AC and p99

[DeathsSilkyMist]

It depends on class and what you are fighting. Monks get extra benefit from max HP due to Mend. Ranger AC is apparently broken.

I stack AC and Resist gear on my Shaman over Max HP, as I am usually well below 100% HP when tanking mobs with Slow + Torpor + Cannibalize. I do have some HP/STA items of course, but I don't like using loops on my Shaman due to the -30 AC. I also have capped STA, so I am not getting the extra HP from the STA on loops.

Remember that many people use HP/STA earrings already, so the HP gains from 2x loops aren't as big as you think.

Lets compare 2x Hammered Golden Loop to Pearly Sarnak Bauble + Earring of Essence:

1. 150 HP, 16 STA, -30 AC, and 10 MR
2. 65 HP, 10 STA, 2 AC, and 10 MR

You are trading 32 AC for 85 HP and 6 STA. A 60 Warrior that isn't STA capped would be getting 121 HP at best. So you are trading 32 AC (a breastplate's worth of AC) for 121 Max HP, which is a little less than 1 max hit from a mob.

Generally speaking I wouldn't use loops, as 32 AC is probably going to reduce more damage than 121 Max HP (assuming you start every fight at 100% HP and/or are getting healed to full often). There are some exceptions of course. If Ranger AC is broken, loops may be better. Monks may like loops for the extra mend HP. Tanking raid mobs like AoW need HP over AC, etc.