Astral Ring

[Crios]

Simple answer would be materia sockets.

[Squa]

Simple answer would be materia sockets.

The Darklight band has all stats directly linked to healing also. The Astral Ring seems to be a mix, and has
Intelligence 8 9
Mind 8 9
Accuracy 7 9
Determination 7 8

So, it seems that int/accuracy are worthless for healers, so Astral Ring only has 2 healing stats ? So the materia spot extra will put it on par with Darklight

[Mhaeric]

The Darklight band has all stats directly linked to healing also. The Astral Ring seems to be a mix, and has
Intelligence 8 9
Mind 8 9
Accuracy 7 9
Determination 7 8

So, it seems that int/accuracy are worthless for healers, so Astral Ring only has 2 healing stats ? So the materia spot extra will put it on par with Darklight

Assuming my math is correct, a quick google search finds that the stats on an HQ Astral ring with 2 x Savage Aim III, 2 x Quicktongue III, and either 1 x Vitality IV or 1 x Piety IV materia are:
Mnd - 9
Det - 8
Crit - 12 (+12 from meld)
Spell Speed - 12 (+12 from meld)
Vit or Pie - 8 (+8 from meld)
Int - 9
Acc - 9
Mdef - 1
Def - 1

Compared to a DL band of healing:
Mnd - 9
Spell Speed - 9
Pie - 8
Mdef - 1
Def - 1

Compared to a Hero's Ring of Healing:
Mnd - 13
Pie - 8
Crit - 16
Mdef - 1
Def - 1

Allagan Ring of Healing:
Mnd - 13
Det - 8
Pie - 12
Mdef - 1
Def - 1

The clear choice is Allagan Ring of Healing and either a fully melded Astral Ring or Hero's Ring of Healing, and lastly Darklight. Without melds, the Darklight moves into third place, but only holds that spot temporarily. On second thought, the Astral ring unmelded is still better than Darklight, because it has both Mnd and Det. The spell speed and Pie on the DL isn't as useful.

Edit: Oops, forgot the Allagan Ring!