Block Strength vs Block Rate

[Kal-El]

To be honest with you it really doesn't matter. End game shields all have equal strength and rate.

As long as your shield is a GLA/PLD only and not under levelled you'll be fine.

"block strength because you'll block the big numbers for more" ... Well that's "if" you block it. With a low rate chances are you might not.

So just go with what drops in dungeons and you'll be safe.

[Sapphidia]

Everyone is saying that the tower shields with high block potency work better with bulwark.

However, i was under the impression that Bulwark increased your block chance by 60% of what your block chance is, not adds 60%, meaning it scales equally well with both shield types. (eg, a 5% block chance with a tower shield would become 8% chance, not 65% chance). If that's the case, tower shields would still be pretty meh.

I'm not sure on this though, i've heard conflicting accounts. Either way, the balanced Kite Shield type is the best available right now purely due to the Holy Shield being of that type. Outside of that I prefer bucklers - i still like the option of shield swipe more frequently even if it isnt all that useful, and prefer the consistancy.

[Cyclonite]

Use the shield that has a higher item level / stats. Honestly Shield Swipe needs to be taken off the GCD, it would make the Paladin a more active and interesting class.

[Citizen_Thom]

Does this also mean STR>DEX? Or should it be STR+VIT> DEX?

[Dhex]

Does this also mean STR>DEX? Or should it be STR+VIT> DEX?

STR + VIT > Parry > DEX

[Thagyr]

I like this factor in Gladiator/Paladin tanking, personally I prefer the high block potency rather than block rate, since I know if I hit Bulwark it'd make it all the more effective.