My first ranger I played spear for 85% of my levels. Once I hit 180 I used a Mordi spear because I didn't have DL and tower bows weren't out by then.
I definitely got more damage out of a Spear/Dagger/Axe combo than I did the bow that I had + quiver.
By end game, the majority of rangers are using mostly auto damage only. People say that your skills are less to choose from with a spear... in a sense yes, but as an end game ranger who uses mostly autos it's almost the same.
Most bow rangers I assume use :
Sharpen
Steady
Double Shot
+ whatever else they feel (heal/entangle/maybe Sharp Shot if more dexy)
Spear ranger end game:
Sharpen
Rapid
Double Strike
Entangle
Other than losing range, there's not a whole lot of difference between the skill layout IMO besides losing the ability to Steady Aim. With a DEX spear, you're essentially getting free attack/defense and the damage from the spear. You can also entangle those pesky 4* mobs who auto really hard.
You can simply switch to a bow for bossing as was stated. You still have really good auto damage switching back and forth from those two builds. I even went as far to use LongShot/SharpShot and a spear. I had Emberdrake Bracers with added direct damage + a Royal LS Spider ring, I would LS/SS the mob, as soon as it was running at me I'd hotbar my spear/dagger. Sure it was more work, but mobs died fast and being different is fun
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)