Note: Monk can equip both Clubs and Staves also. However, Hand-to-Hand delivers the same type of damage (blunt), has a generally higher Damage to second ratio, has A+ skill as a monk compared to B, and is also the only weapon affected by the Martial Arts trait. I may at a later time add some staves and clubs that Monks may use.
+1 version of the Lvl 15 Bastokan Knuckles. Seriously suggest the Republic Knuckles; these last a long time, are relatively inexpensive, and are truly the best you can get.
Only the +1 are possibly better than the Republic Knuckles, and some argue that this isn't even the case. Based on the attack bonus and lower delay of Bastokan knuckles it is hard to tell if Metal Knuckles +1 yield better damage.
Considered the most powerful for the purpose of single hits and WS damage, however very costly. One option is to camp Western Shadow to Obtain the Rare/Ex version Retaliators.) If time and Gil are a factor Tactician Magician's Hooks +2 can be used till 72, these are not mandatory. BCNM 60 treasure from Brothers D'Aurphe.
Good damage but generally not recommended for party use because of the +enmity. Good weapons for solo play and also tanking situations such as Salvage.
Dropped from Pandemonium Warden (Tier V ZNM). Quite possibly the best non-relic h2h weapon in the game. Problem is, it drops off of the second most difficult NM in the game after Absolute Virtue.
Good for TP burn parties. Latent effect is active while TP < 100% (includes Weapon Skills). Hidden Effects are also triggered under this latent. ENM treasure from Like the Wind and Boneyard Gully
KS30 drop. Amazing weapon that beats everything that came before it with the possible exception of Shenlong's Baghnakhs (which are not an easy weapon to get at the moment). In any case, Destroyers are a BCNM treasure from Copycat, Double Dragonian or Royale Ramble
Please Note: EXTREMELY hard to obtain Relic Knuckles: Spharai. Enhances "Counter" effect: Counter +10. Hidden Effect: Attacks will occasionally do 3 times normal damage.
Armor[]
Note: most of these armor selections are made on the assumption that the Monk you are designing will do what 99.99% of Monks do, dish out damage. You may wish to carry other pieces of equipment to offset the general rule that good armor for melee, is bad for defense.
Empress Hairpindropped from Valkurm Emperor (NM) 30 Valkurm Dunes. Very costly, and to many just not worth the sacrifice of +STR from gear for +DEX; this is completely optional gear.
Dropped from Carmine Dobsonfly (NM) 45 Riverne - Site #A01. This headgear piece is amazing! However, only possible to get from a fairly hard set of NM's in a CoP area
Dropped from Hakutaku (NM) 85 Den of Rancor. NM spawned by trading a Hakutaku Eye Cluster to the '???' at (H-8). ??? reappears 15 minutes following Hakutaku's death/despawn. Hakutaku has about 50,000 HP.
Donate 1,000 Imperial Bronze Pieces to Gajaad (J-6) Al Zahbi in support of the city's defenses. Trade him 100 Imperial Bronze Pieces at a time and for every 100 he will give you a Walahra Water. When a total of 1,000 Imperial Bronze Pieces are traded, he will give you the Walahra Turban.
A very good set of DD gloves because of its +ACC, these will last a long time. In the same ironic twist, these are the best hand gear till 25, 27, 30, and 34.Some people choose to use these for even longer though because of the ACC+.
This is considered the best piece for hands until possibly end game. However, this is a very pricy piece, but a must for those seriously wanting to take MNK to level 75.
Debatable due to the relatively high price compare to other items. The effect of haste is enhanced by having other haste equipment (e.g. Link title) and haste spell/song cast on. But seeing as how as haste at lower levels does not make a significant difference, it would be best to stick to Federation Kyahan until Kung Fu Shoes.
Previous belts are better. This piece is a good choice to macro in for Chakra. BCNM treasure from Operation Desert Swarm, Royale Ramble or Today's Horoscope. Should not ever be used as a stand alone belt for MNK. Only Brown or Black at this level!!!
8,000 Lebros CavernAssault Points, any assault rank. Spectacles are better as Store TP doesn't really do much for MNK and the +2 ACC is more helpful than the STR. Stick with Spectacles and only replace those with a peacock charm or Faith Torque.
Dropped and stolen from mobs. Chocobo digging, mining and clamming are sources too. Found on Auction House Category: Weapons > Ammo & Misc. > Ammunition. Pellet Belt is useful to have.
Seasonal Event: Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza (Obtained by turning in the "Element of The Day" combination (e.g. Lightsday trade: "L", "I", "G" , "H", "T")) Latent effect: Active while under the effect of a Song or Roll.
Quest: Message on the Wind Requirements: Wings of the Goddess. Warning - At this time, this item CAN be thrown during combat so beware of losing it by mistake. Attack +4 in your ammo slot is awesome.
Dropped from Demonic Tiphia (NM) 60 Crawlers' Nest. Lottery Spawn from the Wespe at (G-6) Map #2, approximately every 2 hours. Weak to Ice. Final Sting, Regen/Pollen and Cure Vs can be an issue. Can be Duo'ed by 75s.