BiS Shield

[SirTaint]

>.> I would definitely notice that difference...

That's the extreme since you'll more then likely have additional buffs up. SS/Aldo/another CD.

Mages will be precasting cures which typically lead to over cures. Mages have to plan for the unblocked or parried attack. (Esp if the rate is lower)

A good healer team won't notice 800hp difference the fairy alone will take care of that.

[saeedaisspecial]

Tower shields actually tend to be the best in terms of total damage reduced over a period of time.
Parry rate is inversely proportional to block rate, so if you have a high block rate, your parry rate is lower.
Take a look at this JP test on parry/block rates with various shield types.
http://www.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/commen...ment_japanese/

[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.