HC Wizards: Shield or Orbs/Esence?

[xeneize]

What's your take on this?

I'm currently wearing a nice essence with +int +vit, but since NM is getting harder, I might switch to a 20%+ +vit shield.

[Paladuck]

Currently level 41 in Act 2 NM. I'm using a shield with nice int and vit bonuses. I haven't really seen an orb/essence that has made giving up the block worth it.

[chansey]

Lvl 51. The dmg on the source makes for so much dmg so I use that. If I find a decent shield I'll use that along with energy armor.