There have a across a decent quest item ((buy aion gold)) about to get blood from a stone. It is especially Aether if you are willing to set aside a little time for material grinding. Many people do it which is easy to find in game. So you need to make your own armor and level up tailoring if you have not already.
It will wind up saving you a lot of kinah. Do not come through the first time even you are crafting. The discards will still sell for a shitload which you do not want to use them. Our aion gold service will be your best choice if you do not have time for your character.
And if not better then AP gear is good, but you need to be prepared for a lot of player balaur farming if you want the gear at the top of the range. You would best to have a bit of decent gear to start with if you're going to take that approach as well.
In either case, we have seen players who have hit 50 still using the 30 golds from either crafting or PvP in Aion. If you're willing to put the work in for them because the items are definitely worth the time and effort.