While it used to be that Doran's Blade or Boots + 3 pots was the absolute best choice for AD carries, with the nerfs to certain items and the changes in build paths, it's not so easy to know which choice is best anymore.
Personally I think it mainly depends on your playstyle and who the other 3 champions in the lane are. Let's check out some of the common choices:
Doran's Blade
This choice allows you to have some sustain in lane while also having an advantage over boots/3 pots and long sword + 2 pots if you either go all-in or you manage to control your lane well enough that you can push to their turret without worry.
To make up for the lack of potions, you'll have to either auto attack a lot, or simply not take much damage.
When to use: I'd recommend starting Doran's Blade when you have an aggressive early-game champion like Miss Fortune or Caitlyn along with a sustaining support like Sona, Taric, Alistar, or Soraka.
![Chinese Soraka]( "Chinese Soraka")
Let me play you the song of my people Sona...
Long Sword + 2 pots
A lot of people see this one as the most efficient build, since it's a major component of both Bloodthirster and Blade of the Ruined King (and obvious vamp scepter), which is generally the first pick-up for AD carries. It allows you to trade while still giving you a bit of sustain in case you happen to miscalculate.
This starting set works for all support and ad carry combinations.
Boots + 3 Pots
Boots + 3 Pots
This build generally isn't used since it's weak in trades. However, it does give you a stronger escape and good sustain.
I might start this if I'm planning on playing a high harass champion like Caitlyn and the enemy team has a fast jungler where you need every point of speed you can pick up.
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I might start this if I'm planning on playing a high harass champion like Caitlyn and the enemy team has a fast jungler where you need every point of speed you can pick up.
These boots were made for walking...
Fortitude Potion + all red Pots
At first I thought it was a joke, but it's honestly a very viable starting set. It gives you a sizable chunk of damage, an instant shield, and allows you to catch your opponents off guard.
The downside to this of course is that it reduces your last-hitting accuracy/poke damage since you'll be lower in damage until you turn it on. On the other hand, if you somehow manage to get all of your pots poked down or they continuously push your lane to your turret, you'll be very far behind.
I'd recommend starting this build when you know you can keep your lane away from the turret and have kill-potential in your lane. It's also a good start when you have something like Fiddlesticks support.
What items do you like starting with? Post below!
What items do you like starting with? Post below!