Comments

Comment by 271529

This is from 10 man "Normal Mode". The boss in question should be obvious...

Comment by Umega

If I'm right, this is the only epic tanking cloak (apart from https://www.wowhead.com/wotlk/item=43565 which doesn't have defense rating) that is Bind on Equip and has defense rating. Great for tanks with lots of money, but can't get https://www.wowhead.com/wotlk/item=40722 easily.

Comment by 258417

This cloak is itemized directly for a warrior tank.

DK and Druids don't benefit from Shield Block
Paladins hardly benefit from Expertise.

Comment by 258417

So therefore, judging from comments above, since this cloak doesn't have warrior tank friendly stats on it, it's terrible itemization period, and is worse than the badge cloak in all respects.

Comment by Nspirn

I disagree. I chose this cloak over the Platinum Mesh Cloak because when your already sitting at 30% chance to dodge you suffer to much from DR. I choose this over the Shadow of the Ghoul as a preference side grade only losing a small amount of Block Value.

Comment by 223389

Simply worth it because it matches the protection paladin 25-man tier 7 set. Looks great with all 5 pieces!

Comment by 4401

Blizzard has stated that they are planning on changing the mechanics of block, so this item may become useful in the future when that happens. Expertise is always good, too.

Comment by 244366

This is a really nice Prot. Warrior cloak (IMHO) if you need the +Expertise. I'm just under hit-cap at the moment and lacking a bit in +Expertise. My +Dodge is over 25% so this cloak would be a nice addition assuming I can make up the lost +Hit from the Platinum Mesh cloak on another piece.

Comment by fletch88

I tend to agree with the comments that this probably isn't the cloak that a main spec tank would go after. There is nothing really bad about this cloack but the other options are just a little better. The thing that this cloak has going for it is BOE, it will be used by guilds to either help a lowbie tank improve stats and move up into the tank roster or to encourage a main spec dps to off-spec tank.

Comment by 306084

For Warriors:
I'm a warrior and I don't know how relevant expertise is for other classes,
so I'll just talk to my brothers here:
In my opinion, if you're under the (expertise=26) dodge cap (which most warriors probably are unless they have a lot of T9 which is more itemized into expertise) this is a good upgrade to pick up. I've found that my cloak is one of the hardest items to replace (I'm unlucky with drops and rolls); I was still stuck on platinum mesh cloak when I replaced it with this piece. Expertise is great to have in items because it provides double benefit than hit until 26 (214 rating)* and there's not enough gear (without sacrificing ilevel and thus all kinds of important stats) that provides this.
*dodge and parry reduction up to expertise = 26. Parry reduction up to expertise = 56. Parries increase boss swing speed, meaning you take slightly more damage.

Expertise article on elitist jerks: http://elitistjerks.com/f31/t37032-faq_working_theories_raiding_level_80_a/

Opinions on socketing and how they relate to expertise and tanking:
Ignoring socket bonuses is a foolish thing to do because you're throwing away free points, and you almost definitely need to gem for hit in yellow, expertise in red, and stam in blue. Warriors should gem 20 hit and 20 expertise in yellow and red slots(and any prismatic sockets they might have), respectively to reach hit and dodge caps but they won't because everyone strives to be MT, and generally people that aren't tanks don't get that highest stam shouldn't dictate MT. When people choose the MT, they don't look at your 8% hit cap or 56 expertise parry cap, they'll look at your health. So, to not ignore the bonuses and still bending to the will of the masses, you will probably be gemming 30stam in blues, +10hit15stam in yellows, and +10expertise15stam in reds. (solid majestic zircon, vivid eye of zul, guardian's dreadstone, respectively)

This cloak provides slightly more stam (which raids see in health), strength (which raids see in dps and what they don't necessarily see in sbr) and gets you closer to the goal of optimizing your points up to the expertise 26 cap. The point of gemming explanation is that you probably won't gem for 20 expertise in your red/prismatic slots, and this is one good way to pick it up.

P.s. Of course you won't want to gem for hit if you're over the 8% hit cap. However, you still benefit from expertise reduction of parry up to 56.

To newer tanks: You tanks have the 540 def.. you know it.. you love it. You'll get a decent amount of stamina by running heroics and gearing up.. once you start running raids, you should definitely be thinking about how hit and expertise play into your equations. Don't try to raid without enchanting and gemming your items!

Comment by speedmaster

A lot of tanks are after this item to complete their 'block' set for Anub 25 man to solo tank the adds.

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Cloak of the Iron Council

	Phase 2

Item Level 225
Binds when equipped

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159 Armor
+52 Strength
+95 Stamina

Requires Level 80
Equip: Increases your shield block rating by 42.
Equip: Increases defense rating by 34.
Equip: Increases your expertise rating by 27.

Sell Price: 6 43 78

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