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Message: <blockquote data-quote="DracoSuave" data-source="post: 4881296" data-attributes="member: 71571">Indeed.  Most of the 'Power Attack is a trap' argument comes from assumptions (the 50/50 rule, for example) that may or may not apply to your character and/or campaign and/or tier.  Reaping Strike does make Power Attack more useful.At the same time, the point behind the consistancy of damage is also a good one.But here's another way of looking at the Power Attack feat:For a Strength Paladin, is Holy Strike a trap?Of course not, it does your base-line damage, plus more.  It's bonus damage!  That can't be a trap!But Valiant Strike hits more often, with two enemies, that's +2 to hit!So, let's say you have a Wisdom of 16, that means you can either have +2 to hit, or +3 damage.  Most people would say 'Well, one is good for one situation, the other is good for another, but they are both good options.'I would agree.  The thing is......Power Attack is exactly the same argument, just with a lower attack bonus to start with.  If Holy Strike is not a trap, there exists situations where Power Attack is not a trap.  In my analysis:  Power Attack may be right for your build, but after other less situational damage boosters are applied.  During paragon, the feat becomes golden, there's TONS of upside to -2/+6, but once you hit epic and the double damage dice kick in, it's back to questioning the build again.But do the math, figure out the PA Sweet Spot, and you'll not only know if it's good for that level range, by comparing to monsters' ACs that you tend to fight (it's less useful in a campaign where the DM throws higher level monsters at you, more useful in a campaign that the DM throws smaller level monsters at you in larger numbers).  As well, the Sweet Spot is a tool you use to determine the 'right time' to use it, so using it will maximise the effectiveness of PA.</blockquote>

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