When to Use Defensive Stance ?

[massem]

When do you guys use the defensive stance. Only when tanking in a group with other DPS or also when soloing ? I ususally solo with offensive, and switch to defensive if I happen to pick up a few adds. The ration damage dealt versus damage taken seems to be pretty much the same, but at least it give som ore time to evac <span>:smileyhappy:</span> <div></div>

[Drtydog]

<P>I was curious about what the diff was in "reality" so last night I was duoing cyclopses in POF with an Inquisitor.  I have no scientific numbers but the defensive stance for me was useless.  In fact fighting 58^^^  I took about the same amount of damage and had to be healed about the same amount, if not more.   The problem is that, sure you might be taking a lil less damage but I was doing a tremendous amt of less damage. </P> <P>Like i said, we didn't crunch numbers but after about an hour we both pretty much decided that i should stay offensive, hands down.</P> <p>Message Edited by buoymarker28 on <span class=date_text>12-07-2005</span> <span class=time_text>06:24 AM</span>

[RufusAzzStab]

i dont get it.... how can you guys not see the difference in defensive vs atk stance... its something like a jump of 30-40 % in avoidance.... when using defensive stance i solo heroic double ups... mobs which in atk stance tear me open new holes...... im just not seeing that big of a detriment in my atk scores i guess... especially if you use brutal focus as a compliment... which will raise your piercing etc.... back to where they were.... just my .02 <div></div>

[hammong]

<DIV>My 38 Assassin has a Master I defensive stance, and comes in at 57.6% avoidance with it enabled, about 32% with no stance, and 27% with offensive stance.   That 30% avoidance makes a HUGE difference when tanking (soloing). </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>In a group when I do not expect significant tanking, I have the offensive stance going almost all the time to boost DPS.   Avoidance is unimportant if you aren't being attacked. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[Dragonsviperz]

Heh, i use in duels mainly and while soloing, i have soloed in off stance, and i didnt seem to notice the diff in avoidence and the amount i got hit and didnt, but i have soloed heriocs with my def stance and a stun poison(very helpful) and they were lvl 57 and lower. I also use def stance for the extra power given from the agility, but other then that i use off stance soloing solo mobs.

[NerroVI]

/shrug atm, never. I guess down the road if I notice a raid mob or something that I somehow get aggro off of, just to take my attacks down a notch I might but so far I have yet to do it, I solo ^^ and green 50 51 52 ^^^ aswell in offensive, all defensive means to me is less chance to do more damage then the mobs going to do to me, can spew % numbers and mitigation and avoidance that, but I have died more times when I tested defensive awhile back then I have staying in offensive stance using honed and brutal right off and just go off on the mob doing as much damage as possible then rooting backing off using ranged snare cheap shot attack off crippling strike of final blow usually mob is dead <that would be ^^^ mobs> and im recovering the 50-60% health i lost as opposed to swinging like I got duct tape holding each arm. Thats just me though I have more luck staying in offense so not changing my ways. <div></div>

[Alarye]

I use defensive stance when soloing.  I have tried without and the amt of damage I take in comparison is staggering.  I am usually soloing Yellows so the defence helps.

[c00nd]

<P>Almost all the time...and before you flame, let me explain.</P> <P>I 2 box a warden.  So, I actually never solo and when my other 2 RL friends each get on and we group (they both 2 box also) I still use it.  The warden buffs my attack well past the negative effects of the defensive stance (I have Master I btw).  And the warden buffs my agi as well.  When she puts duststorm up, my avoidance is 60%.  In our group last night it was 63%.  When we get adds or I pull agro, we just keep fighting.  In all honesty, I don't see a huge difference in DPS when I go offensive.  But then again, I'm not parsing.</P>

[RonC]

Should notice Kierra, that the dmg from those cyclops are mostly spells, so offensive is better yeah, ive been duoing then since lvl 55 <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[scivias]

I use it only when I am getting agro in a group, neither soloing nor tanking much. <div></div>

[Aienaa]

<DIV>While soloing I will use defensive stance and sometimes I use my 1 hander and a shield as well depending on what I am trying to kill...   The increase in avoidance from the defensive stance makes a huge difference....</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I also duo alot with a troubador friend...  When Duoing I use defensive, 1 hander and shield and I'm usually at 61% avoidance...  We duo up to about lev 55 heroic groups... It's kinda risky, but alot of fun...  We also duo Sanctorium (instanced off Sinking Sands) just about every day...  That one takes alot of work, but is nice if you get a master chest at the end....</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Anyways, I can see a huge difference in Defensive and Offensive stances in the amount of damage I take....  Solo / Duoing I'll go defensive and grouped or raiding I'll go offensive...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Gwern - 60 Assassin  /  Parody - 54 Troubador</DIV>