- Bastard Sword or Elite Scimitar
- Elite Cavalry Shield or Huscarl Shield
- +52/+16 armor, Elite Vaegir/Khergit/Sarranid or Surcoat. There are 5 armors in the game with that characteristic
- +5 gloves, +30 boots, +30 helmet
- Heavy Javelins or Throwing Axes, I prefer thrown weapons over bows cause they don't force my guys to ever give up on their shields
- Mace or Hammer for hostage taking operations
- Heavy Hunter or Charger
They beat Mamelukes.