Weapons a prot tank should be using

[Jstang]

ATM I am currently using a axe as my tanking weapon. Would using a mace or sword be better to keep aggro? If so why would it be better.? Or should I not worry about it.

[Booniehat]

Weapon type makes no difference, unless your racial has a boost to it (human's expertise, for example).

[roflwaffle]

weapon type (for all intensive purposes) is purely cosmetic

[Jstang]

So as a human if I use a mace or sword it will increase my expertise?

[Maynards]

yes, as human you will gain 1% increased expertise which is a great for pallies. I would say that your best bet for now is the sword from Stormstout Brewery Heroic.

[Bubblebutt]

I would recommend the Axe from Elegon if you can get that, definitely look forward to http://www.wowdb.com/items/86987 from Heart of Fear, but for blues the blue sword from the first boss in brewery is really nice for the expertise racial gain.

[Fhi]

If you are lucky enough to get the Horseman's sword, it's a nice alternative to 463 blue. Although it loses points for having no strength, it has hit/expertise and the more budget was allocated to Stamina than agility.

[Booniehat]

If you are lucky enough to get the Horseman's sword, it's a nice alternative to 463 blue. Although it loses points for having no strength, it has hit/expertise and the more budget was allocated to Stamina than agility.

You must be thinking of past years' horseman drops? This year, the only weapon he drops is http://www.wowhead.com/item=87570, an agility blade. So please don't use that for tanking on a prot pally :P

[Knails]

Jstang, I highly suggest this website for any other assistance on gearing as a protadin; http://www.noxxic.com/wow/pve/paladin/protection

[Booniehat]

Jstang, I highly suggest this website for any other assistance on gearing as a protadin; http://www.noxxic.com/wow/pve/paladin/protection

Noxxic is okay most of the time. But it doesn't have gear lists.

If you want to look at possible weapon choices, http://www.icy-veins.com/protection-...t-best-in-slot is good. Scroll down to see weapons in ascending order of best choice.

As a side note, you can choose to use the gear list or ignore completely. The reason is that the list recommends or lists only gear with Dodge/parry (aka traditional avoidance tank stats).

The current "optimal" gear strategy for Prot Pallies unfortunately is Haste and Mastery secondary stats over Dodge/Parry as they allow more active mitigation (shield of righteousness usage).

However from my readings, choosing traditional ('passive') tank stats isn't a bad choice at all. It has been shown to take less damage OVERALL, but it's spikier. This is because on hits where you don't dodge and parry, the boss smacks you a good one for a huge hit, then you go back to dodging and parrying his other attacks for no damage. Spiky as hell.

Whereas Haste/Mastery gear takes more damage, but smart usage will make that damage intake smooth and healer-friendly.

I would say for newbie who likely doesn't have his 'rotation' down, isn't experienced, etc. Get the passive gear set. It's easier that way. Slowly progress to the haste build when you can do the prot rotation in your sleep. Otherwise it's actually more stressful on healers.

The reason i said this is in case some tank vets come in and start dismissing the gear list. Just saying it's not bad to go with avoidance strategy. It's easier esp for a new tank.

[Deleted]

Jstang, I highly suggest this website for any other assistance on gearing as a protadin; http://www.noxxic.com/wow/pve/paladin/protection

Hey, lets go to that webiste that suggests you to for dodge/parry over other stats.
Makes no mention of battle healer glyph
Everything is apparently about threat ( Glyph of Final Words is apparently a threat glyph for burn phase? lol? )
Still mentions seal of truth as a viable seal. ( SoT is only viable if the boss has a very specific boss mechanic )

It seems very updated!

[Kanadei]

You must be thinking of past years' horseman drops? This year, the only weapon he drops is http://www.wowhead.com/item=87570, an agility blade. So please don't use that for tanking on a prot pally :P

Ermm... You should probably check the math before correcting someone.

Despite the agility, the large amount of stam, solid stats and increase in dps put this weapon on par with Ook's Slicer and better than any other blue alternative.

Knowledge is power bro.

[Sivick]

Ermm... You should probably check the math before correcting someone.

Despite the agility, the large amount of stam, solid stats and increase in dps put this weapon on par with Ook's Slicer and better than any other blue alternative.

Knowledge is power bro.

Agreed, the horseman's blade is a valid tanking weapon despite the agility. Personally I prefer the avoidance build because it's less overall damage means that healers have more mana towards the end of the fights but the active mitigation build with haste/mastery is perfectly valid.

[Ferocity]

I will list weapons you would want to aim for in order of their power:
1. Ook's Hozen Slicer - Stormstout Brewery - 1st boss.
2. Inelava, Spirit of Inebriation - Stormstout Brewery - last boss.
3. Elegion, the Fanged Crescent - Mogu'shan Vaults - Elegon.
4. Scimitar of Seven Stars - Heart of Fear - Amber-Shaper Un'sok.
5. Kilrak, Jaws of Terror - Terrace of Endless Spring - Sha of Fear. Pre-legendary.

[Booniehat]

Ermm... You should probably check the math before correcting someone.

Despite the agility, the large amount of stam, solid stats and increase in dps put this weapon on par with Ook's Slicer and better than any other blue alternative.

Knowledge is power bro.

I stand corrected! :P But forgive me for not checking the math on an agi weapon anyway - it's not exactly something you do the second you see an agi sword.

For those interested, the weapon comparison is here. http://maintankadin.failsafedesign.c...art=45#p737876

Though it looks like Ook's Slicer is still (very slightly) better than the Horseman, and is much more likely for the OP to get anyway considering today is the last day of Hallow's End (or did I get that right? I'm in a diff timezone and I mess up the dates sometimes).