Bards and Scourge Chokers

[phalaeo]

The general consensus seems to be that the Scourge Choker is better suited to casters than it is to melees. I recently acquired one because I wanted to see how well it would work on my melee WC.

Specifically, I hate Bard/Rogue Hit Dice.... even though I started at 14 Con, I feel squishier than a marshmallow in the sun. I know that Exceptional CON and a GS HP item will help cushion me, but that's not a good feeling to have when you're chopping at Harry's kneecaps. (She's a little over 400 raged at level 18)

So...

Went and did a few Shrouds to test it out, not sure what to expect. I left it off until parts 4-5, only equipping just when Harry drops.

Consensus?
I love this thing... it's my new favourite toy, lol. Shot me up quite regularly to a more comforting HP around 445-460. Regularly added +4 to my STR, which is great considering she's Halfing. Fatigue only set in after he kicked it.

Now, I can't see using it in daily questing/levelling, but I think it's marvellous for raids. Is there something I'm missing as to why people seem to think it's not the best option?

[RATRACE931]

Theres NOTHING wrong with it for 1 or 2 fights in this entire game.. but the other thousands of fights is where I and alot of others take issue with it. Its good situationaly but when you plan for endgame items its my preference to build for 99.99% of usage and so thats usually a TOD set slot for me.

[Noctus]

What Ratrace said.

[toughguyjoe]

The only problem I have with it now has already been said...

It's so situational that my Melees slot ToD sets into their neck slot on average.

I could try it on my casters I suppose...

[voodoogroves]

For me, I see some use as you cycle through a multiple-TR process. Casters lives will have a Torc in that spot (for isntance) but for rogues, etc. that may not be bad from 11->18 on some lives.

[AltheaSteelrain]

I always love to use the Scourge Choker on my Spellsinging Ranger; It would further increase the survivability of my character even more, with the con/opp proc, stoneskin proc, fire shield proc, mabar proc and with this item, a +8 con proc, displacement, self healing, scroll UMD...

But then again after popping a yugo con pot and swinging away I figure the 5% attack speed decrease I am experiencing is lame and if it stacks with the scourge choker penalties then I'd rather swing fast than die hard but swing slow.

[bendover]

The 50% attack speed is way too big of penalty to even consider wearing this for me. There are better options out there that will help overall improve your characters DPS. The only time I could see this being used is either on a caster/divine (and then you're contending with Torc) or when you're on a tank with a shield out intimidating something.