Is there an option to go shield and 1h vs staff or is it a no brainer?

[dreaderus]

Just wondered

[Chronius]

Just wondered

Ask mrrobot.
But yes its viable

[Deleted]

If you can choose, I'm fairly sure the staff from Archi is BiS. But you can do just fine with the fist weapon from Fel Lord and shield from Tyrant.

[Nyoken]

mace from archi and shield from tyrant is bis, least for ele.

[Glassmage]

if you want to die faster get a staff

[dreaderus]

so the defense from the shield makes it better?

[Chucksauce]

Depending on spec, there have been very few times that a 2 hander beats out a 1 hander and shield. They're usually(but not always) statted better. While the shield also benefits from added defense, most bosses' unavoidable damage is non physical. However, if you pvp, the added defense is invaluable.

[Deleted]

so the defense from the shield makes it better?

The shield provides armour, which only makes a difference in the case of direct melee attacks or attacks that deal physical damage and a re reduced by armour (which is quite rare).

[Deleted]

so the defense from the shield makes it better?

Not at all, it's just that stats are better on 1H+shield than on 2H or 1H+OH.

Who cares about defense nowadays anyway.

[Eliot123]

Also, let us not forget the transmog possibilities. I love me some 2h axe or mace restoration.