BiS Shield

[Synestr]

This is an interesting perspective. My understanding has always been that Kites are the middle ground when it comes to shields, they are level in both rate and strength of block. Buckler / round shields have high block rate but low block strength, Towers have low block rate but high block strength, kites are as I mentioned, the middle ground, a block rate and strength somewhere in the middle of the two.

I had wondered if the 76 extra block rate you get from kite(in this case HA) is that much more important than the 108 block strength you give up. If the percentages above are close to correct it looks to be interesting. I would prefer to block 11% more 4% less of the time, I mean, I am still blocking for more right?

Also, I could be wrong on this, but doesn't Bulwark have more of an impact on shields with less block rate? How is the 60% applied, is it the *1.6? Or is it a flat 60%? What I like about Bulwark when I use it is the 42ish% blocked I see when it's active. Is there clear evidence on how it actually works? What of clear numbers on block rate %'s?

Syn

[LevyLilium]

Also, I could be wrong on this, but doesn't Bulwark have more of an impact on shields with less block rate? How is the 60% applied, is it the *1.6? Or is it a flat 60%? What I like about Bulwark when I use it is the 42ish% blocked I see when it's active. Is there clear evidence on how it actually works? What of clear numbers on block rate %'s?

Bulwark ADD 60% to the actual block rate. If you have 20%, you'll have 80%. That's the reason why Noct Shield is OP. But as Empressia say, i use it with the skin of HA shield, fit better with the blade :P

[Symbiant]

Everyone has what they believe is best. Choose the one you feel is better. I personally rather have the more consistent blocking but, that's just me. Other things need to be considered such as the other stats. Str / det give a dps increase. Dps increase means the mob dies slightly faster and the increased enmity. Vit gives more hp and str also increases the amount of damage blocked if said str pushes you past the threshold. IMO the HA is the way to go followed by the HSN.