BiS Wrist

[VJain]

Is it [Bracers of Dark Reckoning] or [Gargoyle Spit Bracers] (277 and 264 respectively)?

I've seen a thread which say it's Gargoyle Spit "obviously" but I don't seem to follow the reasoning behind this. Could someone please help me out on this? Is the 600 bonus armor worth the other stats?


Thanks

[fuzzygeek]

In the past, arguably yes, the bonus armor was worth it. In the future, what with reforging, possibly not.

[VJain]

How about now? Since reforging isn't available?

[Digren]

Differences:
+663 armor
-20 str
-17 sta
-6 def rating
-12 dodge rating
-46 parry rating

Analysis:
For BiS, I assume you mean survivability best in slot (not threat gear or some other gimmicky set). Survivability in WotLK is exclusively focused on effective health. That means avoidance stats are not valuable.

Effective Health Differences:
+663 armor
-17 sta

Effective Health Analysis:
For typical fights with a small proportion of magic damage, 10 armor provides about the same effective health benefit as 1 stamina. Thus, gaining 663 armor is approximately equivalent to gaining 66 stamina, providing more than enough offset against the 17 actual stamina lost.

Conclusion:
The Heroic iLvl 264 Gargoyle Spit Bracers are best in slot

[fuzzygeek]

Reforging will likely be available next week.

Right now, I'm still wearing the Gargoyle bracers.

[Petrus]

I would wear the 264 wrists if I had them, but Marrowgar gave up his wrists and I haven't seen Saurfang's, so take what you can get but if you have both then go with Saurfang's.

[VJain]

Great! Thanks guys.

I recall reading about a EH calculator... is that an addon or a spreadsheet/macro/program? A link would be much appreciated.

[Vrimmel]

Don't go for any gear with bonus armor. After the patch which will likely come next week they will remove almost all of it without giving any stat refund.

[VJain]

Thanks for the heads up. I just learned about that a few days ago, so I finished farming rep for Argent Crusade since I'm currently using the Engineer BoP helm enchant.