Guild Wars 2

For pvp and wvw, I am increasingly wondering if taking an offhand shield is better than a second pistol.

I do get the value of the blocks and blast. However, when running groups. . . .

1) Do you find there are enough blast finishers? I do.
2) Is a block for 1 second better than a glue shot to trap runners?
3) Is a projectile block that won’t allow movement as valuable as a long burn?

I go back and forth (use shield now more) and would like other people’s opinions.

What are the situations in which you say “I sure am glad I had that shield” and what are the situations for those taking an offhand pistol that you say the same?

if you have a lot of burning, take shield. if you don’t have a lot of burning, take pistol.

Bombsaway.7198:

For pvp and wvw, I am increasingly wondering if taking an offhand shield is better than a second pistol.

I do get the value of the blocks and blast. However, when running groups. . . .

1) Do you find there are enough blast finishers? I do.
2) Is a block for 1 second better than a glue shot to trap runners?
3) Is a projectile block that won’t allow movement as valuable as a long burn?

I go back and forth (use shield now more) and would like other people’s opinions.

What are the situations in which you say “I sure am glad I had that shield” and what are the situations for those taking an offhand pistol that you say the same?

Shield 4—so good for blasting smoke bomb. It won’t reveal you even if you hit something, so you can knockback/stealth/healing turret for a nice getaway, usually. Projectile reflect is not worth using, except vs. longbow rangers.
Shield 5—incredibly strong skill, very strong offensively and defensively.

Pistol 4—burning is good.
Pistol 5—useful for landing a quick shrapnel grenade or sometimes when trying to disengage.

Personally, I don’t think I’d use shield if I didn’t have bomb kit, but they’re both good in any build.