Brief reflections on hitting 80

Wow... I didn't hit 80 very long ago (end of July, 2010) but I've learned a lot since them. Post is removed since it's no longer relevant.

Catclysm: July

Each month, I'll do a round up of elemental shaman news from the Cataclysm beta. I've snuck in one post from late June but everything else should be from this month.

Overviews

If you only read one update on Cataclysm, make sure it's this one with information on just about everything affecting elemental shamans

Cataclysm Compendium @ Totemz

Talents

Despite initial fears that the wonderful new version of Ancestral Swiftness had been removed, Blizzard confirmed this was an error on their part and the talent will be available. 31 point talent trees, 41 points to spend. What does it all mean for elemental shamans?

Latest Beta Build Changes @ 'Mental Shaman
Talent Changes Part One and Two @ Blogenstein
Cataclysm Talent Trees @ Totemz
Likely Elemental Builds @  Totemz
What makes a talent fun @ 'Mental Shaman
Talent Trees One and Two @ Storm, Earth, Fire
Shamantastic Catclysm Talents @ Preshamanal
31 Point Talent Trees @ Storm, Earth, Fire and Shields

Specific and General changes

Elemental Changes One and Two @ wow.com
Shaman Changes for Cataclysm @ Totemz
Lava Surge One and Two @ Blogenstein
Elemental Mastery Changes & Armor Specialization @ Totemz
Glyphs, Dual-Wielding Casters & Searing Flames @ 'Mental Shaman
Shaman Class Preview @ The Shaman Tavern

Beta Commentaries

Binks does Beta @ Blogenstein

Videos

Everything posted by HybridPanda
Everything posted at Warcraft Videos

Barbershop Quartet: Thunderstorm

I'm probably the only ele shaman who hadn't seen this yet. But in case anyone else missed it last month, here 'tis. Just for a giggle.

Crit vs Mp5

Removed. This is out of date (3.3.5).

Haste vs Spell Power

Removed. This is out of date (3.3.5).
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Heirlooms for Elemental Shamans

Shamans are a lot of fun to play and a lot of fun to level. This is a brief look at the bind-to-account heirloom items for elemental shamans.

If you are in a position to grab the optimal heirloom items for elemental, you will rock 1-80. Especially pre-outlands when there are so few options for casters, and shamans in particular. Unless you really, really like spirit.

The best heirloom options for elemental shamans

Shoulders:
Mystic Pauldrons of the Elements
The PvE shoulders are superior to the PvP alternative, even for PvP.

Chest
Mystical Vest of Elements
Fabulous for the leveling shaman, particularly pre-Outlands. Pop a +4 all stats enchant on this if you like.

Weapon - 2H
Dignified Headmaster's Charge
If you roll a lot of alts, you will get multiple uses out of this. It's a better choice than the mace because there are no heirloom off-hands or shields.

Trinkets
Discerning Eye of the Beast
You're unlikely to find an upgrade for this before you hit 80. I would pass on the other trinket but go ahead if you have extra emblems.

Notes

If you have cloth or leather caster heirlooms already, feel free to use them instead. Otherwise, go for the mail pieces. They are designed 100% for elemental shamans but can't be shared by any other alts, except possibly a holy paladin.

I leveled as elemental using the enhance/hunter heirlooms (agility & AP for the win) without any problems. It doesn't really matter what gear you wear. The 20% exp bonus is yummy so as long as you have the chest and shoulders, regardless of type, you will level fast.

Shamans scale extremely well with their talents, spells and totems, even naked. The problem shamans face come in deep endgame when other classes scale much better with  new gear.

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The hit cap for elemental shamans

Removed the giant wall of pseudo-math as it's out of date (3.3.5).

4.0.1 The hit cap for casters is 17%. This requires 446 rating unless you are a draenei (420).

Why play a shaman?

Removed, 3.3.5 outdated.

Please note: shamans are awesome fun and elemental is in a particularly strong position at the moment (4.0.1).