User blog comment:Artemis Paradox/The Official Monster Hunter Wikia Help Blog/@comment-3253026-20110617193245/@comment-969093-20110617200618

Quite frankly, I used Battle armor until I got to Rathalos. The health up (or was it defense up? lol) and guard +1 really help when using SnS. Sure, it isn't the best armor but it will keep you alive until Rathalos at the least. You've got something better though, stick with it.

Money is a real pain to get at the beginning, until 5* that is, when you get troublesome pair (no worries, it's piss easy) which pays 9000z and 2000 for contract fee = 11,000z and grants Rathalos Wings as if it's for charity.

Take it from me, stick with what you have until 4*, then go for Rathalos/Rathian custom (los helm, mail, leggings, rathian arms + waist) to get some ok defense and AuM + HP+10.