So if you were just melee, you would toss up between 31 or 52. 31 is definitely required. The 15% str bonus is crazy and will rip people without any time (once again, just talking maxed here). Since you're getting ranged too, however, you would look at 44/52. Personally, the one combat level between the two, I think, makes it 100% worth it. Not *only* for the prayer drop to smite whips / godswords, but also due to the fact that they will have to constantly drink prayer pots too, adding another advantage as they're worrying about prayer too. (Crazy hits in pure fights, constantly 20-30s, massive smite drains).
I know I kind of rushed over this summary, and it isn't portrayed in the most logical sense, but you have a couple of options
31 if you're predominantly meleeing
44 if you don't care for smite
but, if you're getting 44 you may as well spend the one extra combat level and get 52.