### Pernix Gloves: Summary, Rarity, and Market Context - **Introduction and Release**: Pernix gloves are level 80 Ranged power gloves released on **October 3, 2011**, following the Evolution of Combat (EoC) update. They are part of the Pernix armor set obtained from Nex in the God Wars Dungeon (specifically the Zaros faction). With their high-tier defensive stats and offensive Ranged bonuses, these gloves remain popular for mid-high tier PvMers and hybrid setups. - **Rarity Assessment**: While Pernix gloves are not exceptionally rare due to the efficiency of Nex farming by modern standards (enhanced by powerful weaponry like Tier 90+ bows and crossbows), they are bottlenecked by competition over drops in groups. Their consistent availability keeps their price fluctuating within moderate tiers compared to rarer, more premium gloves (e.g., nightmare gauntlets). Additionally, price volatility arises in part due to their nature as a consumable item, degrading into coin value once fully broken in combat. - **Trade History & Price Volatility**: Historical prices suggest a significant drop around **December 2023**, likely impacted by the introduction of the Black Partyhat. The item appears to have suffered disproportionately during that period due to mass crashing markets and influxes of GP from dupes. Peaks near **November 2023** correspond to speculative activity following Hero Pass backlash and Carlyle's sale of RuneScape, both creating uncertainty. Drops in **February and August–October 2024** reflect post-dupe stabilization and market normalization after events like the **Sanctum of Rebirth release** diluted demand for mid-level armor by offering more lucrative content. --- ### Price Prediction: Q4 2024–Q1 2025 1. **Recent Price Performance**: - The drop to **5.2M GP (2024-10-06)** follows a period of instability due to the **GIM bug dupe (Nov 2024)**, which likely inflated GP liquidity, causing equipment prices to drop despite the raw GP supply increasing. - However, Pernix gloves averaged above **7.3-7.7M GP** earlier in 2024, with spikes during periods of high PvM activity from content like **Sanctum of Rebirth**. 2. **Predicted Trajectory**: - **Short-term (Nov–Dec 2024)**: Given post-GIM dupe stability expectations, Pernix gloves will likely see a slight rebound to **6–6.8M GP** as material markets settle and players restock for any potential Christmas events or Treasure Hunter promotions. - **Medium-term (Jan–Mar 2025)**: With potential updates to combat mechanics or Treasure Hunter loot tables and new high-tier boss releases expected annually, Pernix gloves could rise modestly toward **7–8M GP**, contingent on Jagex avoiding significant GP inflation or cash dupes. 3. **Risk Factors for Sudden Drops**: - New glove releases offering competitive or superior stats. - Treasure Hunter changes introducing GP or Nex drops directly. - Dupes leading to across-the-board price crashes. --- ### Flipping Margins for Pernix Gloves - **Typical Flipping Margins**: Pernix gloves, as a moderately traded item, tend to see **2-5% margins** between low-volume buys and mid-range sells on the Grand Exchange. During unstable periods, rapid flips can garner up to **7-10% profit**. - Example: Buy at **5.0-5.2M GP**, sell near **5.5-6M GP** in current markets. - **Best Times for Flipping**: Immediately after Jagex announcements about Treasure Hunter changes or major updates, as volume briefly spikes with speculative buying/selling. - Locking up items during low periods (e.g., the holiday dip in 2024) is riskier unless planning long-term bulk. --- ### Similar Items to Invest In - **Items to Pair with Pernix Gloves**: 1. **Nightmare Gauntlets** (Lvl 85, power gloves for Ranged): Often fluctuate with Pernix gloves since both target similar player demographics. 2. **Torva Gloves** (Lvl 80, Power gloves for melee): Also Nex drops but cater to melee users. Can act as a hedge investment if Ranged markets crash (e.g., due to a new Ranged boss). 3. **Hydrix Bolts or Ascension Components**: Crafting materials for top-tier weapons (e.g., Ascension crossbows) tend to spike during mid-high ranged meta shifts. - **Alternative Investment in Seasons**: - **Positive investment seasons**: Holiday events (Dec–Jan), PvM content releases, or high GP availability favor Nex-related items. - **Negative outlook seasons**: Post-dupe or Treasure Hunter-driven GP control periods (e.g., Feb–March), as crashing gold sinks deflate mid-tier items. --- ### Key Takeaways and Strategy 1. Pernix gloves remain a mid-tier staple with predictable demand but are susceptible to market manipulations like GP influxes and new item competition. 2. Expect a **slow rebound to 7M-8M GP** in early 2025 unless new GP exploits crash markets further. 3. Target flipping during price recovery periods, and diversify into related Ranged gear or Torva equipment to hedge risks. Use seasonal indicators (December demand spikes, post-dupe recovery) to plan trades.