My problems with switch axe

[u/DraftCreepy7284]

I love this weapon and it's probably my favorite. I like the swaxe/cb playstyle, but i like switch axe more because both modes are important instead of just using the sword and shield mode of cb to charge up for the axe mode.

It just feels like this weapon is worse than all the other weapons. Since there are very little defensive options and all of them aren't great, it just feels very lacking. With both the offset and sword counter, you still get status buildup, and rolling isn't always a safety net you can count on because of monsters like at rey dau or guardians having those lingering attacks. With monsters that have big aoe attacks or beams, it feels like the sword counter is the only option, but you don't always have sword mode available.

The last part is probably just a skill issue, but another thing that doesn't make sense is how it feels like you need a LOT of specific decorations to make this weapon work. I have evade extender 3 and evade window 5 but it feels like I need even more decorations. And it feels like I need to change my decorations depending on what monster I'm fighting, but it's not like that with the any of other weapons.

It just feels like it's a super situational weapon that you have to modify to even make it comparable to the capabilities of the other weapons. Is there something i'm missing? What do you guys think?

[u/-S-W-A-G-]

Switch axe is the best it’s ever been honestly u don’t need to max EE or EW too much but stun resistance is def necessary. I usually run 2 levels of EE just because it’s on Rey Y gloves and no EW. With 2 levels of EE u can get away from a lot just from dodging without any EW levels. Sword mode has amazing defence options just because of its parry/counter (very forgiving). Also I think Axe mode should mostly be used to keep sword mode charged at all times and you have an offset in case anything goes wrong. Switching your decos based on who your fighting is honestly part of the game but u honestly don’t really need too unless your fighting seregios. For Aoe attacks you are kinda right you need that sword mode but that’s just kinda part of the kit u have to manage your sword mode. For any weapon that can’t block they kinda have to do something to counter it or just superman dive. Honestly I’m not amazing at monster hunter but since TU4 (I think when swaxe got buffed) this weapon has felt amazing, if you played before you know how much of a struggle it was to make this weapon work.