I was wondering the same thing, and I'm HR37 ;)

Countering is a lance move, which blocks the attack of the monster and hit it. It may not be very usefull if you play in teams (because the monster must attack you), but it is really great if you play alone. I posted 2 videos of a guy who did the barroth, barioth & rathalos arena alone in under 13 minutes in this thread a while ago. If you watch the video, you can see countering in action. He counters nearly every attack.

To do a counter attack you hold the wiimote vertical and press the A-Button. Best to do it right before a monster attacks you. I started countering just recently and I am still not very good in it. However I used it in my last arena fight against Rathalos runing attack or however it is called. And I won and needed only 41 minutes this time. So I got finally the third barioth coin and now I am the proud owner of a scholars blouse plus.

And don't listen to Soriku. The reason he has seen nobody uses countering could be that he only plays with non skilled lancers or that he hasn't recognized the counter attacks. Here is a quote from an FAQ:

"Let's move on to countering now. This lance technique is looked as the sole reason as to why lance is the single best weapon in Monster Hunter Tri."

The whole FAQ can be found here: http://www.gamefaqs.com/wii/943655-monster-hunter-tri/faqs/60132

The green flash only appears if you need much time during countering. If you are quick than you should just see some sparkles. Check the vids I posted a while ago to see countering in action.

You are right with the repositioning. That's also my main problem. Right now I use countering only against attacks, when blocking and repositioning wouldn't get me any hits. Like Rathalos running attack.

The Guard 2 skill is nice. But it's not usable in the arena. Which is the only place where I use the lance. (I still prefer other weapons.)

I rechecked the vids to improve my lancing and it seems there are even no sparkles if the guy counters. (Or can't I see them because of the quality?) Maybe I must improve my counter technic further, so that no sparkles appear.

Reposted the vids, so I don't need to switch pages every time I want to watch them.

That scumsucking Barioth is fast creeping up my shit list. I hate this game so much for making me fight him, low rank and offline, if i want a good lance for Alatreon

I do not have the time I would like to put into this game, and thus I am a lowly HR 8 online, and still have a few 5* missions to complete offline. My favourite weapon is the Switch Axe because it is the one I know best. I have tried using the Lance and the Hammer, and I can see potential for both, but I am awkward and slow with both. I would like to know what weapon you prefer and why. Here is mine:

Switch Axe:

• reasonably fast movement with the weapon drawn
• can tumble with the weapon drawn to dodge or advance more quickly
• Dash Juice Hack 'n' Slash move
• option of sword mode feels like having two weapons
• seems to work well underwater

I know advanced searching, but i usually don't bother to search for low-rank rooms. If it'll work in Barioth's case, though. I could give it a shot.

It's totally stupid. I have quite a few Claw Plus for him, but not enough regular Claw to make the Tusk Lance, which i could then upgrade.

Aight. I switched over to Lancing Barioth, and it went over well. Originally i needed Fire longsword for him because the high damage given made up for the high damage received, but with Guard Plus Two, i'm not knocked around as much and can make up enough damage

Did some more high Barioth runs with focus on tusks, then did some offline runs with focus on tusks and claws, and was able to blast through to Sabretooth quickly.

I just need to get some money, jazz up my armor set with some decorations (i'm thinking Windproof on my Agnaktor Plus. Any input?), and will be ready to tackle Alatreon on the morrow. Any takers?

If I get on today, I help u.