Cryptic Axe 2-5 Soc

Polearm can spawn with bonuses to Enhanced Damage (ED) and Attack Rating (AR) or Enhanced Durability (Dura).
Values in green color are calculated for a perfect superior base (15% ED / 3 AR).

Superior Cryptic Axe
Two-Hand Damage: 33 To 150 [Avg. 91.5] → 37 To 172 [Avg. 104.5]
Durability: 65
Required Dexterity: 103
Required Strength: 165
Required Level: 59
Base Weapon Speed: [10]
+0-15% Enhanced Damage
+0-3 To Attack Rating
Socketed (0-5)

Note that requirements are specified for the plain base, any inserted fillers (runes, jewels) may alter the requirements.
Check recommendations below to see possible runeword packs, their stats and requirements.

Cryptic Axe (CA) vs Colossus Voulge (CV):
They have the same Attack Speed and nearly the same average damage. Cryptic Axe has lower Strength required and better melee range, but Act 2 Merc has a fixed range of 3 despite of the equipped weapon.

Description and picture(s) are valid for the official Diablo 2 servers.