Smite Shield Help

[Zvolen]

I had a question on which shield would be best to use on my smite Paladin. Here are both the stats for the two shields:

Rare Sacred Targe

Defense: 278
Str Required: 86
Smite Dmg: 22-70*
Block: 60%
Speed: 0
Weight: Light

+2 Pally Skills
30% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
70% Enhanced Defense
+35 Resist All

Herald of Zakarum

362-507 Defense
89 Str Required
20-28 Smite Dmg
Item Level: 50
Clvl Req: 42

+2 To Paladin Skills
+2 To Combat Skills
+150-200% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Blocking
+30% Chance to Block
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+50% Resistance To All

I was also thinking, or have the option of upgrading the HoZ. So of these two shields which is a better option. Although Herald of Zakarum might appear at first to be the favorite if it is upgraded the strength requirement goes up to 142, although the smite damage goes up to a respectable 46-46. I was hoping to cut down as much as I can on strength so I would be able to pump vitality more. I was thinking of going with the rare, but all oppinions are gladly welcomed. Thanks!

[Vindi66]

I had a question on which shield would be best to use on my smite Paladin. Here are both the stats for the two shields:

Rare Sacred Targe

Defense: 278
Str Required: 86
Smite Dmg: 22-70*
Block: 60%
Speed: 0
Weight: Light

+2 Pally Skills
30% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
70% Enhanced Defense
+35 Resist All

Herald of Zakarum

362-507 Defense
89 Str Required
20-28 Smite Dmg
Item Level: 50
Clvl Req: 42

+2 To Paladin Skills
+2 To Combat Skills
+150-200% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Blocking
+30% Chance to Block
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+50% Resistance To All

I was also thinking, or have the option of upgrading the HoZ. So of these two shields which is a better option. Although Herald of Zakarum might appear at first to be the favorite if it is upgraded the strength requirement goes up to 142, although the smite damage goes up to a respectable 46-46. I was hoping to cut down as much as I can on strength so I would be able to pump vitality more. I was thinking of going with the rare, but all oppinions are gladly welcomed. Thanks!


The rare will have a higher average damage than the HOZ unless you upgrade the HOZ. Uped HOZ is the best smiter shield there is. Period.

[Any1]

An upgraded HoZ is the best overall Vindicator shield. Try a Jewel of "Freedom" (-15% req) in your HoZ Zakarum Shield. Since this suffix can appear on rare jewels, you have a better chance of getting at least one more good modifier. That should bring the strength requirement down to about 120.

[Zvolen]

Thanks for the response. So, you are saying the extra strength required for an upgraded HoZ is worth it? With the extra 40 stat points into Strength that is roughly 120 life if put into vitality. ( thats with a -15% req jewel ) Although clearly the rare sacred targe seems to have the upper hand against the regular non upgraded HoZ, correct?

Any other ideas, or thoughts?

[Any1]

I don't PvP, so I don't watch my stat expenditure as closely. For the highest Smite damage in the game, Zak HoZ is the shield. However, that doesn't necessarily mean the best and most efficient PvP build.

Against all other Vindi shields your Sacred Rondache will hold its own and perhaps more. The Sacred Rondache also has the highest blocking percentage of all elite Paladin shields, which translates into lower dex for max blocking.

[Zvolen]

I don't PvP, so I don't watch my stat expenditure as closely. For the highest Smite damage in the game, Zak HoZ is the shield. However, that doesn't necessarily mean the best and most efficient PvP build.

Against all other Vindi shields your Sacred Rondache will hold its own and perhaps more. The Sacred Rondache also has the highest blocking percentage of all elite Paladin shields, which translates into lower dex for max blocking.
You mean highest average smite damage.

Well if I get a chance to upgrade HoZ then I will us ethat, otherwise like you said I think my rare Sacred shield will suit the purpose for now, the stats and everything is really good. Plus with less dex like you said for max block will be a big help.
thanks!

[Any1]

You mean highest average smite damage.

Yes exactly.

[der-xuan]

can nl get an upped HoZ ?

[FallNAngel]

No. NL can only up normal to exceptional. You have to be on the ladder to get exceptional -> elite.

[Lunatic]

No. NL can only up normal to exceptional. You have to be on the ladder to get exceptional -> elite.When the ladder ends you can trade for those upped excep --> elite items. But be prepared to pay a fortune for these kind of items.

[inkanddagger]

I have an ethereal up'd zoded hoz on ladder. trade it to ya for 10 pally combats with 35+ life :D *sarcasm*