So this is just how I see it. You will need to be a level thirty to enter the new raid on day one. From what I understand (and I may be wrong) you will only be able to upgrade your exotics as xur has them available. So you might not see the one you need right away. If you are trying to get to 30 with an exotic armor piece you may need to wait awhile. I think you are better off getting to thirty no matter what. Because if you can start doing the new raid (which is supposed to have better drops) day one you will start getting new gear and might not need the upgrade. Then you can start looking at what you want to upgrade instead of what you need to upgrade to get to thirty two. As far as weapons go, I don't understand why people think they will be useless. 300 should be fine in a level thirty raid, it is right now, isn't it? Get to thirty, get into the raid start getting new gear and leveling that . Then in a month when the dust clears and you need something to do, start upgrading your old stuff that you like using now. As for me I got the exotic helm I needed this morning. I have one exotic shard I was holding to finish patience and time. But now I will use it on my helm. I have worked my ass off to get to thirty, all be dammed if I will let anything stop me now. Thanks for the ears, you guys are awesome.