Healers often ask “I have x amount of spell power, am I ready for heroics? Am I ready for Naxx?” It’s a difficult question because it always depends on the gear/skill of your tank and dps. If the tank is better geared he’ll take less damage thus require less healing or at least give you more margin for error. If your dps rocking epics and a brain, mobs and bosses die quickly and you don’t have to be as concerned with your mana bar.
Once you hit 80 you can be ready by heroics by savings some gold and making a trip or two to the auction house. There are many blue and purple BoE items that will last you through all heroics and into Naxx. Here is a quick list off the top of my head:
Shoulder:
Back:
Chest:
Weapon:
Gloves:
Rings/Necklaces:
Some of these items are more suited for a certain spec so be careful. There are also a lot more ’superior’ and epic BoE items and although I don’t recommend blowing 5,000 gold at the AH, you have a lot of options to fill in the gaps where your superior questing gear might be lacking.
My opinion is, as long as your gear is an AVERAGE of 78-80 blues, you’ll be fine in heroic dungeons. Some green pieces, especially trinkets, are perfectly acceptable as long as your other slots balance it with a crafted epic or two.
For Naxx, be sure to be completely out of greens except for a trinket. All your items should be either Emblem rewards, heroic drops, or level 80 BoE blues and epics.
If you think you might be a little under-geared just play safe and modest. Keep the party topped off as much as possible, use your mana fiend, and pop potions as needed. Anticipate damage and have a heal queued up and ready to land.
When you think you’re ready, head to an easier heroic like UK and give it a whirl.Good luck!
