As a lancer/Dragoon, is there a reason not to wear the armor with much higher Defense/Magic Defense?

[Chezident]

So I'm leveling my Dragoon (just hit 30 this afternoon and got the Soul a few minutes ago) and I'm kind of confused--the game has armor for the lancer at level 28-30, etc. that seems vastly inferior to the iron armor I got at 28-ish. It has *much* higher def than even the level 30 armor I can buy from the Immortal Flames using company seals (I like Ul'dah better than the other two places for traveling around in, I know, I know, not the best GC for lancer.)

So--am I missing something? I'm completely new to the game but that defense boost seems MASSIVE and the stat bonuses don't seem TOO much lower.

[Gabby]

There's really no real reason to look at armor values as a DPS.

[Eddie]

Dont look at defense, look at the strength value. Defense is for tank roles.

[Chezident]

Understood. I wonder why it's in the game?

[Gabby]

Originally posted by Artorias:

Understood. I wonder why it's in the game?

Because it's simply cross compatible gear also useful to tank classes. Store it to use later.

[Chezident]

Got it. Thank you!

[Vulkax]

sometimes a higher defence is better for solo play, but for grouped play always try to max out your strength/crit/skill-speed values.

[Chezident]

Yeah, I've been focusing on trying to improve crits and skill speed.

[Katcher]

Defense doesn't matter for a DPS really. Ofc all gear will have it to soften the damage you take but what you really should be focusing on is the stats it applies to your attributes. Strength being your main stat as a melee DPS.

You really shouldn't worry about the benefits armour and weapons apply till endgame honestly since your gear will be changing all the time. Just make sure your getting armour that's close or exactly your level for now.

EDIT: What I mean by Defense doesn't matter is that it's a stat you need not focus or worry about.