Cata Team viability

[gunsun]

So, I've been pouring over videos and info on Cataclysm and I'm trying to design my first 5 man team for 85 content. I'm not doing melee and I don't have an 80 dk or lock, but I have at least 2-3 of the other classes.

Right now I'm at:
Pally tank,
hunter, mage, boomkin
and a resto shaman

I like this for current content but I'm not sure it will work with Cata. I like the variety of gear the team can use, so most drops won't go to waste. Does anyone have experience boxing Cata content?

I'm wondering if my Pally and 4 shaman team would be better for 85 heroics.

I wasted a lot of time leveling bad teams, and I'm afraid I'll attempt 85 heroics with the above config and epic fail.

The thing I like about the shaman is the easy group healing, and the recovery if a toon dies. They are also a lot easier to macro and control.

[Ualaa]

Not sure that anyone has boxed Cataclysm stuff.
That would require having several accounts in the beta.

Looking at your proposed team, it should work well.
Pallies are an excellent tank, as a boxer.
You have three ranged DPS, which is generally easier than melee.
And a dedicated healer on the team, meaning you can do whatever DPS you want and not need them to heal.

I personally don't like a Hunter on a ranged team, because they switch to melee when things get in close.
And if I drive the tank, any kind of a flying pet is in my face.
My top choice as a replacement would be another Elemental Shaman, although a Warlock would work too... or if you have a Priest, dual spec both the Priest and Shammy, so you have Shadow/Disc and Elem/Resto... ultimate flexibility in encounters and the option for extra healing if you need it.
Then again, if you've already played the composition and liked the Hunter for level 80 stuff, it will likely be very similar for level 85 stuff.

Boomkin has the new Eclipse mechanic to worry about, or ignore as you choose..

Looking at crowd control effects or options.
Hunter has Frost Traps, Mage has Polymorph, Boomkin has Root/Cyclone, Shaman has Hex.
Pally has Divine Intervention, Boomkin has battle rez, Shammy has self rez.

Also, your team has some measure of flexibility as is.
You can tank with the Pally or a Feral Bear.
You can heal with the Pally, Druid or Shaman.

[gunsun]

Thanks ualaa, I might switch in a priest.

Pre-expansion jitters :)