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Results 1 to 16 of 16
  1. #1
    Melee Summoner
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    Aug 2013
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    FFXIV Character
    Justice Reborn
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    Excalibur
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    Phoenix

    Gladiator: big shield (block strength) vs small shield (block rate)

    Or rather, is it better to block more damage but less often (block strength) or to block less damage but more often (block rate)?

    I'm leaning toward the latter, but open for feedback!

  2. #2
    Relic Horn
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    Dec 2007
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    Purrrfect Lee
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    Hyperion
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    Cerberus

    I would guess in a build where one went with str for the damage mitigation the block rate would be preferable. But having a 2gla I'm not exactly a credible source.

  3. #3
    Relic Shield
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    Mar 2009
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    Tanaya Makers
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    Gilgamesh
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    Fenrir

    Once you get Bulwark, you'll want Block Strength. Before that, go with Block Rate (or Kite shields).

  4. #4
    Tom Wilson will never be good.
    Join Date
    May 2006
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    13,472
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    Zero Star
    FFXIV Server
    Hyperion
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    Ifrit

    I'm still nub levels (32PLD) but I just switched to the block rate shield so I could use Shield Swipe more, cause it's awesome, but I have no clue for later on and endgame type stuff. Need some testing done of which one is better overall dmg mitigation and if block rates/str cap out or anything but once you have bulwark you will probably want the block str.

  5. #5
    Impossiblu
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    Mar 2010
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    10,362
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    FFXIV Character
    Prothescar Centursa
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    Balmung
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    Valefor

    Have been using kite shields myself, nice mix of both block rate and damage mitigation. And they look the coolest. Most important part.

  6. #6

    Someone have access to a parser that tells us? I'm seeing a 4 point swing in blocking effectiveness with my stats going as low as 18 percent to as high as 22 depending on the shield. I was definitely busting out Shield Swipe way more often. Granted, bosses are immune to Pacification, but that 210 potency is not to be ignored.

  7. #7
    Impossiblu
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    Mar 2010
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    10,362
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    FFXIV Character
    Prothescar Centursa
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    Balmung
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    Valefor

    Yeah especially since it's so cheap.

  8. #8
    New Spam Forum
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    Aug 2013
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    170
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    3
    FFXIV Character
    Nova Raylynn
    FFXIV Server
    Gilgamesh
    WoW Realm
    Laughing Skull

    Leveling up I would use a small shield for shield swipe because pacification is incredibly good in instances. Obviously, the large shields will shine with bulwark later on.

  9. #9
    Fake Numbers
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    FFXIV Character
    Rajah Samsara
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    Faerie
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    Phoenix

    Waning Sun Pelta (28) -> Lominsan Kite Shield (37) -> Dark Lite Kite Shield (50)

    Those are the 3 most important shields, besides relic.

  10. #10

    Quote Originally Posted by Rajah View Post
    Waning Sun Pelta (28) -> Lominsan Kite Shield (37) -> Dark Lite Kite Shield (50)

    Those are the 3 most important shields, besides relic.
    I disagree. But it may be because I'm a gimp PLD. I have Thormoen's Purpose, Ul'dahn Scutum and Flame Sergeant's Shield, and I suppose I could equip the Scutum and spam Bulwark, thanks for the tips!

  11. #11
    Fake Numbers
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    Jan 2008
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    FFXIV Character
    Rajah Samsara
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    Faerie
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    Phoenix

    http://www.ffxivinfo.com/items/shields.php

    I'm going to go out on a limb here, but 200 proc rate is too high

    Certainly less than 100 is far too little

    Frankly I prefer the look of a kite shield, but I still hold aesthetic preference for a hoplon before a Tower.

  12. #12

    Is there any place to get a decent shield pre-relic quest? I'm still using the one from Ampador. It's pretty solid but I'm looking for something better in the mean time. Does Ifrit drop one?

  13. #13
    D. Ring
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
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    Raldo Volca
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    Balmung

    Quote Originally Posted by sleepness View Post
    Is there any place to get a decent shield pre-relic quest? I'm still using the one from Ampador. It's pretty solid but I'm looking for something better in the mean time. Does Ifrit drop one?
    As far as primals go, the only one that gives a shield is Titan. The others give swords. Beyond that, I can't really comment on shields.

  14. #14

    Thanks! Guess I'm stuck with my 49 shield for now

  15. #15
    Salvage Bans
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
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    963
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    5
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    San Solara
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    Balmung
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    Asura

    Quote Originally Posted by Invictus View Post
    I have Thormoen's Purpose
    Where does that drop?

  16. #16

    Quote Originally Posted by lolwut View Post
    Where does that drop?
    Ahh, got it from 1.23 so I can't remember sry!