OSRS Black Dragonhide Chaps Ultimate Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the Black Dragonhide Chaps are a staple for rangers seeking a balance of affordability, style, and performance. Whether you’re a pure, a main, or an ironman, these chaps offer unique advantages that make them a must-have in your gear setup. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know about Black Dragonhide Chaps, from crafting and requirements to their role in combat and how to get the most out of them.
Black Dragonhide Chaps are a piece of ranged armor in OSRS, part of the black dragonhide armor set. Worn in the leg slot, they’re crafted from black dragon leather and prized for their accessibility and effectiveness. Unlike other high-tier ranged gear, they have a unique trait that sets them apart, making them a favorite for specific builds.
Key Stats and Requirements
The chaps require level 70 Ranged to equip, but notably, they have no Defence requirement. This makes them ideal for ranged pures who want to maximize offensive bonuses without investing in Defence. Their stats include:
- Ranged Attack Bonus: +17
- Melee Defence Bonuses: +18 stab, +20 slash, +26 crush
- Ranged Defence Bonus: +23
- Magic Defence Bonus: +28
- Weight: 5.443 kg
These stats make the chaps a solid choice for mid-to-high-level ranged combat, offering decent protection without sacrificing mobility.
Why Choose Black Dragonhide Chaps?
The lack of a Defence requirement is a game-changer for pures, allowing them to access high-tier ranged gear early. For mains, the chaps are a cost-effective alternative to pricier options like Armadyl or Karil’s gear. Their versatility shines in PvM, PvP, and even Slayer tasks, where ranged accuracy and lightweight armor are key.
How to Obtain Black Dragonhide Chaps
There are several ways to get your hands on these chaps, catering to different playstyles and account types. Let’s break down the main methods.
Crafting Your Own Chaps
Crafting is the most direct way to acquire Black Dragonhide Chaps, especially for ironmen or players looking to save coins. Here’s what you need:
- 82 Crafting (boostable)
- 2 Black Dragon Leather
- 1 Thread
- Needle
Crafting one pair grants 172 Crafting XP. Black dragon leather is obtained by tanning black dragonhide, dropped by black dragons, brutal black dragons, or the King Black Dragon. Tanning costs 20 coins per hide at a tanner NPC, like in Al Kharid.
| Material | Quantity | GE Price (as of April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Black Dragon Leather | 2 | ~6,000 coins |
| Thread | 1 | ~10 coins |
| Tanning Cost | 2 hides | 40 coins |
| Total Cost | – | ~6,050 coins |
Compared to the Grand Exchange price of ~3,100 coins for the chaps, crafting can be less economical unless you’re farming the hides yourself.
Buying from the Grand Exchange
For most players, buying Black Dragonhide Chaps from the Grand Exchange is the fastest option. They’re readily available due to their popularity and moderate price, making them accessible even for mid-level accounts. Always check the GE price tracker to buy at the best rate.
Looting from Clue Scrolls
Black Dragonhide Chaps can drop as a reward from Hard Clue Scrolls. While not guaranteed, this method is great for ironmen or players who enjoy Treasure Trails. You might also snag the trimmed (t) or gold-trimmed (g) versions from Elite or Level 4 clues, which have identical stats but a fancier look.
Using Black Dragonhide Chaps in Combat
The chaps shine in various combat scenarios, thanks to their balanced stats and accessibility. Let’s explore their best use cases.
PvM and Slayer
In PvM, Black Dragonhide Chaps are a go-to for tasks requiring ranged attacks, like fighting black dragons or completing Slayer assignments. Their magic defence (+28) helps against enemies with magical attacks, such as those in the Taverley Dungeon. Pair them with a black d’hide body and vambraces for a full set bonus, or mix with stronger gear like an Ava’s device for ammo conservation.
PvP for Pures and Mains
For ranged pures, the chaps are a cornerstone of PvP setups due to their zero Defence requirement. They provide enough defence to survive a few hits while boosting ranged accuracy. In multi-combat zones or Edgeville PKing, combine them with a magic shortbow or toxic blowpipe for devastating hits. Mains can use them in hybrid setups, switching to melee or magic gear as needed.
Comparison to Other Leg Slot Gear
How do the chaps stack up against alternatives? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Item | Ranged Req. | Defence Req. | Ranged Attack | GE Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black D’hide Chaps | 70 | None | +17 | ~3,100 coins |
| Karil’s Leatherskirt | 70 | 70 | +17 | ~200,000 coins |
| Armadyl Chainskirt | 70 | 70 | +20 | ~30,000,000 coins |
The chaps are unmatched for pures, while mains might upgrade to Karil’s or Armadyl for better defence or prayer bonuses at a higher cost.
Trimmed and Gold-Trimmed Variants
For players chasing cosmetics, the Black D’hide Chaps (t) and (g) variants add flair without changing stats. These are obtained from Level 4 or Elite Treasure Trails and are purely aesthetic, making them a flex for clue hunters.
Are Trimmed Chaps Worth It?
The trimmed versions sell for significantly more on the GE (~50,000 coins for (t), ~200,000 for (g)), but they offer no combat advantage. If you’re a fashion enthusiast or want to bank some extra coins, they’re a fun goal. Otherwise, stick to the standard chaps for practical use.
Storing Trimmed Chaps
Both variants can be stored in a treasure chest in your Player-Owned House’s costume room as part of their respective sets. This is handy for Ultimate Ironmen who need to manage bank space.
Tips to Maximize Your Black Dragonhide Chaps
To get the most out of your chaps, consider these strategies:
Optimize Your Setup
Pair the chaps with complementary gear:
- Weapon: Magic shortbow, toxic blowpipe, or rune crossbow.
- Ammo: Amethyst or rune arrows for bows, dragon darts for blowpipe.
- Accessories: Ava’s accumulator, archers ring, or glory amulet.
- Boots: Ranger boots or snakeskin boots for budget builds.
This setup maximizes ranged DPS while keeping costs manageable.
Farm Black Dragonhide Efficiently
If crafting, hunt black dragons in the Taverley Dungeon (safespot near the ladder) or the Wilderness Slayer Cave for faster drops. Use an anti-dragon shield to negate dragonfire damage. For Slayer tasks, ask for black dragons from Konar or Krystilia to combine hide farming with XP.
Profit with Crafting
Buy black dragonhide in bulk when prices dip, tan it, and craft chaps during high-demand periods (e.g., after major updates). Sell on the GE for a small profit, especially if you have high Crafting for efficiency.
Stay Updated on Nerfs
Black D’hide gear has faced balance changes in the past (e.g., 2021 nerf debates). Keep an eye on Jagex’s blogs or Reddit communities like r/2007scape for updates that might affect their stats or viability.
With their blend of accessibility, versatility, and style, Black Dragonhide Chaps remain a cornerstone of OSRS ranged gear. Whether you’re sniping clues, slaying dragons, or PKing in the Wilderness, these chaps have you covered. Equip them, experiment with setups, and enjoy the journey through Gielinor!