should I just always use the gear with the highest power level

[Viper]

This number determined damage given and damage received doesn't it. Is it more of an effect than gear stats or other factors. Obviously some weapons are better. So just level them up. BUT armor Should i just wear the highest power level stuff.

[N33MA]

Your overall power level is what determines the damage you deal and receive. Both the level of your weapons and armor are taken into consideration when calculating this so ideally you'd wear whatever gives you the highest overall number.

Once you reach the cap (or before if you really want to) you should start worrying about weapon perks and armor stats and simply level them up to the cap through infusion. For now just wear whatever has the highest number.

[Viper]

okay than you

[Nibbie]

Depends on the activity you are doing. While power does increase your damage taken and reduce damage received, there is a cap on its effectiveness. Normally, it is something like 50 above the power of the enemy, but various late game activities cap it below that, or even below your enemies. There are also activities where your power level simply doesn't matter at all. Given how fairly easy it is to get upgrade modules, you can just wear your good equipment and upgrade its power as needed.