Hammerdin w/o Enigma: Max block or no?

[UberB]

I plan on making a Hammerdin for Chaos runs. Purpose of Chaos runs is to:

1. Get good stuff
2. Help others level

This is the gear he will be having

HotO
Up'ed Vipermagi
Magefists
Rare belt
Raven Frost plus rare ring
Silkweave, Travs or Treks
Shako
Rare ammy with +2 pally skills among other stuff

Act 3 Ice Merc With Lawbringer


I don't know what shield I should use: Hoz or Spirit. Sure, Spirit will get me to 125 FCR breakpoint but I don't know if I should go max block with it since I don't have Enigma. I'll have to put points in both strength and dex which might lead to not having enough life.

Also I'd like some advice on the merc choice and whether I will have enough mana or not.

[canudig]

I'd probably get max block unless you plan on making your way slowly to Chaos......with max block and your merc you should be able to vigor through faster (or even charge+vigor).....also if you don't have CTA you won't be able to benefit from a max vita build as much

[prion]

I agree with block...

my HC hammerdin:
lore grim helm
smoke duskshroud
spirit sword
spirit sacred rondache
crafted +1 pala ammy or tele ammy
dwarf star
rare ring
safety belt
infernostride
mf gloves
anni

Stats:
str: 104 (122)
dex: 147 (165)
vit: 247 (309)

81 mf (lol), 159% extra gold, 75% fcr, 85/75/75/75 res in hell, 6775 def w/o merc's defiance, 75% block, 1349 life, 509 mana, 3880-3937 damage.

I maxed holy sheild first which is why my damage is low, also you've got better gear than me, giving more skills and PDR. I was doing without insight for a while, using redepmtion to replenish, but then somone game me an insight.

now as far as block goes there's diminishing returns after awhile so 10 hard points might do it, giving you a hell of a lot more damage.

I started untwinked so I couldn't build perfectly, you may be able to squeeze some more life out of your stat points.

[safetypro]

It's so easy for all Paladin Builds to achieve max block with minimal dexterity points using Holy Shield so why would you choose not to negate 75% of the damage you will recieve?

You will suffer from mana loss. I recommend either a Holy Freeze or Prayer act 2 Merc using Insight. The Prayer merc is a good choice as Insight doubles the Life regen rate.