Talk:Irelia/@comment-94.172.19.195-20111009115455/@comment-3977855-20111012071056

I almost always max Equilibrium Strike first. It's saved me from ganks countless times and also helps me set up for my own. Not to mention how delicious it is when someone thinks they can dive you and you stun for the kill. At level 6 with a level 3 E, you'll be able to burst most champs pretty hard without much of a response from their side.

I also find it to be the most useful in team fights because if you can put their carry out of play for 2 seconds, it can very well change the way it's going. The cooldown is short enough too that you can often pull it off multiple times in a fight.

I find in laning that a level or two in Hiten Style plus a Philo Stone (and maybe a couple of pots) gives me all the sustain I need. Maybe it's just me, but I feel that forcing your opponent out of lane is usually more beneficial than being able to sit there forever yourself. Gets you time to free farm, push, gank, or head to base and buy.