Leather Armlet

A Leather Armlet is a common Bracelet-class piece of arm equipment available throughout the Golden Sun series. In all games, it is the first Bracelet-class item available to the player.

Basic Description by Game
A Leather Armlet increases the wearer's base Defense by 7 points. As a common item, it can be bought repeatedly from vendors for 180 coins each and sold for 135 coins each.

In Golden Sun, it is sold by armor vendors at Vault, Bilibin, and Imil, and can be equipped by Ivan and Mia. In Golden Sun: The Lost Age, it is sold in Madra, Alhafra, and Garoh, and can be equipped by Jenna and Sheba. In Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, it is sold in Harapa, and can be equipped by Karis, Rief, Amiti, and Himi.

Analysis
In Golden Sun, the Leather Armlet is first buyable in Vault, but is not a recommended purchase, as Ivan, the only character capable of equipping it, already possesses one as part of his default equipment. The Leather Armlet is the best hand armor for Ivan until the party reaches Bilibin, where the player might decide to buy slightly stronger Leather Gloves for him. If money constraints prevent the purchase of the Leather Gloves, then the Leather Armlet will last Ivan all the way until Kolima is restored and the far stronger Armlets can be bought for both Ivan and Mia.

In The Lost Age, Sheba starts out the game with a Leather Armlet, and it will remain in her possession until crossing into Osenia. However, Jenna starts out with weaker Padded Gloves, so the Leather Armlet is a viable purchase once the party enters Madra. However, the player also has the option of postponing any upgrades, as the player can enter Osenia shortly afterward. Once in Osenia, the town Mikasalla can be entered, and at its general vendor the much stronger Armlets can again be bought to safely replace Jenna and Sheba's current equipment.

In Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, both Karis and Rief start with Padded Gloves, and will be unable to upgrade until reaching Harapa. Leather Armlets are a viable purchase for both, given their naturally lower Defenses. After that, an upgrade will not be available until reaching Kaocho, as the Vendors at the next town, Passaj, will be closed. At Kaocho, the player has the option of buying Leather Gloves for both Adepts.