which shield is better

[seymorebutts]

which shield is better for making exile shield?
zakarum or sacred rondache? Im going to use it for pvm.

[MysticDragon]

Sacred Targe. Erm, anything is fine as long as it is Elite.

[thefranklin]

Well, go to the arreat summit. Check out: block % and strength requirements vs defense.

Generally sacred targes/rondaches are used due to their high block %. Vortex is also used because it has the largest defense.

[Dondrei]

Anything that has enough sockets, the elite versions of weapons and armour are all roughly the same. Some are slightly better than others; if you're rich and you really care you should check out the Arreat.

[seymorebutts]

what about the smite dmg?
i just checked
sacred rondache has smite damage of 35 to 58 and zakarum has 46 to 46.
I mean is that a huge difference?

[templecrasher]

that is actually the same average damage, which is what matters in the long run.

[maxusmag]

if you are looking for defense then an eth vortex shield will work.

i have a regular one with 14 res on it. 4 os.

i think exile gives good resists already though.

i like hoz myself.

[Eilo Rytyj]

Most people make Exile in ethereal (bugged or not) Vortex shields. Vortex has the highest base defense, and Exile has a huge defense bonus, as well as the Auto-Defiance aura. All combine to make for a HUGE defense.

[thefranklin]

I have an exile in a non-eth protector shield with 45 base resist and it works just fine for pvm (619 def). Only the PVP nuts really care about the extra defense vortex gives, and for pvm its not worth it str wise.

btw all elite pally shields average 46 smite damage.

[Dondrei]

Actually if Arreat is correct the Sacred Rondache has an average of 46.5, if you really care about that extra half a point of damage. I wouldn't though.