Depends on your playstyle really. As a ranger I did my epic a few months ago when I was in the low to mid 50's. Not long after I completed it the AAXP system changed and I spent some extra time around levels 59-62 working AA's. Swiftwind was a great offhander for me at that time, Earthcaller I pretty much only used as situations called for it. At 65 now, I have much better weapons than either of my epics, but I still keep a bandolier set with them mainly for show, pretty much as a pride thing. If you're planning to push straight through and hit 65 soon to get 1.5 you may not want 1.0(depending mainly on the question "Is it easier to complete the 1.5 prequest or finish 1.0?" Personally, I'm glad I took the time to get my 1.0, but that's just my opinion.
:Edited for spelling and grammar:
Edited, Nov 29th 2006 3:09pm by zakthan