Comments on: Socketing at 80

By: Shalandra

Shalandra — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:47:16 +0000

If you're still striving for crit immunity or you just plain want to get your avoidance as high as possible, the gems Bizzam posted are absolutely fabulous. The first two you shouldn't pay much attention to (strength is nice but not something you would necessarily want to socket for, and parry stacks too slowly to be effective). The Stalwart Monarch Topaz is great for pushing up pure avoidance, while the Resolute one allows you to work on expertise as well (which translates both into increased TPS and increased survivability due to less incoming parry hasted attacks). My personal choice, however, has got to be the Guardian's Twilight Opal. I'm quite satisfied with the amount of avoidance I have right now (47.76% combined, could be higher, but I need the gear for it first), and I'm working on getting enough stamina so that I can tank Malygos without causing our healers to get a heart attack. The expertise / stamina combination on the aforementioned Twilight Opal is absolutely fabulous. Definitely consider it.

By: Bizzam

Bizzam — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:58:22 +0000

There are a few actually. Here are the rares: Champion's Monarch Topaz Glimmering Monarch Topaz Resolute Monarch Topaz Stalwart Monarch Topaz Full list: http://www.wowhead.com/?items=3.5&filter=cr=42;crs=1;crv=0

By: Tankette

Tankette — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:44:44 +0000

I couldn’t find any red gems with defense, including the orange and purple. Did I overlook any? The socket bonuses seem worthwhile so I’d prefer to get them. It seems I have more red sockets than anything, a few blue (which I typically put in 24 stam) and just one yellow.

By: Shalandra

Shalandra — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:07:05 +0000

That’s kind of my point. Before WotLK dodge was better than defense because block rating was uninteresting. Now it’s a different matter because block does matter.
I did however forget to mention the diminishing return part.

I guess Vene had the same idea I had, which is pleasant to see. I still get into regular fights with other tanks because many (including my warrior class leader) advocate stamina (yes, stamina, not EH).

Ultimately, however, it’s all about balance. A pure avoidance tank will fail, just like a pure EH tank will fail; this is why we carry several sets of equipment around, because each fight is different and needs to be approached in a different way. Right now, where most people are busy building up just one set, it’s best to strike a balance.

By: Talldar

Talldar — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:09:01 +0000

Hm I wouldn’t sign that Dodge gives you more bang. While it’s true that Doge & Defense grant you apx. the same avoidance, Defense still adds block to the mix, making it superior. In my opinion the best way to socket for anything else than EH is to go after defense. Other so if good socket bonuses are in the mix. Especially since due to diminishing returns stacking one stat exclusively will make your sockets weaker and weaker. Veneritio’s done a great write-up on the issue: tankingtips.com

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:02:16 +0000

than socketing f?