So..another tanker .. oh ya..

So just dinged myself my 6th Tanker at 50. Im trying to get all shields to 50, but i have repeated some shields already, but im getting there... so now, my next project is going to be a Stone Tank. Iv had several of these in the past and couldnt stand it, but over the years, iv watched friends have them, and learned things, so im willing to give another one to go. So iv been playing around in Mids, and a Stone/Dark looks fun.. Soul drain to help the -dmg from Granite, have a +End power..not much for AoEs, but had thoughts of maybe Pyre Epic, and picking up Spring Attack from Leaping Pool Powerset.

Tanks which i still need to get to 50 : Shield, Willpower, Dark Armor, Super Reflexes.
I have a DM/DA Scrap at 50, and i know how DA is a end hog, so i kinda dont want to go down that road, so i may avoid it til last.. if at all... As for SR, i see that as more of a Scrapper powerset, not a tanks.. plus i already have a Kat/SR Scrap at 50.. Willpower im open to try, same as Shield, even know i have a Shield Brute at 50, im willing to try it as a Tank.

Im looking for build suggestions, or tips.. Like i have no idea how to IO a Stoner, cuz with both Res and DEF, if i have Granite, do i still want to softcap? Is DM even a good Secondary?.. Also i have a Fire/SS Tank, and I dont really want SS again, Rage kinda pisses me off, but i love the set.. just hate the -dmg ..

Never played a Stone either, but just some aside comments on your remaining unleveled list.

Dark Armor is very nice on a tank. Used to be one of my favorites.

I really like my SR tank, you cap def without thinking about it and can focus on other aspects of the build. Burst damage is a risk, but your confidence at all levels and difficulties is never unjustified.

I'll just throw in another vote for Dark Armor, though Dechs pretty much laid out the reasons. I'll just say that it's by far my favorite Tanker. Well, Tankers, since I have two and will probably make a third DA tank soon.

I collect tanks. In order for me to ever make another Stone (my first was stone/EM...yikes), it would have to be very fun to play to make up for penalties to recharge and dmg while in Granite. While I love DM and my lead elec/dm do anything tank is my favorite of all, I would go another route unless you simply want to be even tougher.

For me, I like Fire melee with stone. Give that a shot and run a few DFBs to see how you like Fire Melee.

GL

Dark Armor's "endurance issues" can be worked around with proper slotting, and/or IOing.

Stone Armor: you can create a build that lives outside of Granite for the most part. Focus on +runspeed, +recharge, soft capping S/L/E/N and Psi. Plus lots of endurance management of course.