WotLK Classic Protection Warrior Pre-Raid Gear

In this guide we go over the different gear available for Protection Warriors before entering Raids in Wrath of the Lich King Classic. We will offer multiple different pieces as some can be expensive or very rare to obtain. Some slots have multiple "best" items that can change depending on your other gear choices. Phase 2 moves previous 10-man raid gear into heroics, making it very easy to gear up.

Rank	Item
Best	Heroes' Dreadnaught Greathelm
Great	Thane's Tainted Greathelm
Good	Tempered Titansteel Helm

You will want to complete your 2-set bonus as soon as possible and the helm is a great option for that.

Rank	Item
Best	Drakescale Collar
Great	Medallion of the Disgraced
Great	Chained Military Gorget
Great	Titanium Earthguard Chain

It is not recommended to spend Emblems of Conquest on anything but best in slot gear, so you will want to grab one of these necks instead.

Rank	Item
Best	Abomination Shoulderblades
Best	Heroes' Dreadnaught Pauldrons
Great	Wapach's Spaulders of Solidarity

You will want to complete your 2-set bonus as soon as possible. If you are using other gear pieces for your 2-set then Abomination Shoulderblades offer a nice Hit Rating boost.

Rank	Item
Best	Platinum Mesh Cloak
Best	Gale-Proof Cloak
Good	Durable Nerubhide Cape

Platinum Mesh Cloak is a great cloak that can be picked up easily with Emblem of Valor.

Rank	Item
Best	Heroes' Dreadnaught Breastplate
Great	Massive Skeletal Ribcage

You do not have many choices for your chest piece. Ideally you will want your tier chest to complete your 2-set bonus, and it offers a very high stat line.

Rank	Item
Best	Bracers of Dalaran's Parapets
Good	Minion Bracers

Bracers of Dalaran's Parapets are bind on equip, allowing you to purchase them from other players, making them your ideal choice.

Rank	Item
Best	Heroes' Dreadnaught Handguards
Great	Gauntlets of the Master

Your glove choices are very limited this phase. Ideally you want your tier gloves for the Expertise as well as to complete your 2-set bonus.

Rank	Item
Best	Shieldwarder Girdle
Great	Indestructible Plate Girdle
Great	Waistguard of the Tutor

Shieldwarder Girdle is not only your best in slot pre-raid option if you can get the emblems easily, but it is best for the phase as well. Grab whatever you can in the meantime till you can buy yours.

Rank	Item
Best	Legplates of Inescapable Death
Great	Heroes' Dreadnaught Legguards

Your leg choices are somewhat limited, grab whatever you can get. Tier legs are great for completing either 2-set or 4-set bonus.

Rank	Item
Best	Spiked Deathdealers
Great	Kyzoc's Ground Stompers
Good	Plague-Impervious Boots

Spiked Deathdealers might be rather expensive to make, so you may want to grab one of the alternative choices.

Rank	Item
Best	Signet of the Impregnable Fortress
Best	Deflection Band
Best	Signet of the Accord
Great	Titanium Earthguard Ring

You have plenty of rings to choose from this phase. Any of the rings above will last you till you can get into Ulduar raids.

Rank	Item
Best	Essence of Gossamer
Best	Figurine - Monarch Crab
Best	Figurine - Ruby Hare
Great	Gnomeregan Auto-Blocker 600
Great	Repelling Charge

Phase 1 did not have any real tank trinkets in raids, as such, your trinket choices have not really changed from before. Having the Jewelcrafting profession provides you with 2 high stamina trinkets that will last till you can get your Phase 2 best in slot.

Rank	Item
Best	Slayer of the Lifeless
Great	Hailstorm

There are not many tank weapons available from old 10-man raids, limiting your options greatly. Aim to grab whatever you can, ideally something with Defense Rating on it.

Rank	Item
Best	Barricade of Eternity
Great	The Skull of Ruin
Good	Titansteel Shield Wall

You have a couple of great shields available easily. Grab whichever you can and it will last you till you can get into Ulduar.

Rank	Item
Best	Armor Plated Combat Shotgun

There are really no ranged weapon options for tanks from Phase 1. Craft your Armor Plated Combat Shotgun as soon as possible as it offers massive stats and will last you a very long time.

For a list of recommended enchants in Wrath of the Lich King, check out our Protection Warrior Enchants guide.