The Auto-Blocker is no longer #1
I see numerous questions and comparisons regarding the new and old badge of justice items and I’ve come to a conclusion. The reality is our cherished Auto-Blocker is no longer #1.
Many of you I guarantee are wearing Maiden of Virtue’s Barbed Choker of Discipline and you are looking at the Brooch of Deftness and you are worrying about losing that Defense. You are wondering… how am I going to get back to 490? But you look right past the Auto-Blocker that’s been firmly cemented in the top trinket spot on your character for the past 4+ months.
Here’s what it amounts to…
Brooch of Deftness is absolutely amazing. The threat increase provided by it’s 22 hit rating and 21 expertise rating far exceeds the threat increase offered by the Auto-Blocker. (and this isn’t even taking into account the 48 stamina we get)
The comparison you need to make is very simple.
1. Brooch of Deftness + Adamantine Figurine
48 Stamina
32 Defense Rating
22 Hit Rating
21 Expertise Rating
-or-
2. Gnomeregan Auto-Blocker 600 + Barbed Choker of Discipline
39 Stamina
16 Defense Rating
21 Dodge Rating
59 Block Value
They both represent 2 slots in your inventory. Option #1 is a lot more enticing. Now this isn’t to say that the Auto-Blocker is bad or that you won’t ever use it again. What it does mean though is that if you have the choice between the two, Brooch of Deftness is the clear winner. Once you’ve acquired the necessary defense to put the Auto-Blocker back on (or to warrant purchasing it) then you’ll be even better off!
But, Wait! Where’s the full list?
All in good time my loyal readers, all in good time. 
November 21st, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Now I can safely go buy that new neck.
Keep ‘em comin’
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November 21st, 2007 at 6:15 pm
EXACTLY the type of cogent, concise analysis I’ve come to expect from this site! HUGE thanks, Vene.
Kinda’ funny because the Brooch was the first item I was likely going to purchase… though mainly because it looked like one of the best “values” of all the new items at only 35 clams.
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November 22nd, 2007 at 12:05 pm
thx for the tip.
got 489 def now with autoblocker.
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November 22nd, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I went with Legs+Neck when the patch came out and since have earned enough badges to purchase the gauntlets.
I’m sitting on 134 hit rating and 16 expertise and I can maintain 1300 TPS when I have unlimited rage
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November 22nd, 2007 at 3:49 pm
This is a complete reversal from my previous set. I had around 16.5k Hitpoints unbuffed and around 600 shield block value. Now that I switched my shield block value is down around 380 but my Hit points are up to 18k unbuffed! I definitely recommend the the hit rating path at this point.
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November 23rd, 2007 at 6:34 am
Great post, thanks!
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November 24th, 2007 at 5:17 am
What if I’m able to keep both? I have 505 defence without using a neck, but only 15k unbuffed hp. Should I use both the expertise neck and gnomeregan autoblocker?
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November 24th, 2007 at 10:52 am
My current threat kit consists of:
Brooch of Deftness
Drake Fang Talisman
Serpentshrine Shuriken
And the ever hard to get rid of Devilshark. Yep, its juicy defense+block value is ever so tenacious.
On top of that I standardly wear:
Bulwark of Ancient Kings, Autoblocker, Bracers of the Phalanx, Mallet of the Tides and the Aldori Legacy Defender.
With Spicy Talbuk, 20.6 Expertise Skill plus 7.2 hit chance gives me almost 18% reduction on an opposing mob’s avoidance. I’m still maintaining 635 Block Value and 490 defense. In fairness, I’m at 3xT5 plus Red Havocs and a Belt of the Guardian. While the new badge/ZA gear does have some good stats its absurdly light on defense and I’ve decided to not use it for the most part. Its tempting to pick up a Shapeshifter’s Signet for maximum epeen.
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December 6th, 2007 at 6:13 am
My aggro set contains the 2 new badge expertise items (brooch + phalanx) and the autoblocker. (500 blockvalue without the blocker proc) In 5mans I’m unable to miss mobs and their parry+dodge is reduced to a combined ~2%, that means 98% of all my attacks land. My threat is pretty high even without significant rage income.
I also use both expertise items in all my bosstanking gear, the reduction to parries and the threat increase is so good. I really recommend getting them, they are excellent.
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June 3rd, 2008 at 6:06 am
What a strange post?!?!
How can you compare a neck piece to a trinket?
Is the point that people should buy the neck piece first and then the trinket?
Easy Answer is that you wear both? Seem obvious what am I missing? If you need more defense to get to 490 get it from elsewhere.
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July 21st, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I know the truth in what you say….but just can’t do it. The autoblocker is like a part of me…when I am worried about threat or just want a “boost” I LOVE popping my autoblocker and laying a HUGE slam on a mob. Few things beat it. +200 to block is just toooo sweeet to let go. But thanks - good post.
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July 21st, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Autoblocker is still great for trash, where you can easily get expertise and hit capped.
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