shields

[OldGeezer]

Because the ones that do have both are the highest tier'd ones, IIRC. Up to 50, based on research I have done, you have to choose weather to go with Tower shields that have high blocking power with low frequency, or the paltas (bucklers, etc.), that have low strength but high frequency.

So to hijack this point, which is more important for lower level (20-30) dungeons, block rate or block strength. Which factor mitigates damage better for a low level tank and a questionable healer.

[Lord_Zlatan]

So to hijack this point, which is more important for lower level (20-30) dungeons, block rate or block strength. Which factor mitigates damage better for a low level tank and a questionable healer.

I usually level up in dungeons with my FC so I have tested out both. in the 20-40 range (Copperbell through Stone Vigil) I go with block rate. That is my personal preference. Being buffed with protect and stoneskin and decent gear (cavalry set) i like blocking more frequently. Some might call me a noob but I actually like it for Shield Swipe. So u get a block (mitigation) + a proc for more DPS. Block strength is nice, but its kind of redundant if you are stone skinned, protected, and generally healed pretty competently.

[Zoomie]

I go with block rate. That is my personal preference. Being buffed with protect and stoneskin and decent gear (cavalry set) i like blocking more frequently. Some might call me a noob but I actually like it for Shield Swipe. So u get a block (mitigation) + a proc for more DPS. Block strength is nice, but its kind of redundant if you are stone skinned, protected, and generally healed pretty competently.

On the notion of preferring higher block rate, later on you will get an ability that increases your block by 60%. Meaning you want to have high block str to take advantage of that higher block %. That being said once you hit 50 you won't have the option to decide. You'll just use what you get.

GC shield
i49 shield from Aurume Vale (I tanked Titan with this)
i55 Darklight from WP
Darksteel crafted
Shield of the Crags (Titan drop: which I got about 5 minutes before relic.. kinda pointless)
Relic
Relic +1
Allagan (sidegrade to relic +1)