Going to start a new game. I play on Hard Core mode. I can't remember if it's Luck or Charisma or another stat that gives your comapions more life or better armour rating (or what ever it's called). Before I played with Luck and Charisma at 1 so thinking of making a more balanced character this time.

Also I am not sure if I want to make Strength 9 or not. The reason I have it so high is so I can carry more junk or loot. What do you think a good starting strength would be? Also besides the implant you can get what other clothes or what not can increase your Strength?

I know Charisma increases Nerve witch makes companians have more health and do more damage. When I played hardcoe I didn't have very high Strength (5 or 6 maybe) so I can't help with that. As for Strength boosting items I think the Bounty Hunter Dusters is one and power armor maybe?

Thanks alot IHateBestBuy (do you like Future Shop btw? ) I will make sure my Charisma is not set to 1 this time. Greatly appreciated.

Bounty hunter duster doesn't increase str. last time I checked.

Take the strong back and/or pack rat perk.

Note: with the intensive training perk you can add to 10 extra points to your SPECIAL.

Charisma affects Companion Nerve from +5 at CHA1 to +50 at CHA10. They'll deal out and be able to take more damage when it's high.

Some of the weapons have a STR requirement of 8 so that may be enough. I'm not sure if there's a 9 or not.

http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Strength