A Primer (Pre-Cataclysm) on -iLevels, Toon Levels, and Instances

Example gear:

Beryl Large Charm of Flame
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Required Level: 5
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 1

Copper Axe
AxeMain Hand
Speed 1.95 - 10 Damage
(3.95 damage per second)
Durability 35 / 35
Requires Level 4
Item Level 9Disenchants into:
Not disenchantable

Level 8 low-teens (RFC): (Level 8-13ish [RFC] generally uses 13-18 max iLevel gear so to max out for RFC, iLevel 18 is recommended when possible.)

Example gear:

Gemmed Copper Gauntlets
Binds when equipped
MailHands
90 Armor

Durability 25 / 25
Requires Level 10
Item Level 15

Heavy Copper Maul (green)
Binds when equipped
MaceTwo-Hand
Speed 2.8024 - 38 Damage
(10.7 damage per second)
+2 Strength
+2 Agility
+2 Stamina
Durability 55 / 55
Requires Level 11
Item Level 16

Copper Battle Axe
Binds when equipped
AxeTwo-Hand
Speed 3.2023 - 35 Damage
(9.1 damage per second)
+3 Stamina
Durability 50 / 50
Requires Level 8
Item Level 13

Runed Copper Breastplate (green)
Binds when equipped
MailChest
162 Armor
+4 Strength
+3 Stamina
Durability 80 / 80
Requires Level 13
Item Level 18

Mid-teens - (for toon levels 15-19 wanting to do RFC or WC very carefully- it looks like iLevel gear can range from 15-ish for poor items to 18 or so. A toon of level 15-19 should try to focus on the max end, so iLevels 18+),

Example gear:

Thick War Axe (green)
Binds when equipped
AxeMain Hand
Speed 2.5015 - 28 Damage
(8.6 damage per second)
+1 Strength
+1 Stamina
Durability 50 / 50
Requires Level 12
Item Level 17

Runed Copper Breastplate
Binds when equipped
MailChest
162 Armor
+4 Strength
+3 Stamina
Durability 80 / 80
Requires Level 13
Item Level 18

High Teens - Wailing Caverns (recommended level 17+) For toons of 17-20 who are really more suited to WC or possibly if careful, the Deadmines or even SFK, the iLevel range can vary from poor quality iLevel 20 to good quality iLevel 25. So, shoot for at least iLevel 22 for WC, DM, and if possible find even higher iLevels than 23 for SFK.

Example gear:

Rough Bronze Leggings (green)
Binds when equipped
MailLegs
149 Armor
+5 Stamina
+4 Spirit
Durability 65 / 65
Requires Level 16
Item Level 21

Lavishly Jeweled Ring (blue)
Binds when picked up
Unique-Equipped
Finger
+6 Intellect
Requires Level 17
Item Level 22

Bronze Axe (green)
Binds when equipped
AxeMain Hand
Speed 2.1017 - 32 Damage
(11.7 damage per second)
+3 Stamina
Durability 65 / 65
Requires Level 18
Item Level 23

Apothecary Gloves
Binds when picked up
ClothHands
20 Armor
+2 Spirit
+3 Intellect
Durability 20 / 20
Item Level 18

Deviate Scale Belt
Binds when equipped
LeatherWaist
51 Armor
+6 Stamina
+5 Agility
Durability 30 / 30
Requires Level 18
Item Level 23

Corsair's Overshirt (blue)
Binds when picked up
ClothChest
42 Armor
+5 Stamina
+11 Spirit
Durability 75 / 75
Requires Level 19
Item Level 24

Low to Mid-20's For toons in the 20's, SFK or BFD could be good choices and iLevels range from roughly 25-29 so shoot for the high end. For higher 20's you could also go for places like Stormwind Stockade, RFK, or possibly Gnomergeran.

For these, you want no less than iLevel 29 and better yet go for iLevels in the low 30's up to about 34.

Example gear:

Deadly Bronze Poniard
Binds when equipped
DaggerOne-Hand
Speed 1.8016 - 30 Damage
(12.8 damage per second)
+4 Agility
Durability 45 / 45
Requires Level 20
Item Level 25

Level 23-26-ish:

Iridescent Hammer (green)
Binds when equipped
MaceOne-Hand
Speed 1.8018 - 34 Damage
(14.4 damage per second)
+3 Strength
+3 Stamina
Durability 70 / 70
Requires Level 23
Item Level 28

Shining Silver Breastplate (blue)
Binds when equipped
MailChest
214 Armor
+14 Strength
+6 Stamina
Durability 120 / 120
Requires Level 24
Item Level 29

Level 30-ish: Toons in the 30's can range in iLevel from around 35 to 42 or so. For those wanting to try Gnomer the lower levels could suffice, but for those wantings to try out SM, RFD, or to really reach for Uldaman (tough) you will want those higher iLevels in the low 40's.

Example gear:

Green Iron Hauberk (blue)
Binds when equipped
MailChest
358 Armor
+11 Stamina
+7 Strength
Durability 120 / 120
Requires Level 31
Item Level 36

Searing Golden Blade (green)
Binds when equipped
DaggerMain Hand
Speed 1.4021 - 39 Damage
(21.4 damage per second)
Durability 55 / 55
Requires Level 34
item Level 39

Level 40-ish: For Uldaman, ZF, or Maradaun, iLevels can range from the low 40's to the low 50's, so shoot for iLevels in the 50+ range if you can get it.)

Example gear:

Ornate Mithril Pants (green)
Binds when equipped
PlateLegs
375 Armor
+12 Strength
Durability 85 / 85
Requires Level 40
Item Level 44

Steel Plate Helm (blue)
PlateHead
421 Armor
+24 Strength
Durability 80 / 80
Requires Level 40
Item Level 43

Dreamweave Gloves (blue)
Binds when equipped
ClothHands
41 Armor
+7 Spirit
+4 Intellect
Durability 30 / 30
Requires Level 40
Item Level 45

Big Black Mace (green)
Binds when equipped
MaceMain Hand
Speed 2.4046 - 86 Damage
(27.5 damage per second)
+8 Strength
Durability 75 / 75
Requires Level 41
Item Level 46

The Shatterer (blue)
Binds when equipped
MaceMain Hand
Speed 2.4053 - 99 Damage
(31.7 damage per second)
Durability 90 / 90
Requires Level 42
Item Level 47

Level 50-ish 50's toons can range from iLevel 50-58 for the lower toons (up to about toon level 55) so go for the mid to high 50's iLevels if you are lusting after instances such as ST or BRD.

Example gear:

Ghostweave Vest (green)
Binds when equipped
ClothChest
71 Armor
+9 Intellect
Durability 70 / 70
Requires Level 50
Item Level 55

Cloak of Fire (blue)
Binds when equipped
Back
39 Armor
+7 Stamina
+6 Fire Resistance
Requires Level 50
Item Level 55

Cindercloth Pants (green)
Binds when equipped
ClothLegs
63 Armor
+12 Intellect
Durability 55 / 55
Requires Level 51
Item Level 56

Blue Dragonscale Breastplate (blue)
Binds when equipped
MailChest
338 Armor
+8 Spirit
+8 Arcane Resistance
+28 Intellect
Durability 120 / 120
Requires Level 52
Item Level 57

Wicked Leather Pants (green)
Binds when equipped
LeatherLegs
131 Armor
+20 Agility
+12 Stamina
Durability 65 / 65
Requires Level 53
Item Level 58

Level mid-50's Mid to Hi-level 50's toons can try DM East or maybe even LBRS carefully- but iLevels range from about 54 to well into the 70's. Shoot for the iLevel high 60's plus to try these instances.)

Example gear:

Storm Gauntlets (green)
Binds when equipped
MailHands
218 Armor
+7 Intellect
+10 Fire Resistance
Durability 40 / 40
Requires Level 54
Item Level 59

Fiery Chain Girdle (epic)
Binds when equipped
MailWaist
245 Armor
+8 Spirit
+24 Fire Resistance
+9 Intellect
+10 Stamina
Durability 50 / 50
Requires Level 54
Item Level 59

Corehound Boots (epic)
Binds when equipped
LeatherFeet
144 Armor
+13 Agility
+24 Fire Resistance
+10 Stamina
Durability 60 / 60
Requires Level 54
Item Level 59

Level 60: Instances really open up in the 60's allowing toons to consider LBRS, Dire Maul:West and Dire Maul:North. Gear iLevels can range from iLevel 72 to 99-ish so shoot for iLevels in the 90's at least. By the high toon level 60's iLevels of 100+ are possible and instances like Strat, Scholomance, UBRS, ZG and MC are qhite possible with iLevel gear from 90 plus.

Example gear:

Polar Bracers (epic)
Binds when equipped
LeatherWrist
117 Armor
+20 Stamina
+12 Agility
+20 Frost Resistance
Durability 40 / 40
Requires Level 60
Item Level 80

Dragonslayer's Signet
Binds when picked up
Finger
+6 Spirit
+10 Fire Resistance
+12 Intellect
+12 Stamina
Item Level 74

Grunt's Waraxe
Binds when picked upOne-Hand Axe
70 - 131 Damage Speed 1.90
(52.9 damage per second)
+16 Stamina
Durability 90 / 90
Requires Level 60
Item Level 85

Defender's Gauntlets
Binds when picked upHands Plate
540 Armor
+17 Strength
+16 Agility
+25 Stamina
Durability 40 / 40
Item Level 93

Level 61:

Warsong Howling Axe
Binds when picked upTwo-Hand Axe
174 - 262 Damage Speed 3.10
(70.3 damage per second)
+37 Stamina
Durability 100 / 100
Requires Level 61
Item Level 88

Fel Iron Hatchet (green)
Binds when equipped
One-Hand Axe
68 - 127 Damage Speed 2.00
(48.8 damage per second)
Requires Level 61
Item Level 93

Level 62:

Choker of Bloodied Feathers
Binds when picked up
Neck
+15 Agility
+24 Stamina
Item Level 94

Zangarmarsh Claymore
Binds when picked upTwo-Hand Sword
151 - 227 Damage Speed 2.80
(67.5 damage per second)
+21 Strength
+30 Stamina
Durability 85 / 85
Item Level 99

Level 63:

Girdle of Siege
Binds when equippedWaist Plate
540 Armor
+30 Strength
+18 Stamina
Durability 45 / 45
Requires Level 63
Item Level 94

Terokkar Tablet of Precision
Binds when picked up
Unique
Trinket
Item Level 99

Other mid-60's: For mid-60's instances like Strat, Scholo, UBRS, ZG and Molten Core can be good, and with care also Blackwing Lair, Ruins of Ahn 'Qiraj and Temple of Ahn'Qiraj, Hellfire Ramparts, Helfire Citadel, Coilfang Slave Pens, Coilfang 'The Underbog, Auchindon - Mana Tombs but iLevels should be at least in the high 90's and preferably 100+.

Example gear:

Living Crystal Breastplate (blue)
Binds when picked up
LeatherChest
255 Armor
+17 Spirit
+23 Intellect
+25 Stamina
Durability 100 / 100
Requires Level 65
Item Level 100

Level low 70's: Toons in the low 70's can find iLevels ranging from 100-150 over, although the 160's are not impossible. Toons wanting to go for Hellfire Ramparts, Helfire Citadel, Coilfang Slave Pens, Coilfang 'The Underbog, Auchindon - Mana Tombs are now in better shape with iLevels 114 and up and these iLevels can also probably carry you in Auchindoun - Auchenai Crypts, COT - Escape from Durhold Keep, Auchindoun Sethek Halls, and maybe Hellfire Citadel Shattered Halls. 70's toons wanting to go higher should probably have iLevel 130 at least and 155+ for COT - Opening the Dark Portal (Black Morass), Tempest Keep - The Mechanar, TK - The Botanica, TK - The Arcatraz, Magister'sTerrace.

Example gear:

Imbued Netherweave Robe (blue)
Binds when equipped
ClothChest
155 Armor
+42 Stamina
+28 Intellect
Durability 80 / 80
Requires Level 70
Item Level 114

Loop of Forged Power (epic)
Binds when equipped
Unique-Equipped
Finger
+27 Stamina
+28 Intellect
Requires Level 70
Item Level 159

Ring of Harmonic Beauty (epic)
Binds when picked up
Finger
+31 Stamina
+22 Intellect
+32 Spirit
Requires Level 70
Item Level 154

Soulguard Slippers (epic)
Binds when equipped
ClothFeet
150 Armor
+54 Shadow Resistance
+40 Stamina
Durability 50 / 50
Requires Level 70
Item Level 130

Frostwoven Leggings (green)
Binds when equipped
ClothLegs
152 Armor
+43 Stamina
+36 Spirit
Durability 55 / 55
Requires Level 72
Item Level 142

Exquisite Spider-Silk Footwraps (blue)
Binds when picked upFeet Cloth
170 Armor
+23 Stamina
+43 Intellect
+36 Spirit
Durability 40 / 40
Requires Level 72
Item Level 163

Mystic Frostwoven Shoulders (blue)
Binds when equipped
ClothShoulder
165 Armor
+36 Spirit
Durability 50 / 50
Requires Level 73
Item Level 146

Ahn'kahar Handwraps (blue)
Binds when picked upHands Leather
298 Armor
+27 Stamina
+45 Intellect
Durability 35 / 35
Requires Level 73
Item Level 167

Mid-70's: Mid-70's could probably go for any Outland Instance including heroic versions with iLevel 160+ and 175+ for the toughest.

Example gear:

Duskweave Belt (green)
Binds when equipped
ClothWaist
106 Armor
+30 Intellect
Durability 25 / 25
Requires Level 75
Item Level 154

Mantle of Keristrasza
Binds when picked up
Back
121 Armor
+25 Stamina
+29 Intellect
+22 Spirit
Item Level 159

High 70's: (UK)

Example gear:

Hardened Vrykul Throwing Axe
Binds when picked upThrown Thrown
274 - 412 Damage Speed 2.20
(155.9 damage per second)
+33 Stamina
Requires Level 78
Item Level 187

Stolen Vrykul Harpoon
Binds when picked upThrown Thrown
229 - 426 Damage Speed 2.10
(156.0 damage per second)
+17 Agility
+46 Stamina
Requires Level 78
Item Level 187

Level 80: At iLevel 200 an 80 toon could do most basic Northrend instances and even many heroic Northrend instances. For the hardest Northrend instances or raids such as ToC, The Eye of Eternity, VoA (especially past Archavon such as Emalon and Koralon) and pretty much any 10/25 Northrend raid it is recommended to have no less than iLevel 213 and preferably over iLevel 220. To be basically maxed out as of late 2009, iLevel 245 would be as high as you could get anywhere.

Example gear:

Brood Plague Helmet (blue)
Binds when picked upHead Mail
985 Armor
+46 Stamina
+51 Intellect
Meta Socket
Red Socket
Socket Bonus: +8 Critical Strike Rating
Durability 70 / 70
Requires Level 80
Item Level 200

Valorous Cryptstalker Handguards (epic)
Binds when picked upHands Mail
804 Armor
+53 Agility
+60 Stamina
+43 Intellect
Yellow Socket
Socket Bonus: +4 Haste Rating
Durability 50 / 50
Classes: Hunter
Requires Level 80
Item Level 213

Valorous Scourgeborne Gauntlets (epic)
Binds when picked upHands Plate
1436 Armor
+67 Strength
+111 Stamina
Yellow Socket
Socket Bonus: +4 Critical Strike Rating
Durability 55 / 55
Classes: Death Knight
Requires Level 80
Item Level 213

Boots of the Petrified Forest (epic)
Binds when picked upFeet Leather
402 Armor
+69 Stamina
+57 Intellect
+52 Spirit
Durability 60 / 60
Requires Level 80
Item Level 219

Battlelord's Plate Boots
Binds when equippedFeet Plate
1614 Armor
+69 Strength
+126 Stamina
Red Socket
Blue Socket
Socket Bonus: +6 Strength
Durability 75 / 75
Requires Level 80
Item Level 226

Sunwalker Legguards (epic)
Binds when picked upLegs Plate
2073 Armor
+92 Stamina
+84 Intellect
Red Socket
Blue Socket
Socket Bonus: +6 Critical Strike Rating
Durability 120 / 120
Requires Level 80
Item Level 232

Vestments of the Sleepless (epic)
Binds when picked upChest Cloth
317 Armor
+92 Stamina
+88 Intellect
Blue Socket
Socket Bonus: +5 Spell Power
Durability 100 / 100
Requires Level 80
Item Level 232

Reign of the Unliving (epic)
Binds when picked up
Unique
Trinket
Requires Level 80
Item Level 245

Gloves of Bitter Reprisal (epic)
Binds when picked upHands Plate
1545 Armor
+107 Strength
+115 Stamina
Blue Socket
Socket Bonus: +4 Strength
Durability 55 / 55
Requires Level 80
Item Level 245

Val'anyr, Hammer of Ancient Kings (orange)
Binds when picked up
MaceMain Hand
Speed 1.8097 - 311 Damage
(113.3 damage per second)
+55 Stamina
+57 Intellect
Durability 125 / 125
Requires Level 80
Item Level 245