Zen Archer: Better Than Manyshot?

[P.F.]

At levels 5-7, is the Zen Archer really a better damage-dealer than a rapid-shot+manyshot-using Fighter? Even assuming an Unchained Zen Archer, is the 10% better chance to hit from unchained flurry really worth the potential for double damage on the first shot?

[Knitifine]

Yes. The Zen Archer is one of the archetypes that is generally considered to be substantially overpowered.

[Geddy2112]

They are both pretty on par.

At level 6 Assuming a 15 point buy, human Monk 15/14/10/10/18/7, with the +2 in wis and a +1 in wis at 4th level. The fighter is 18/16/10/10/17/7, +2 to strength or dex, +1 to anything at 4th level. Once the monk gets zen archery they can stop focusing on dex, and both don't need more than 20 strength in the long run.

Both have the standard point blank shot, precise shot, weapon focus, point blank master, deadly aim, and the feats to grab these. Monk also has perfect strike and probably improved precise shot. Fighter has rapid shot and multishot.

Monk gets 3 attacks , fighter gets 3 but potential for more damage due to multi-shot. The fighter does more damage per hit due to strength and has a higher AC due to armor. The monk has a higher touch AC and more speed. The non unchained monk has less chance of hitting, but the unchained monk slightly more. Both have a +2 headband to dex or wis, negating the AC and BAB boost. Both also probably have improved initiative, so the fighter pulls ahead on initiative checks. The monk has better saves, but non unchained has less HP. The monk can fight unarmed at close range if need be, the fighter cannot.

The monk pulls ahead slightly with ki, granting the ability to make an additional attack each round they spend a ki point. The thing is the zen archer builds itself much easier than the fighter, and is faster with better saves. The fighter(or ranger for that matter) can basically do the same amount of damage, but lacks the monk tricks.