Like any other casting class the mage is only allowed to wear cloth armor. Since the armor bonus is negligible for casters, mages try to get gear with high bonuses to stats. While intelligence is important for a big mana pool it also increases the chance for criticals. Also stamina is very important, of course, since it gives the glass canons much needed hit points. Most important are, however, the stats that can be found further down on the items: Spell power, critical hit rating, casting speed and hit rating.

Especially the hit rating is very interesting since the big bosses in the raids have a 17% chance to resist the effects of spells completely. This can only be penetrated by hit rating, which can be further improved by the right items. An arcane mage can reach up to 6% via his talents alone, while the fire mage can reach the desired 17% only by making use of his gear and raid buffs.

The DPS stats on wands and weapons are of no relevance at all. It is the same as with armors and other gear: Only stats are important for the mage. Mages can use daggers, swords and two-handed staffs. Carrying a one-handed item like a dagger has the big advantage of being able to make use of a shield in the off-hand which can also have nice bonuses. Normally, a two-handed staff provides the mage with more intelligence and stamina, whereas the combination of one-handed weapon and shield gives her a bigger damage bonus. One should avoid all items that restore 5 mana per second. Those give no considerable advantage for the damage of the DD class "mage" and are better used by priests or healers who rely on mana regeneration.