Q: Ele Shaman & Shield Block, how much does it really matter?

[Ken]

I didn't think anyone used it for block value, only for the added stats and AF.

Same here: (pvp) shield + mace give better stats than a (pvp) staff. Add the armor increase to that and I'm in!

[Vyndree]

Ok thanks for the response. If armor is the primary stat, then given a variety of drops, would you take a shield with higher armor over one that had additional casting stats?


Perhaps, if you're having problems getting hit by melee.

Where do these problems occur? PvP.
I think you missed that in my first post, I guess I was too verbose

I think I answered the question, in either case.

"Where would you take a shield with higher armor?" PvP.
"But I don't PvP!" Then don't take a shield specifically for higher armor.

[ChaoticMonk]

So if you dont pvp and dont plan on being hit (eg. pally+shammies group) would you be better off with a staff? Can shaman's use offhands? if so, 1h+offhand?

[Mac]

Thanks folks! I've never played a class that carries a shield, war or pali, so I don't know much about them. I understood them from a tanking perspective, but not as a hybrid caster carrying one

I hadn't really thought much about shields until lately, I figured one with spell damage stats was better then one without for an ele shaman, and then I got the Shield of the Void and started wondering about it.

I decided that since my main guy was out front and usually the one to get most of the agro, it might be good for him to have something like this Shield of the Void instead of the Landslide Buckler the quest reward that they are currently using because of the stamina and armor, didn't know about block but was curious. I'll definitely be looking to do that Spellbreaker's Buckler Quest when I get there for the upgrade.

[Havelcek]

So if you dont pvp and dont plan on being hit (eg. pally+shammies group) would you be better off with a staff? Can shaman's use offhands? if so, 1h+offhand?

I'm using staves right now because I haven't come across a +spell shield yet. Bottom line with the pally/shaman group is that if a few mobs get loose insides your shamen chances are I'm wiping anyways, regardless of whether or not I'm wearing a shield. So go for total stats.

[Vyndree]

So if you dont pvp and dont plan on being hit (eg. pally+shammies group) would you be better off with a staff? Can shaman's use offhands? if so, 1h+offhand?

If a staff, or a 1h + offhand gives you MORE stats than a 1h+caster shield, then yes. If you are in PvE, and do not plan on getting hit in melee frequently, you should use the combination with the best stats.