Phalanx Ring  

yes, VIT+2 = 1 DEF, easily tested by any VIT ring with an even number(i.e +2,+4)
for example, Stamina Ring, Lv.14 VIT+2, DEF rises from 166 with no ring in that slot, to 167 when i equip that ring, so yes, VIT+2 = 1 DEF, as with STR, STR+2 = 1 ATT, etc.

Edited, May 21st 2009 6:09pm by LanceCPL

Here's the deal that some people get confused on about the relationship between VIT and DEF. The link provided by haniblector shows that DEF=VIT x2. So throw on a Stamina ring, and watch your defense raise by one point. Pretty simple test to do on your own.

However, although increasing vitality also increases defense by a small margin at the same time. The same is not true vise-versa. Increasing your defense will not increase your vitality. In other words, the +10 to DEF from these rings, does not equate to +20 VIT.

Since both stats have seperate effects, it is important to have both when facing your opposition's attacks.

Much like when a melee player macro's in a load of STR gear when executing certain weapon skills to up his/her damage. It's nice to have a macro that throws in VIT when an enemy executes certain weapon skills against you, to lower the maximum damage you take from it. Keep rings like these Phalanx rings in, when facing constant attacks from your opponent to lessen the average damage you recieve.

As an rdm, I have found these rings great for tanking situations, and when soloing skill-ups.
Hope this helps in someway if anyone is debating buying these, or VIT+ rings.

Guys I rated this up cause I had leveled to 50 pretty much knowing that I need all the def and vit I could get but at 50 I questioned the vit to def ratio. Thank you for your input and I'd like to add a bit of my own.

As the phalanx rings were not expensive and I already opted for the verve here is what I got.

The total amount of dmg taken per hit was less with the extra vit rather than the def.

A galkan PLD should keep electrum/astral rings, and a Elvaan might want to consider it. Otherwise go for Verve or Phalanx if verve is too pricey.

Personaly, I believe that regular stamina rings will always be superior to phalanx rings.

There'll come a point when 20 defense (two rings) represents barely 3-5% of your total defense...whereas + 6 or 8 stamina (assuming two verve or zircons) will almost always be (unless you go Keonig happy) a VERY sizable chunk of your total VIT.

Im also of the opinion that VIT is more important than defense. Not only does defense have a very noticable point of diminishing returns (take a 30-32 warrior with updated armor and Defender to Yhoatar jungle against hte mandy's...that Fish Mith will do exactly nothing to total damage taken...then eat a tortilla - +4 vit - and notice the difference).

This interview uncovers alot of how damage, vit, str, and defense/attk rating goes into damage calculation.

http://ffxi.crgaming.com/interviews/viewinterview.asp?Id=209


HOPE THIS HELPS TANKS!