got a question involving shields

[Divinehero]

with the changes in shields they made a patch or 2 back should i focus on using large shields (like kite shield) exclusively so attacks blocked my shield are reduced as much as possible or should i go strictly on it's defensive power (may seem like a silly question but i'm curious either way)

o ya my pld is taru btw

[Macht]

Well the shields are given a size number now from what I understand. The logic I can see being put into the new shielding system is that the shield size will be added in to determine frequency of when you block as well as possibility of amount of damage that gets deflected.

So for a simple design I'd say the shield sizes would mean something like:

1 = Very High frequency of shielding, block 5% damage
2 = High frequency of shielding, block 10% damage
3 = Med frequency of shielding, block 15% damage
4 = Low frequency of shielding, block 20% damage
5 = Very Low frequency of shielding, block 25% damage

That's how I guess the system is from what I've read, I haven't tried the new shielding system yet to say what it's really like though.

[Valdrien]

http://ffxi.somepage.com/news/94#Shield

Macht is basically right. It is hard to tell what size shield offers the most overall damage reduction; right now it's thought that if a shield blocks twice as often it reduces half as much damage, so it all kind of cancels out over time. About the only thing that's for sure is that buckler-type shields are best for skillup because they block the most often, thus giving the most chances for skillup.

[Macht]

Oh, always intresting to see my Comprehension Skills are as good as that Oxnard Test states it is.

On the downside it's probably a little disappointing to. That Oxnard Test stated that I have Extreemly High Comprehension Abilities but Extreemly Low at knowing when to Request Help.


EDIT:

You know even if over time the difference between shields cancels out, then technically the smaller size shields would be better, probably a shield size of like 2 or maybe 3 would be best choice. Reason is it'll block frequent enough then to slow your HP loss, at the right point it would become extreemly beneficial to were the WHMs can sustain a person with lower strength cures.

If a WHM is capable of doing that they can stretch their MP out even further then they could of before the more frequently they can use a lesser cure.

EDIT AGAIN:

Well with what I just said on my previous edit, I decided to look up the shields claimed to be the better ones and wouldn't you know they are within 1-3 in shield size. If what I'm seeing is correct then it seems to be stating shields of size 1 and 2 are of the best choices.

This really sparks my intrest in seeing about a Mercenary's Targe for my off hand with RNG/WAR. To bad they never seem to be selling in the AHs though.