Greenfield
Adventurer
*WARNING* I haven't read all the posts yet, so if I end up looking completely ignorant of what's already been said, it's because I really am. 
I like playing Wizards, but over all I appreciate versatility, and that has Ranger written all over it.
Hit Points average only 1 less than the Fighter, and he's a match for the Fighter in BAB. He gets bonus class abilities that run a close parallel to the bonus Feats the Fighter gets, he gets a mountain of skills, two good Saves, and gets some magic to boot.
He's limited in what kinds of armor he can wear, but I've seldom seen a campaign where many Fighter types really went for the heavy stuff. Too many penalties, and at higher levels it's far too easy to Magic your AC up to acceptable levels. (In most of our games, the Wizard ended up having the best AC in the party.)

I like playing Wizards, but over all I appreciate versatility, and that has Ranger written all over it.
Hit Points average only 1 less than the Fighter, and he's a match for the Fighter in BAB. He gets bonus class abilities that run a close parallel to the bonus Feats the Fighter gets, he gets a mountain of skills, two good Saves, and gets some magic to boot.
He's limited in what kinds of armor he can wear, but I've seldom seen a campaign where many Fighter types really went for the heavy stuff. Too many penalties, and at higher levels it's far too easy to Magic your AC up to acceptable levels. (In most of our games, the Wizard ended up having the best AC in the party.)