Elemental damage VS Raw damage

[LordMelonLord]

So I've had a look around and can't seem to find an answer to my specific question anywhere, so apologies in advance if this has already been asked.

So hypothetically; I'm going after a monster with a 3 star weakness to dragon type. I'm using a gunlance. I have two options;

Gunlance 1: 470 raw, 270 dragon
Gunlance 2: 320 raw, 420 dragon

Is there a rule of thumb as to which is better? I would assume the gunlance with the higher dragon damage is usually the better option in this case, because the monster is weak to it.

What if the normal type damage is especially low? Say I have these two options instead;

Gunlance 1: 470 raw, 270 dragon
Gunlance 2: 150 raw, 420 dragon

Is the second gunlance still the better option, or am I better off with the higher raw?

If I hit a monster weak to dragon with a dragon type weapon, does the dragon damage get multiplied because of the weakness? Or does it just mean it doesn't deduct damage because of its defense?

[Saber]

Slow weapons work best with high raw.
Fast weapons abuse elemental/status damage like crazy.
Gunlance 1 > Gunlance 2

[Raine]

The higher raw one would be better in both occasions, I believe. You can stack 2 dragon attack jewels to make it stronger, but elemental is really only super important for dual blades, ranged weapons and possibly glaive

[JPM岩]

The first GL; Raw is always going to hit the hardest, but if you find a high raw with element attached, that makes it even better; Always have raw be priority, then element be an add on

[DrGhostJelly]

I don't know the damage formulas off hand but the general rule of thumb is that fast attacking weapons take advantage of element over slower weapons (i.e. S&S vs GS).

Generally, Raw>element (with the exception of bow and Kjarr weapons on a case by case basis). It would also depend on your play style with gunlance since shelling isn't affected by element or affinity

That said, it only really matters if you want to max out your DPS and go for an "optimal" play style. I have a friend who insists on collecting every gunlance and matching weaknesses despite me telling him otherwise. As long as you have fun, it shouldn't make too much of a difference since World is pretty generous with it's drop rates.

[Furrows]

as a rule of thumb for doing max damage go raw on most weapons, Dual blades, the 3 ranged, and SnS are real good elemental, but if you get the new Kjarr weapons some more weapons can use element decentlly.

[Remi]

3 star weakness is very vague. You'll need to look at actual hitzone values and the raw-elemental
ratio to determine whether elemental is worth it.
On Teostra for example, his head is 55 slashing and 30 water, so Kjarr Buster Water is the best Gunlance on him, due to the fact that Wide's shell>poke repeat has many hits.

You can't go wrong with raw but if you like to use elemental weapons look up the exact hitzones of the monster you'll fight to know where to hit for maximum effect.

[LordMelonLord]

Wow thanks so much for the quick replies everyone! I really didn't expect to get an answer so fast :)

I didn't realise weapon speed played so much into it. MHW's damage formula (formulae?) Is very complex!

[Katitoff]

I'd use RAW gunlance and ELEMENTAL lance.
That being said, with gunlance you'd want shelling lv4 and use that(spread or long).
Raw melee only gunlance can be pretty effective and strong, but its too slow for my taste and shelling is much better way as you don't need to care for weakspots.