Build comparison/critique

Hi all,

Ok, I'm deciding between two builds. Both are done primarily for theme. I play mostly solo with some duoing with a friend and occasional teaming. So why a tanker? Because for theme he should be tough--he's like a solar-themed Superman (not solar-powered like Superman, but with actual sun powers--hence fire/energy). I only play the role of a primary tanker in a pinch, so I don't have taunt.

In both builds, some of my choices may seem odd, but that's because sometimes they are for theme. I like the first build with Combat Jumping and Rise of the Phoenix best, but if the second build with Hasten and Blazing Aura is going to be a lot more powerful, I may go with it. I'm not a fan of the "cush, cush, cush" Blazing Aura, but I know it's a great power. I hate face-planting and I love RotP, so I like the extra defense and the "you thought you had me, didn't you?" button on the first build, but, like I said, if the second is just going to be tons more powerful, I may go with it.

So, my questions are:

1) Will the second build be significantly more powerful in actual game play?

2) Did I make any BIG mistakes, like unrealistic endurance or too little accuracy/to hit buff?

3) Any general suggestions?

Thanks guys!

Build #1

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.953
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

THE PRIME CELESTIAL: Level 50 Science Tanker
Primary Power Set: Fiery Aura
Secondary Power Set: Energy Melee
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Power Pool: Leaping
Ancillary Pool: Pyre Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Fire Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(43), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(43), RctvArm-EndRdx:40(46)
Level 1: Barrage -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(40), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(40), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(43)
Level 2: Healing Flames -- Mrcl-Heal:40(A), Mrcl-Heal/Rchg:40(5), Mrcl-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:40(5), RechRdx-I:50(37)
Level 4: Fly -- Zephyr-ResKB:50(A)
Level 6: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(37)
Level 8: Consume -- Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg:50(A), Efficacy-EndMod/Acc/Rchg:50(9), RechRdx-I:50(9)
Level 10: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Def:50(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(11), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(11), Ksmt-ToHit+:30(46)
Level 12: Plasma Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(13), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(13), RctvArm-EndRdx:40(34)
Level 14: Tactics -- Rec'dRet-ToHit:20(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg:20(15), ToHit-I:50(15)
Level 16: Whirling Hands -- Erad-%Dam:30(A), Erad-Dmg:30(17), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(17), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(34), RechRdx-I:50(34)
Level 18: Burn -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(19), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(19), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(31), RechRdx-I:50(31)
Level 20: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(21), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(21), RctvArm-EndRdx:40(27)
Level 22: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def:50(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(23), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(23)
Level 24: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Def:50(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(25), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(25)
Level 26: Fiery Embrace -- RechRdx-I:50(A), RechRdx-I:50(27)
Level 28: Build Up -- Rec'dRet-ToHit:20(A), Rec'dRet-Pcptn:20(29), RechRdx-I:50(29), RechRdx-I:50(31)
Level 30: Temperature Protection -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A)
Level 32: Rise of the Phoenix -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(33), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(33), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(33)
Level 35: Energy Transfer -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(36), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(36), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(36), RechRdx-I:50(37)
Level 38: Total Focus -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(39), RechRdx-I:50(40)
Level 41: Ring of Fire -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:50(42), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(42), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(42)
Level 44: Fire Blast -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg:50(A), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:50(45), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(45)
Level 47: Fire Ball -- Posi-Dam%:50(A), AirB'st-Dmg/Rchg:50(48), Det'tn-Dmg/Rchg:50(48), JavVoll-Acc/Dmg/End/Rech:50(48)
Level 49: Melt Armor -- Achilles-ResDeb%:20(A), ShldBrk-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg:30(50), AnWeak-Acc/Rchg/EndRdx:50(50), RechRdx-I:50(50)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 50: Reactive Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Pyronic Radial Final Judgement
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I:50(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(A)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg:50(3), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc:50(3), P'Shift-End%:50(46)

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Welcome to the tank forums.

First of all, I'm a big, big fan of Damage Auras, if the set has one. Although they're usually minor ticks of damage those add up in a big way. If you took hero stats and looked, you'd find that your aura would be either your second or first in total dps compared to all of your other attacks. On top of that, Blazing Aura does more damage, at base numbers, then the other damage auras so I personally would never skip it.

Secondly, I'm not a big fan of of either Tactics or Maneuvers on tanks. The endurance cost for what you get in return doesn't feel like a "win-win" to me. For example: Combat Jumping, on a tank, give you better defense (2.5%) for .07 end/sec compared to Maneuvers (2.28%) at .39 end/sec. I can see getting Tactics for the +perception and +confuse/fear resistance, but not for the +to hit. (Even that would be a hard sell for me.) I can build enough +acc /+to hit in the build without needing the extra from Tactics.

Thirdly, I'd probably stop at 3 slots in Stamina and throw the fourth into Health. A lovely Numina's unique would end up there. You'll get more recovery with the Numina then the 4th slot in Stamina, even with the recovery set bonus from the P-Shifter.

While I'm not a fan of either of your builds because of Maneuvers/Tactics, I'd personally never skip the damage aura. So if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd take the one with Blazing Aura.

Thanks, Rangle,

I did what you said with the stamina/health and ended up with better end numbers. I hear what you are saying about the Leadership pool, and it's a tough call, but I play at +4 alot and I'm a perception/to hit buff junkie. The only thing I hate as much as face-planting is missing. So, I have to take SOMETHING to get tactics, and Maneuvers gets me very close to the "one small purple from soft-cap" in E/NE defense.

Ok, so IF I'm sold on Blazing Aura vs RotP, then what about CJ vs Hasten. I could still take CJ and get desirable Immob Res and even better defense (so less face-planting) really cheap. But, does the effect that Hasten has on Healing Flames trump that for survivability--plus helping with slow recharge powers? If so then that seems to win though I loves me my defense. Oh, and I can't take both, not enough room for both pools.

Thanks!

This would be closer to what I'd play. Personally I'd switch out Melt Armor for Taunt, and get Taunt much earlier in the build. I'm in the camp that Taunt isn't always required, but I do like having it as a tool in my arsenal.

This is by no means perfect, but hopefully it will give you some ideas and directions that you can use.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.953
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

THE PRIME CELESTIAL: Level 50 Science Tanker
Primary Power Set: Fiery Aura
Secondary Power Set: Energy Melee
Power Pool: Flight
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Speed
Ancillary Pool: Pyre Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Blazing Aura -- Erad-%Dam(A), Erad-Dmg(43), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(46), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(46), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(46)
Level 1: Barrage -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(40), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(43), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(43)
Level 2: Fire Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(5), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg(23), RctvArm-ResDam(37)
Level 4: Fly -- Zephyr-ResKB(A)
Level 6: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 8: Healing Flames -- Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx(A), Dct'dW-EndRdx/Rchg(9), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(9), Dct'dW-Heal(34), Dct'dW-Rchg(50)
Level 10: Consume -- Erad-Acc/Rchg(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(11), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(11), Efficacy-EndMod/Rchg(31)
Level 12: Plasma Shield -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(13), RctvArm-ResDam(13), RctvArm-EndRdx(34)
Level 14: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx(A), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(15), RctvArm-ResDam(15), RctvArm-EndRdx(33)
Level 16: Whirling Hands -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(17), Erad-Dmg/Rchg(17), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx(33), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(33)
Level 18: Burn -- Oblit-Dmg(A), Oblit-Acc/Rchg(19), Oblit-Dmg/Rchg(19), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(25), Oblit-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(27), Oblit-%Dam(31)
Level 20: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(21), LkGmblr-Rchg+(21), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg(34)
Level 22: Combat Jumping -- Ksmt-ToHit+(A), Krma-ResKB(23)
Level 24: Hasten -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(25)
Level 26: Fiery Embrace -- RechRdx-I(A), RechRdx-I(27)
Level 28: Build Up -- Rec'dRet-ToHit(A), Rec'dRet-Pcptn(29), RechRdx-I(29), RechRdx-I(31)
Level 30: Temperature Protection -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), S'fstPrt-ResKB(40)
Level 32: Rise of the Phoenix -- RechRdx-I(A)
Level 35: Energy Transfer -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(36), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(36), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(36), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(37)
Level 38: Total Focus -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(39), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(39), C'ngImp-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(40)
Level 41: Ring of Fire -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(42), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(42)
Level 44: Fire Blast -- Thundr-Acc/Dmg(A), Thundr-Dmg/Rchg(45), Thundr-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(45), Thundr-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(45)
Level 47: Fire Ball -- Posi-Dam%(A), Posi-Acc/Dmg(48), Posi-Dmg/EndRdx(48), Posi-Dmg/Rchg(48)
Level 49: Melt Armor -- Achilles-ResDeb%(A), ShldBrk-Acc/EndRdx/Rchg(50), RechRdx-I(50)
Level 0: Freedom Phalanx Reserve
Level 0: Task Force Commander
Level 0: The Atlas Medallion
Level 0: Portal Jockey
Level 50: Reactive Radial Flawless Interface
Level 50: Pyronic Radial Final Judgement
Level 50: Agility Core Paragon
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 1: Sprint -- ULeap-Stlth(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 4: Ninja Run
Level 2: Swift -- Flight-I(A)
Level 2: Health -- Mrcl-Rcvry+(A), Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(3)
Level 2: Hurdle -- Jump-I(A)
Level 2: Stamina -- P'Shift-EndMod(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Rchg(3), P'Shift-End%(5)

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I see that u want survivability but it is hard to tank when you get KBed both your builds only had 4 KB protection. Most end game content has more then 4 KB. Like rangle I am also a big fan of the damage auras on a fire tank. One of my fav tanks is a FA/Fire tank. I can tank Hami on it. But like a few things rangle said I would do.