Test the full attack cycle
Compare reach, startup, recovery, movement, and crowd coverage—not only the displayed damage. Enter a familiar room, use the basic sequence, and note whether you can still evade after the final hit. A slower weapon is only stronger when its commitment fits your timing.
Choose for consistency
Keep the class that lets you avoid damage while maintaining useful pressure. Then select armor, perks, or relic interactions that cover a documented weakness. Tier lists can reveal possibilities, but balance changes and player execution make a repeatable safe route more valuable than a theoretical maximum.