Zerker Tanking....Shields of Choice?

[DiatribeEQ]

<p>Okay, I've been gone awhile (about 18 months) and have only been back about 2 weeks now.  Now, back in the day, Zerkers didn't use any other kind of shield, than Bucklers.  I was asked just recently why I was using a buckler and not any other shield and this kind of question, in conjunction with other questions has left me to wonder:  Is a buckler still the way to go?  Or do I need to look into Towers/Kites?</p>

[Hardain]

<p>Take a look at Sta line and you should find the answer.</p>

[Mephistophelese]

<p>the reasion we used to only use bucklers was because of the stamina aa requirement for them. they did away with the requirement awhile ago so there is no reasion to not use the better shields tower now</p>

[DiatribeEQ]

<p>Sweet. Looks like I'll start focusing in on some of the better shields I've been looking at and saying "D*mn...if only that were a buckler...."  Thanks!</p>

[Hardain]

<p>Also... Dual wielding has become very popular aswell, i personally tank with 2 weapons if the group/raid doesn't  suck or if the mobs don't hit really hard.</p>

[DiatribeEQ]

<p><cite>Hardain@Runnyeye wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Also... Dual wielding has become very popular aswell, i personally tank with 2 weapons if the group/raid doesn't  suck or if the mobs don't hit really hard.</p></blockquote><p>I tried doing the dual wield thing, but I'm willing to give up the offense for that increase survivalbility that I've gained with a shield and the subsequent abilities with them.</p><p>Bought a Legendary Tower shield earlier.  It's not this huge improvement over my buckler, but it's noticable enough to appreciate it.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>As a berserker, it's your job to be familiar with both types of tanking: Dual Wield tanking, and Tower Shield tanking.</p><p>Dual Wield tanking is very effective for taking down trash mobs and easy named, where you simply don't need the high survivability. It also greatly increases your aggro. If you're not dual wield tanking when the opportunity presents itself, you do your group a disservice.</p><p>Tower Shield tanking is needed for hard hitting mobs, where you absolutely need the high defense. I also like to start out some named fights with my shield on until debuffs are in place, then i'll drop the shield and put on my off-hander to finish the fight.</p><p>I recommend setting two hotbuttons on your hotbars:</p><p>First is a hotbutton linking to your shield.</p><p>Second is a macro that equips your off-hander to your secondary slot.</p><p>That way you don't have to bother opening your inventory and bags to switch off-handers.</p>

[TuxDave]

<p><cite>Hardain@Runnyeye wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Take a look at Sta line and you should find the answer.</p></blockquote><p>Exactly.  But seriously, you wore a buckler with all its crappy protection back in the day and never really understood why?</p>

[Xita]

<p>I really dont pay attention to the names of our CA's so i hope this is helpful.</p><p>The macros are the way to go, I have my shield bash ability macroed to equip my shield, and our single target ability with a curved sword (no clue what it is, but its just a little extra attack) macroed to switch back to my sword. Makes the right switches, the macro's are intuitive, and saved me two spaces on my hotbars.</p><p>Hard fights i am always balancing shield use with my other defensive buffs</p>