To get a couple pieces of AF2 now or save for relic+1? (PLD)

[Unaki]

Alright so I haven't gotten my relic weapon just yet, still gearing up for Titan. I did a little math during my break and I am 5 away from getting the AF2 boots which, if the reset does happen today during maintenance, then it would provide me with a really nice upgrade.

I did the math and with the Hoplite Trouser and AF+1 boots, it would actually be better than the math and wouldn't ya know it? Hoplite Trousers + Valor Sollerets is a large upgrade for me and is actually a better option than saving my tomes for the Heavy Darklight Flanchard. It would provide a nice stat boost and would definitely give me the edge in the Titan fight to obtain my relic.

My question is, how much of a benefit does the upgrade from Curtana/Holy Shield into Relic +1 actually provide? I know the DPS classes benefit greatly from greater weapon damage but is it worth it for a Paladin when you consider the Holy Shield?

Holy Shield offers 167 Block where the Holy Shield +1 offers 181 Block. Curtana offers 44 P.Dmg, 33 M.Dmg where Curtana +1 offers 46 P.Dmg, 35 M.Dmg with a few points difference in STR, VIT and Parry.

So anyone wanna help me out here? Is it honestly worth it to save for Relic+1 or should I not worry about that being a tank and all?

[Jahaudant]

Everybody knows that weapon glow is perceived dps+1000.

Regardless of that, I decided that the upgrade difference between +1ing the Curtana and Holy Shield (900 tomes total), and replacing a double Darklight piece with AF2 and Hoplite is so miniscule I'd rather just keep the matching set (for now) and have a sweet looking sword and shield!

FYI the increase in block amount from Holy Shield to Holy Shield +1 is roughly 1% more damage reduction per block. I'm not sure at this time how block rate is calculated however.

Edit:
Curtana and Holy Shield Upgrade
Costs: 900 Tomes
Adds:
4 STR
6 VIT
4 Parry
3 ACC
1% damage reduction per block
Unknown block rate increase
2 more physical and magic damage rating
Which results in 1.54 more auto attack potency.
Epeen Glow.

Darklight Body to AF2 Body and Hoplite Head upgrade:
Costs: 895 Tomes
Adds:
2 Defense
6 STR
8 VIT
2 Parry
17 Detirmination
15 Accuracy

Removes:
30 Crit

In stat per tome cost I'd say weapon+shield upgrade wins by a small margin.

[Lucavern]

I think it further depends on your current gear compared to what your available options are.

For me, I am currently in full hoplite armor/neck/ring, with DL belt/ring, and amber bracelet and HQ earrings. Only fight I need for Relic is Titan, which I am gearing up for.

As I am currently sitting on 600 myth (capped for the current week), I have a number of options coming next week. For me, my math was showing that upgrading the Hoplite Tabard to Valor Surcoat and grabbing Heavy Darklight Flanchard would be the best way to get the most bang for the buck. After Valor body, I'm planning on +1ing the shield which I should have by then.

With regards to upgrading the Curtana, I think it will depend heavily on what you do primarily. If you primarily group with FC mates who are all getting Relic/Relic+1, Curtana +1 might give you a needed boost to help hold enmity against relic wearing DPS. If you are primarily solo playing, Curtana+1 might not be worth it compared to other AF+1 items.

[Fiosha_Maureiba]

The way I see it, the relic weapon upgrade is iLv80 stats to iLv90 stats. But an armor piece is iLv70 to iLv90, so roughly 20 iLevels worth of stats.

Haven't done the math yet, but I recall the Warrior's Bravura and the Bravura +1 being not as sexy as having new chest piece with your fabulous hair hanging out (though equally expunsive).

[Unaki]

Since tomes didn't reset, which I didn't expect anyways, I have until next Monday to decide anyways. I would love to see some other's opinions and plans. I just wish we had a better idea of the stat data.

[Warlyx]

af2 means more Mitigation , and defensive stats

the sword+1 is badass , but u will be way better tank with Af2 than weapon +1 and shield+1 , if u are going to tank Coil go for AF2 , u will have time to upgrade your relics, but if u arent going to tank harder content than dungeons and avatars HM go for the relics! :P

[Unaki]

af2 means more Mitigation , and defensive stats

the sword+1 is badass , but u will be way better tank with Af2 than weapon +1 and shield+1 , if u are going to tank Coil go for AF2 , u will have time to upgrade your relics, but if u arent going to tank harder content than dungeons and avatars HM go for the relics! :P

Oh I am not stopping at Primals. I plan to, once I get the gear, to stick my sword up Bahamut's arse.

[PiedPiper]

Using Valk's calculators, you can determine that upgrading from full HDL, AF2 body and helm results in a 5.5% damage (and thus threat) upgrade, where as curtana +1 is 3.5%. More over, you'll gain more health and mitigation from the AF2 pieces. I would think the Holy Shield +1 is probaby the best poitn for point upgrade owing to block value scaling.

Personally I'm going Valor body -> head -> shield -> what ever I can resist the urge to buy the least.

Also, everyone has relic +1, very few saving for af2 bodies, you'll be more distinct looking. Added bonus: no more tin can.