It really is about personal preference and near-term goals. You can consider 3 baseline scenarios: [b]Focused on maximum level[/b] If the goal is getting to the highest level in the game then ignore raid gear from VoG and focus on leveling up new exotics and legendary gear to get to 31. You will still need ascendant shards to level legendary gear so VoG on normal is key and it's much easier to play at lvl 30/31. VoG raid gear received can be broken down. Hit up Crota's End for gear that can get you to 32. [b]Focused on right gear for right time[/b] VoG raid gear looks great and has attributes more geared towards key raid drops like increased ammo for auto rifles, great for that Atheon's Epilogue you hope to get, and so forth (special and heavy). If your new gear doesn't have the attributes that maximize ammo and reduce the need for ammo packs then you can switch. Drawback: Using needed ascendant shards to level these lengthens the time to level your more powerful gear. [b]Collector/Completist[/b] People like me are pack rats and want to collect as much as possible in the game so full raid gear is more of a personal accomplishment (there's no achievement for it though).

I have a VOG raid gear set and it does has less light than the stuff you can buy. The perks on the VOG gear is better on most so is a personal preference. I'm buying the new gear so I can get to 31 to get the CE raid set, the new raid is challenging on 30 to say the least so getting to 31 (and higher def rating) helps