Bristleback build doubts

Check out Yao's Bristleback build recently in the Sina Cup games. Stout + Branches -> Boots -> Wand -> Treads -> Mek -> BKB -> Sange/Heaven's Halberd.

I approve: I've always liked the stat emphasis + teamfight over the Arcane Boots + Pure Tankability build.

I enjoy Bristle quite a bit. I'd probably never go arcane on bristle tho. You're better off sticking with treads for the additional attack speed/ tread switching. You should always have at least one support on your team with arcane boots to help you out when spamming quills. When I play I tend to go something like this (ring of protection, salve, branches) as you can buy a stout shield at side shop as well as a sages mask to finish off your basi (which could be turned into a vlads if you want, the aura/life steal is pretty solid on bristle) I tend to go vlads about 50% of the time I play bristle and it's worked out well from the aura as well as helping your mana recovery. I always go treads on him and then typically into a vanguard. On bristle it's a great early game tank item as it gives you even better damage blocking and HP recovery. Hood is solid if you're going against a lot of magic damage, otherwise I could get by with skipping it and starting to work on some DPS items. The way I look at bristle is once you get him initially tanky, no need to start rushing more tank items if you could be dishing out better physical damage in the mid game. Getting a maelstrom is solid on bristle if you want to add a bit of magic damage/attack speed. Or if you want a good combo you can't go wrong with an AC as it gives you great armor, attack speed and the minus armor aura