what is a good beginners battle set? and how good is a riptide in battle?

Useful Battle Threads covers a pretty good list of stuff :)

If you're after a set Starters Weaps list is here.

'Good' is a bit of a relative term, but I would say it would be, however, if you are a beginner, spending that much on one item mightn't help you as much as some other weapons could :)

thanks pumpkins..ill read up on this stuff..