The way I see it, if you're going to try insane stuff without insps, you'll have to spend a lot for any build. If you stick to standard things, then any scrapper secondary with SOs will do the trick and Shield is great here for the damage boost from AaO and Shield Charge.
If you can pair your primary with Shield, I don't see any reason to go with something else (except for concept). It's just that good in my opinion.
[ QUOTE ]
From what I have been reading on the boards, it takes an insane amount of inf to make shield defense viable, however the extra damage output it helps with is a huge benefit. Would it be easier/cheaper to just take regen as a secondary? I am looking to roll either a Fire or DM scrapper (I am not fond of weapon draw times).
[/ QUOTE ]
Depends on what you consider insanely expensive.
This is my current fire/shield build. It's pretty moderate in price - probably in the 200-250M range. The Miracle was something I bought via surplus reward merits. I'll probably kit her out with purples, etc. eventually but the build is pretty much done.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/
[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]
Flame Fencer - Issue 14: Level 50 Magic Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Fiery Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Speed
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Weapon Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Scorch -- C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(3), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(7), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15)
Level 1: Deflection -- DefBuff-I(A), DefBuff-I(5), DefBuff-I(9), S'fstPrt-ResDam/EndRdx(17), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(39)
Level 2: Cremate -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(7), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(13), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), T'Death-Dam%(31)
Level 4: Battle Agility -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(5), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(9), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(17), RedFtn-Def(39), RedFtn-EndRdx(39)
Level 6: True Grit -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(11), Heal-I(43)
Level 8: Combat Jumping -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(46), Zephyr-ResKB(50)
Level 10: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 12: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(40), Zephyr-ResKB(50)
Level 16: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A)
Level 18: Fire Sword Circle -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(19), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg(19), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx(23), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(23), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(21), EndMod-I(21)
Level 22: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 24: Build Up -- AdjTgt-ToHit(A), AdjTgt-ToHit/Rchg(25), AdjTgt-ToHit/EndRdx/Rchg(25), AdjTgt-EndRdx/Rchg(40), AdjTgt-Rchg(40)
Level 26: Incinerate -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(27), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(27), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(29), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(29), T'Death-Dam%(34)
Level 28: Phalanx Fighting -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 30: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(31), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 32: Greater Fire Sword -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(33), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Mako-Dam%(34)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(36), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(36), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37), Oblit-%Dam(37)
Level 38: Boxing -- Acc-I(A)
Level 41: Web Grenade -- Enf'dOp-Acc/Rchg(A), Enf'dOp-Acc/EndRdx(42), Enf'dOp-Acc/Immob/Rchg(42), Enf'dOp-Acc/Immob(42), Enf'dOp-EndRdx/Immob(43), Enf'dOp-Immob/Rng(43)
Level 44: Shuriken -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx(45), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 47: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(48), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(48), RctvArm-ResDam(48), RctvArm-EndRdx(50)
Level 49: Grant Cover -- EndRdx-I(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
------------
[u]Set Bonus Totals:[u]<ul type="square">[*]15% DamageBuff(Smashing)[*]15% DamageBuff(Lethal)[*]15% DamageBuff(Fire)[*]15% DamageBuff(Cold)[*]15% DamageBuff(Energy)[*]15% DamageBuff(Negative)[*]15% DamageBuff(Toxic)[*]15% DamageBuff(Psionic)[*]14.9% Defense(Smashing)[*]14.9% Defense(Lethal)[*]7.69% Defense(Fire)[*]7.69% Defense(Cold)[*]14.3% Defense(Energy)[*]14.3% Defense(Negative)[*]3% Defense(Psionic)[*]21.1% Defense(Melee)[*]19.9% Defense(Ranged)[*]12.4% Defense(AoE)[*]3% Enhancement(Immobilize)[*]23.8% Enhancement(RechargeTime)[*]32% Enhancement(Accuracy)[*]4% FlySpeed[*]75.3 HP (5.62%) HitPoints[*]4% JumpHeight[*]4% JumpSpeed[*]Knockback (Mag -8)[*]Knockup (Mag -8)[*]MezResist(Held) 8.8%[*]MezResist(Immobilize) 14.3%[*]MezResist(Sleep) 1.65%[*]MezResist(Stun) 3.85%[*]3.5% (0.06 End/sec) Recovery[*]2.21% Resistance(Fire)[*]2.21% Resistance(Cold)[*]1.26% Resistance(Energy)[*]3.14% Resistance(Negative)[*]4% RunSpeed[/list]
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>| Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
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[ QUOTE ]
From what I have been reading on the boards, it takes an insane amount of inf to make shield defense viable,
[/ QUOTE ]
Viable for what? It just depends on how high you are setting your sights.
If you are wanting to try insane things (as Nihilii said 
) then it can definitely empty your pockets. But it doesn't have to for regular gameplay no. It's very viable for a modest income provided you have modest goals.
By viable I mean does it compare to WP or Regen as a secondary if you dont want to spend a TON of inf or to softcap it.
A day without sunshine is like...you know...night time.
Well what is a TON of inf to you?
My DM/SD build cost me close to 100 Million inf and I used Merits to buy the Numina. But I am softcapped. I can't run the uber attack chain MG-Smite-SL-Smite-Repeat but I'm not trying to solo AV's or Pylons. I am soft capped and have plenty of attacks. What I have here at work is a bit out dated and I am working up a second build that will be stronger and pricier but for a while I plan to be pretty close to this build.
I'm sure I could have gotten by cheaper but when I got into buying mode I acquired everything I was looking for at once. I'm level 33 now and have close to 200 merits banked on the DM/SD so I'm getting my money back. I used another alt to shop with.
Either way, this has done me well on TFs, teaming, and soloing so far.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.401
http://www.cohplanner.com/
[u]Click this DataLink to open the build![u]
Jax black: Level 50 Magic Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Dark Melee
Secondary Power Set: Shield Defense
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Smite -- T'Death-Acc/Dmg(A), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx(3), T'Death-Dmg/Rchg(5), T'Death-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(11), T'Death-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), T'Death-Dam%(42)
Level 1: Deflection -- S'dpty-Def/EndRdx(A), S'dpty-Def/Rchg(7), S'dpty-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(19), S'dpty-Def(23), S'dpty-EndRdx(40), S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(50)
Level 2: Shadow Maul -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(3), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg(5), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx(7), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(15), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(25)
Level 4: True Grit -- Heal-I(A), Heal-I(17), Heal-I(42)
Level 6: Boxing -- Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(45), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(48), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(48), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(48)
Level 8: Siphon Life -- Mako-Acc/Dmg(A), Mako-Dmg/EndRdx(9), Mako-Dmg/Rchg(9), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(13), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(15), Mako-Dam%(25)
Level 10: Active Defense -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(11)
Level 12: Battle Agility -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(13), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(19), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(23), RedFtn-Def(40), RedFtn-EndRdx(42)
Level 14: Swift -- Run-I(A)
Level 16: Combat Jumping -- DefBuff-I(A)
Level 18: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A)
Level 20: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(21), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc(21), P'Shift-End%(46)
Level 22: Phalanx Fighting -- Ksmt-ToHit+(A)
Level 24: Against All Odds -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 26: Soul Drain -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(27), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg(27), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx(37), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(45), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 28: Dark Consumption -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(29), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg(29), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx(34), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(43), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(46)
Level 30: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(31), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(31), RctvArm-ResDam(31), RctvArm-EndRdx(43)
Level 32: Midnight Grasp -- C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx(A), C'ngImp-Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(33), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33), C'ngImp-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(34), Mako-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
Level 35: Shield Charge -- M'Strk-Acc/Dmg(A), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx(36), M'Strk-Dmg/Rchg(36), M'Strk-Acc/EndRdx(36), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(37), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 38: Weave -- RedFtn-Def/EndRdx(A), RedFtn-Def/Rchg(39), RedFtn-EndRdx/Rchg(39), RedFtn-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(39), RedFtn-Def(40), RedFtn-EndRdx(43)
Level 41: Super Jump -- Zephyr-Travel(A), Zephyr-Travel/EndRdx(50), Zephyr-ResKB(50)
Level 44: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(45)
Level 47: Grant Cover -- EndRdx-I(A)
Level 49: One with the Shield -- EndMod-I(A)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Critical Hit
<font class="small">Code:[/color]<hr /><pre>| Copy & Paste this data into Mids' Hero Designer to view the build |
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Poisonous Ice 50 Ice/Rad
Icy Jax 50 Ice/SS
Jaxon Penn 50 Shield/Mace
Cpt Clax 50 Thugs/Dark
Lady BlackIce 50 Dark/Cold
Lady Black Ice 50 Dark/Ice
Bella Jax 50 Storm/Sonic
Operative Jax 50 SoA
Level 50 Trick Arrow Alts
TA/A-Plant/TA-Bots/TA
Level 50 Claws Scrappers
SR-Regen-DA-Invul-WP-FA
<QR> Same boat here, OP. I don't have time to farm, and literally have zero patience for Wentworth's, so I've dug my own grave for inf. Sitting on about 40-45M right now which is probably going to my Illusion controller once she hits 50.
I have a new scrapper in the works, but I'll never be able to IO her out the way people on the forums do, but for what it's worth, my old standby DM/Regen is still using SOs and gets by fine against anything short of burst damage EBs/AVs (Silver Mantis, I'm looking at you. Spikey-[censored] witch.)
From what I have been reading on the boards, it takes an insane amount of inf to make shield defense viable, however the extra damage output it helps with is a huge benefit. Would it be easier/cheaper to just take regen as a secondary? I am looking to roll either a Fire or DM scrapper (I am not fond of weapon draw times).
A day without sunshine is like...you know...night time.