I'm prefering using azure (def) for those 2-3 def slots (depending on using blue or purple belt).
We got a really low basic defense and so it will add rather much dmg resistance for us due to the fact how defense is effected by DR here. Got like 750 base def (~15% resistance) and increased it to 1.1k with 3x rank 6 azure to almost 21% resistance.
Wouldn't use life steal gems personally, we got enough on weapon/armor parts (like 7-10% life leech depending on set) and can be slightly boosted with accessoires if needed.
Deflection is gambling and if there is some hard hitting stuff -> impossible to catch, run/dodge out of it.
HP could be of use. Would need some calculation which is actually better, HP or Def to be sure. But in general it's easier to heal to 100% again if you take less dmg instead of getting higher dmg for a slightly bigger HP pool.
Defense or HP. It's mostly personal preference, though I believe HP gives a bit more effective HP than defense.
It's all about surviving those big hits. Life leach is nice to keep you up, and you usually have some on gear, but it won't help you survive the initial hit.
Deflection is chance = unreliable.
Comments
We got a really low basic defense and so it will add rather much dmg resistance for us due to the fact how defense is effected by DR here. Got like 750 base def (~15% resistance) and increased it to 1.1k with 3x rank 6 azure to almost 21% resistance.
Wouldn't use life steal gems personally, we got enough on weapon/armor parts (like 7-10% life leech depending on set) and can be slightly boosted with accessoires if needed.
Deflection is gambling and if there is some hard hitting stuff -> impossible to catch, run/dodge out of it.
HP could be of use. Would need some calculation which is actually better, HP or Def to be sure. But in general it's easier to heal to 100% again if you take less dmg instead of getting higher dmg for a slightly bigger HP pool.
+ for defense:
its cheaper
It's all about surviving those big hits. Life leach is nice to keep you up, and you usually have some on gear, but it won't help you survive the initial hit.
Deflection is chance = unreliable.