Invest in smithing? or an armor tree?

[Shadowbane]

which is better, im trying a new build and i cant have both

 

[Su8tle]

you can easily reach the cap for the heavy armours without any perks using the alchemy>enchanting>smithing loop.

 

[Shadowbane]

ya but I dont want to exploit. but ive been wondering which is stronger

a set of armor that is buffed by 150% (with armor tree perks) or a full set of legendary smithed armor.

 

[Su8tle]

Without perks the highest you can smith anything is flawless.



QualitySkill RequiredEffect
Without PerkWith PerkArmorOther
Fine 14 14 +2 +1 1.15x
Superior 31 22 +6 +3 1.3x
Exquisite 65 40 +10 +5 1.5x
Flawless 100 57 +13 +7 1.65x
Epic 134 74 +17 +8 1.82x
Legendary 168 91 +20 +10 2.0x

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Smithing

 

[Shadowbane]

ya i just did some tests in QA smoke. armor trees are better.

EDIT: i stand corrected, with enchanting blacksmith and alchemy (without exploiting)
you can achieve stronger weapons and armor

 

[brandon]

I am very disappointed in the smiting tree. I thought the update was supposed to allow you to go all the way around instead of starting over.