Advice please: Grizzlefazzles or Velucidae's (how do shields work??)

[Anselan]

<DIV>I'm a 70sk currently using Grizzlefazzles and have the option of upgrading to Velucidae's Shield. The only thing stopping me is that I do not know how shields truly work.</DIV> <DIV> From searching the forums I have read that there are Tower  Shields with a base 19.9% block (is Velucidae's one of these) and I now also understand how level affects the shield - i.e. if you are using any Mitigation item the lower the level of the item and the higher your level, the less benefit you get.</DIV> <DIV>However, I do not know how the +5 defense and +6parry from Grizzlefazzles would offset against the improved protection offered by Velucidae's Shield.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Can anyone help set me straight on how exactly these things work?</DIV>

[AziBam]

I don't have Vilucidae's Ethereal Guard but looking at the stats on it vs Grizz (which I do have) it appears that Vilucidae is the superior shield (at least if the stats listed for it on ogaming are still current).  It has higher mitigation +.  It has more protection.  Better stats.  Darn nice shield in my book.  If you have both you can equip one and mouse over your avoidance to see % then swap to view the new %.  Level of the item has made a difference for some time in terms of mitigation, but honestly not sure if that applies to the avoidance/protection factor as well.  Probably does.  Fabled vs Legendary makes a difference as well.  All things I see point to Vilu being the better option other than the +parry/defense.  Oh yeah, decent proc too.