Staff or Sword main?

[Tobimaru]

I'm considering revamping my main from a spear (67) to either staff or sword. Which would be a optimal choice for PvE with a side of PvP. I understand Evanescent Scud deals considerable damage in PvE maxed at 60, but Sword does have the defense that would be helpful in some situations. I'd like to hear some input of other players before choosing.

I have a basic idea of the formation for both mains for PvE and PvP suggestions appreciated.

[Kiena]

If you're focused for PVE, either will be a lot of fun and useful. It depends on how you like to play. Sword can withstand a lot more than staff, but without healing from a monk/oracle, s/he'll eventually fall. Staff can't handle as much physical damage, but with mana shield, they do a lot better than they did. They still don't have quite the lasting power of a sword, though. As a sword main, I've survived many fights with just me and my monk left alive, him behind me. I've never come close to something like that on my staff alt, even though she's better equipped than my main was at that level. Still, she's hardier than I thought she would be, and she's also a lot of fun to play. Truthfully, I enjoy both a lot, and they're in my top three mains to play, PVE (archer being my other favorite - I personally prefer archer over staff, but that's play style preference).

PVP, staff is arguably better, though sword main isn't exactly shabby. I'll let someone else speak about that, though.

[Prima]

Go staff, they're receiving some love in the next patch.

Problem with sword mains is that everything they do, an upgraded swordie or LK can do better

[Tobimaru]

I'm currently a staff main with this current formation.

:spm::spm::spm:
:malehero:

All three Spearmen have a spirit spear +5 and I use a spirit staff +5. Any suggestions on a early formation? and maybe a decent PvE endgame formation as well. I'm considering just using the all Spearmen build with my main as a early game healer when needed while using Evanescent Scud before picking up a shaman.

Thanks.