Since patch 2.3.2, there have been a few tweaks to the way the Global Cooldown (GCD) works, and speculation of a new BM shot rotation called the 3:2. There's a bit of controversy with it because it's less mana efficient than the 1:1 rotation, AND it delays auto shots by getting in 2 Steady Shots in a row. Here's what the rotation looks like:
Auto
Steady
Steady
Auto
Steady
repeat.
The Macro (spammed just like the 1:1) for this rotation is:
Quote:
/cast !Auto Shot
/cast Steady Shot
/cast Steady Shot
The ideal weapon speed for it seems to be about 2.9, and the Kill Command line can be put in between Auto Shot and Steady Shot.
This new shot rotation has gotten so much attention that it was added into Cheeky's Spreadsheet on March 18th, 2008.
If the Macro works in an ideal way (which isn't 100% because of latency issues), This Shot rotation can REALLY improve DPS for BM hunters with slower weapons.
With my current gear setup, with no buffs (except for Hawk), and assuming that I'm shooting at a raid boss, I came up with some REALLY surprizing numbers. (note, this is personal DPS, it does not include Pet DPS which would bump my numbers into the very high 900s)
Gladiator's Heavy Crossbow:
1:1 shot rotation = 672 DPS
3:2 shot rotation = 717 DPS!!!
Which is a 45 DPS increase!
Wolfslayer Sniper Rifle
1:1 = 720 DPS
3:2 = 715 DSP
Slight Decrease in DPS.
Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix
1:1 = 700 DPS
3:2 = 724 DPS
AN INCREASE IN DPS OVER WSSR!
****Results may vary. My results came from the gear that I currently have, which can be seen in my Armory link in my signature
Okay. So the increase in DPS may not be worth the extra mana that you have to use (the mana consumption is about that of the 1:1.5 rotation), but it IS at least a little bit of relief for all the hunters out there that have never seen the rifle drop. It's also really nice way to nearly match the DPS potential of the S1 Xbow/Sunfury to the Rifle while you wait for the rifle to drop... Or if you're beyond Kara, and are using the Bow from ZA, SSC or even the bow from Illidan
If you're having a tough time visualizing the rotation, don't worry. It's a difficult concept to wrap your mind around, since it delays an autoshot. It's really one of those things that you have to see in action.
Edited, Mar 21st 2008 2:36am by ProjectMidnight