The new shields?

[Alixander]

With the addition of 2.4 comes the new reputation grind, along with two new epic shields:

Sunward Crest
Binds when picked up
Shield
4872 Armor
122 Block
+31 Stamina
Durability 120 / 120
Requires Level 70
Requires Shattered Sun Offensive - Exalted
Equip: Increases your shield block rating by 18 (2.28% @ L70).
Equip: Improves spell hit rating by 13 (1.03% @ L70).
Equip: Increases damage and healing done by magical spells and effects by up to 26.

Dawnforged Defender
Binds when picked up
Shield
4872 Armor
122 Block
+31 Stamina
Durability 120 / 120
Requires Level 70
Requires Shattered Sun Offensive - Exalted
Equip: Increases your dodge rating by 18 (0.95% @ L70).
Equip: Improves hit rating by 13 (0.82% @ L70).
Equip: Increases the block value of your shield by 33.

These are two close to equal shields (equal armor and STA), but each one made with a certain class in mind. The Crest for Paladins and the Defender for Warriors.

But I'm left wondering... The Defender gives straight dodge instead of block rating for better real avoidance, plus additional Block Value. On the other hand the Crest gives spell hit, a stat I view as quite valuable and very rare for we Prot Pallies.

Obviously if you're Lore or someone like that and are running around with the Bulwark of Azzinoth, these aren't worth it, but for those of us still running around with the Crest of the Sha'tar or Shield of Impenetrable Darkness (or worse) which would you pick up?

Or would you get both and swap them out? If you would get both, which would be your main and when would you swap out for the other?

[Lore]

Defender for most "Main" tanking, Crest if I want to give up a small amount of defensive stats for some more threat.

[guillex]

Defender for most "Main" tanking, Crest if I want to give up a small amount of defensive stats for some more threat.

This. Different gear for different situations.

[Oramac]

Defender for most "Main" tanking, Crest if I want to give up a small amount of defensive stats for some more threat.

This. Different gear for different situations.

QFT

[Peze]

I'm not sure that this is a significant upgrade to my merc glad sw, which is annoying. If it had 1,000 or even 500 more armor I might consider it.

[Zeels]

Both require exalted. Just pick them both when you can

[Warrender]

Sunward Crest
Binds when picked up
Shield
4872 Armor
122 Block
+31 Stamina
Durability 120 / 120
Requires Level 70
Requires Shattered Sun Offensive - Exalted
Equip: Increases your shield block rating by 18 (2.28% @ L70).
Equip: Improves spell hit rating by 13 (1.03% @ L70).
Equip: Increases damage and healing done by magical spells and effects by up to 26.

OMG! I keep the Netherwing Defender's Shield in my bank to remind me that Blizzard has itemized a tankadin-only shield in the past. Now I can vendor it to make room in my bank for this beauty. Hope the graphic is decent.

Now if only they can make an epic version of Crystalforged Sword.

[Norfolk]

Isn't hit rating more valuable than spell hit for paladins since 2.3 anyways?

Taunt is based off hit rating, shield throw is based off hit rating, seals are off hit rating (actually hitting the target)...

Only thing off spell hit if I remember right is judgements now?

[Warrender]

Yeah, it's not itemized perfectly IMO (Block Rating vs. Block Value) but it's the thought that counts.

[Aalryn]

I really wish they would stop putting spell hit on gear that is intended for a paladin.

[kalbear]

Isn't hit rating more valuable than spell hit for paladins since 2.3 anyways?

Yes, but both aren't particularly valuable relative to spelldamage.

Block rating is not the worst thing ever; it means that you can use more gear that has less uncrushability ratings in favor of more threat from this. That's not a bad thing, and I can see this in a spot as an upgraded shield of the wayward footman. But at the same time, some more defense or dodge would be nice too.

[guillex]

I really wish they would stop putting spell hit on gear that is intended for a paladin.

And even though it can be useful, it'd be nice if, at this level of gear, they quite with the BR.

[Alixander]

I really wish they would stop putting spell hit on gear that is intended for a paladin.

Now, I'll admit there are some other stats that can be better, it's certainly not a bad stat. Or is there something about it I'm missing?

[Dorvan]

OMG! I keep the Netherwing Defender's Shield in my bank to remind me that Blizzard has itemized a tankadin-only shield in the past. Now I can vendor it to make room in my bank for this beauty. Hope the graphic is decent.

Now if only they can make an epic version of Crystalforged Sword.

The graphic is pretty damn sweet:

http://www.wowdb.com/item.aspx?id=34675

[kalbear]

Now, I'll admit there are some other stats that can be better, it's certainly not a bad stat. Or is there something about it I'm missing?

it's not bad, but it's not what a paladin really wants. And it's not really what anyone else using a shield wants either. That +8 spell hit is expensive, itemization wise; you could get another +12 spelldamage on there instead, and that would be great.