Archive for October 30th, 2008:
As I mentioned in my last post, I was very surprised to see that the new itemization also affects all former tankadin badge gear, offering us even more options to blow badges before Nov 13. I reckon I am not the only person in the world who was not aware of that change, so here I am, boldly looking at badge gear I never looked at before.
Chest:
Previously, there was only one plate chest for warriors purchasable with badges: Chestplate of Stoicism. This is one of the SSO badge items, costing 100 badges.
Its two contenders that previously were not itemized for us:
- Chestguard of the Stoic Guardian for 75 badges
- Shattrath Protectorate’s Breastplate for 100 badges
Let’s assume you are currently wearing Panzar’Thar Breastplate or below. The cheapest badge chest is surprisingly powerful, but with its chunk of dodge, it’s an avoidance chest. Of the three available chestpieces, I personally would still go with Chestplate of Stoicism because it has dodge for avoidance and SBV. I wuv SBV, and I personally value it higher than the hit rating on the former tankadin 100 badge chest. Which also is very nice, no doubt about it, a very solid threat piece.
Feet:
- Sabatons of the Righteous Defender for 60 badges
- Blue Greaves of the Righteous Guardian for 75 badges
More gear with pompous names for us! We went from 0 badge boots to two very solid pieces of gear. I can’t praise the 60 badges boots enough, they were a very pleasant surprise. In these days where we’re pressed to remain def-capped, it’s nice to have defense and very nice threat values plus two sockets available in that slot. The 75 badges ones are a bit disappointing compared. You lose 18 defense, 7 SBV and a blue socket, but gain 108 armor, 14 strength, 13 stamina and 4 hit. Basically, it’s a zero gain when it comes to SBV and stamina, and I am not sure the 108 armor and 4 hit are worth an extra 15 badges.
Hands: Nothing to see here, no extra gear in that slot aside from the already available Bonefist Gauntlets.
Head: Also nothing new here.
Legs:
Previously, we had Unwavering Legguards for 60 badges and Sunguard Legplates for 100 badges.
New on the scene: Inscribed Legplates of the Aldor
That’s a helluva lot of dodge on those legs, making them a fantastic avoidance piece. However, in two weeks we’ll start leveling, and dodge will do little for us. The Sunguard Legplates are more well-rounded because they have expertise as threat stat on them, aside from the dodge. Me, I remained with the Unwavering Legguards, because of the nice chunk of SBV.
Shoulders: Aw, come on, Blizzard, why did you never make tanking shoulders available via badges?
Waist:
We previously had two belts available: Iron-Tusk Girdle for 60 badges and Girdle of the Fearless for 75 badges.
As new option: Girdle of the Protector for 60 badges. Much like the Sunguard Legplates, this belt is well rounded, in both dodge and hit, with a widdle bit of defense. I would still always go with the Girdle of the Fearless. More defense, and the very attractive expertise make that one still a winner.
Wrist: Nothing. But why would we need anything but Bracers of the Ancient Phalanx anyway?
As summary, we get a couple more interesting gear options. Variety is never bad. Most previous warrior gear still comes out on top. Your mileage may vary.
Opinions? Share them. 
