BiS Shield

[YuriRamona]

No the 800 HP is not needed. PLDs are dropping their VIT in t9 in favor of STR. And your point about the cleave/auto favors a shield with a higher block rate since it happens more then once.

Only my first t9 kill did Nael get more than 2 stacks. But again your point is moot. HA will block more often with and without bulwark. The more swings directed at you the more it will pull ahead. Rampart (that you don't need in phase4) will be up a maximum of one time at on average block 4 of the 5 attacks. (~80% block rate)

Of course the extra VIT is not needed. The easiest solution is for healers to pay attention and time cures.

However, it does make a difference, however small it may be. Yes, many people are dropping VIT in favor of STR - I don't think it proves any point, it's just circumstantial that maybe many PLDs agree that bigger health and bigger blocks are not desirable.

No, Bulwark won't be up twice in the final phase, but many groups can and do swap tanks, so the PLD will only need to use it once anyway. For example, a co-tanking PLD stacked with Bulwark and other defensive cooldowns and a Noct Hoplon will fare much better for his single Claw than a solo tank who must spread out his cooldowns and/or use the HA shield.

This is an important situation where big numbers can and do make a difference, even if overall performance (for example, if the PLD is solo tanking or primary tank) is lower.

[Synestr]

Interesting points here. I like the discussion, it's going well. I have the Noct Hoplon and don't regret getting it one bit. Once I get access to the HA tough, I can see myself using that more, ilvl, stats, etc. The Hoplon will have a place in my kit though due to it's great utility.