Energy), 3% Defense(Negative), 3% Defense(Psionic)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.75%
• 22.5 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
• 3.75% Defense(Melee), 1.88% Defense(Lethal), 1.88% Defense(Smashing)

• 1.88% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.94% Defense(Melee)

• MezResist(Immobilize) 1.1%
• 1.25% Defense(Energy,Negative), 0.63% Defense(Ranged)
• 1.25% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 0.63% Defense(Melee)

• 10% (0.62 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 12% (0.75 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 28.1 HP (1.88%) HitPoints

• MezResist(Stun) 2.2%
• 3% DamageBuff(All)
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 3.75% Defense(Melee), 1.88% Defense(Lethal), 1.88% Defense(Smashing)

• 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed
• 28.1 HP (1.88%) HitPoints

• 10% (0.62 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 16.9 HP (1.13%) HitPoints
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)

• 4% JumpSpeed, 4% JumpHeight, 4% FlySpeed, 4% RunSpeed
• 2% XPDebtProtection
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 3.75% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 1.88% Defense(Melee)

• 4% JumpSpeed, 4% JumpHeight, 4% FlySpeed, 4% RunSpeed
• 2% XPDebtProtection
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 3.75% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 1.88% Defense(Melee)

• 1.8% Max End
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
• 2.5% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 1.25% Defense(Melee)

• 12% (0.75 HP/sec) Regeneration

• 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed
• 28.1 HP (1.88%) HitPoints

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I like your power selections; I have something similar on my SS/ELA (I actually dropped Taunt and Power Surge for Assault and Vengeance because I didn't find myself using those powers, and the switch improved my recharge, but that's my personal preference). Consider Smashing Haymakers for cheap 4-piece smashing/lethal defense--which lets you grow into Kinetic Combats as you get the merits or inf. Also I would recommend against Siphon Insights in Gloom and Dark Obliteration. I actually use those powers for damage; I 5 slot them with Decimations and Positrons instead for recharge and decent combat numbers.

What's your defense goal? You're at 40.7% Smashing/Lethal and 41.6% Melee. Are you pushing for softcap? Or would you be better off one Luck inspiration away from the softcap (32.5%), but with a lot more recharge?

Also, don't overlook tricks like 4-slotting Brawl for a 5th melee power for Smashing Haymakers or Kinetic Combats.

Thank you Mayhem Maven.

I just found that set Smashing Haymaker (still learning about all the IO sets). I did in fact 4 slot brawl because of this. I was able to afford 3 sets of KC (I cheated and bought the chance for Knockdown instead of the super expensive damage/end/recharge), and I put those in brawl, boxing, and punch. Then I put 2 sets of SH in Haymaker and KOB with a damage proc in KOB 5 slotted. Its coming along very nicely now thanks to some research and some friendly advice from my fellow brutes.

As far as my defense goal, well, as close to the soft cap as I can get. I have to get out and test my recharge, I may not be happy with it. Im really hoping that Alpha: Spiritual will give me enough recharge to satisfy me, since Im losing a bunch by using these sets. I guess we'll see.

If I get a chance later I'll post my final build as it is on live.

Im almost completely broke now, but I think I'll be happy.

You want defense have a look at my guide. Electric armor and the softcap. I have 2 ela/ss builds there. (its in my signature)

Here's something softcapped, with only two Kinetic Combat D/E/Rs. It has significantly less regen, but there's better defense and recharge. I like Siphon Insight in Dark Obliteration as long as you get some damage in as well, but it's less great in Gloom.

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First of all, I just want to thank everyone that chimed in here. I do appreciate it. Having said that, I am now finished with my new Brute (except replacing a couple of KC D/E/R's).

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You could run some AE mishes and make ticket rolls at level 35 bronze and silver to get your kinetic combat recipes. 1 drops on the 35 bronze, 3 on the silver and the gold drops the three piece one. I would be suprised if there was not an energy resistance based farm since ELA on brutes is one of 2 sets that lets you cap resistance to a specific damage type. It just wont be as well known or talked about as fire farms.

I find it hilarious myself to slot the knockdown proc in those sets, its a bit of a pain on ss since it will periodically knock them away from you instead of knockdown but it is a cheaper way to get the s/l bonuses and suprisingly fun in game to smash them across the screen with haymaker or punch.

Just target 32.5% s/l defense then one purple gets you capped. Look at the incarnates for getting so defense debuff resistance too.

Have a look at this:


Villain Plan by Mids' Villain Designer 1.942
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Voltaic Juggernaut: Level 50 Technology Brute
Primary Power Set: Super Strength
Secondary Power Set: Electric Armor
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Soul Mastery

Villain Profile:
Level 1: Punch -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(40), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(40), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(40)
Level 1: Charged Armor -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(39), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(39), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(39)
Level 2: Haymaker -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(27), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(37), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Hectmb-Dam%(37)
Level 4: Lightning Field -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-%Dam(5), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(5), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(21), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27)
Level 6: Conductive Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(7), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(7), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21)
Level 8: Knockout Blow -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(9), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(13), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(17)
Level 10: Static Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(11), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(11), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(13)
Level 12: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(43), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(46), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 14: Tough -- Aegis-ResDam(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(15), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg(15)
Level 16: Grounded -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A)
Level 18: Rage -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg(19), RechRdx-I(19)
Level 20: Taunt -- Zinger-Taunt(A), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg(31), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(31), Zinger-Acc/Rchg(36), Zinger-Taunt/Rng(48), Zinger-Dam%(48)
Level 22: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(23), LkGmblr-Def(23)
Level 24: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A)
Level 28: Energize -- Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(A), Dct'dW-Rchg(29), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(29), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Dct'dW-Heal(34)
Level 30: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(43)
Level 32: Foot Stomp -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(33), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Oblit-%Dam(34)
Level 35: Power Sink -- P'Shift-EndMod/Acc/Rchg(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(36), P'Shift-EndMod(36)
Level 38: Lightning Reflexes -- Run-I(A)
Level 41: Gloom -- Decim-Acc/Dmg(A), Decim-Dmg/EndRdx(42), Decim-Dmg/Rchg(42), Decim-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(42), Decim-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(43)
Level 44: Dark Obliteration -- Posi-Acc/Dmg(A), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(45), Posi-Dmg/Rng(45), Posi-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46)
Level 47: Power Surge -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 49: Super Jump -- Jump-I(A)
Level 50: Spiritual Core Paragon
Level 0: Born In Battle
Level 0: High Pain Threshold
Level 0: Invader
Level 0: Marshal
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(50), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(50), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(50)
Level 1: Fury
Level 1: Sprint -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Numna-Heal/EndRdx(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(3), Numna-Heal(17)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-End%(A), P'Shift-EndMod(3), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(48)

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