Info/opinions from people leveling Paladins, please

[Savistik]

So my pally is level 71 and he's prot right now, but I was thinking of changing him to ret for some fun and to give it a try.

For you that are leveling past 70 and those that are 80, how does ret stack up against the ever-present need for tanks (i.e. prot) for getting groups? How about leveling? Is it as easy or at least close to tank elite mobs to do those group 2 and group 3 quests solo like it is for prot? Does the extra dps overcome the lessened endurance or maybe go faster (since ret dps is pretty wicked good)?

Anyway, thanks for the info. Just trying to throw a bit of variety into the mix, while sticking with my strengths (i.e. dps, smackdown, lowering the boom, whatever you want to call it).

[satanstesticles]

well, as a DPS pally, its harder to find groups compared to tank/heals which are in need in pickup groups...

speccing ret is nice, obviously ur gona hit like a truck , but you need to keep in mind that you are going to be more squishy compared to Prot spec... i mean you still have heals and bubbles, so thats nice

i think it really comes down to what kinda player you want to be. Ret was the way to go originally for questing, because prot spec was way underpowered. but now that they have evened out the specs, and prot is nicer for PVE, its really up to you what you want to spec...

[Teidilu]

I'm Prot, but because that is more my style of playing. I have always believed in just playing what makes you happy. Isn't that why we all play? There is always room for you somewhere no matter what your specs are.

But on the part of you asking if it is easier to get groups as a tank pally compared to a dps Pally... I get more /tells for a dps or healer from pick up groups...asking if I am, then not needed when they find out I am prot. In fact I can't remember the last time, out side the guild, that I was asked if I was a prot. But I am not changing =)

Now, I don't know if it is easier to solo as a Ret past 70, because it has been a while since I last played a Ret. I was Ret from lvl 1 to about 45.

Respec, try it out. See what one you like playing. :)

[Barodahn]

Well I don't pug so I can't answer too well on how ret stacks up for getting groups but most of the groups I have been in have been pleased with the dps I bring.

Ret is a fun spec but it does have its limitations. Its not the uber mode class some think it is. You won't be soloing elites as easily as ret as you do protection, you lack the mitigation and health that prot has. Not saying it can't be done, it can, you just got to work your abilities a bit harder. You also need to watch your mana. Go all out and you can run out of mana in boss fights. No mana means really decreased dps. A healer who is used to playing with a ret helps. Those heals tossed your way also recharge your mana as you know. Carry mana pots for boss fights just in case. I don't have to use them often but nice just in case.

What ret brings to a group

Very Nice DPS
A good, versatile CC in repentence
Buffs (Blessings, Auras, +crit and haste)
Mana Regen
Emergency Heals (LoH, HoP, maybe a heal or 2 before mana goes bye bye)

[Palehorse]

Also worth mentioning: if you're going to be Ret (especially in groups/raids), don't worry about wearing plate all the time. There are some nice chain, leather, and cloth pieces out there that can really boost dps so keep an eye out for em.

[Torf]

I am leveling a paladin currently, since I'm kinda disapointed by rogues at level 80. Anyways, I did Nexus in a guild group last night and there were three pallys there. Me, Kahneld (dao) and Teidilu (sorry, I can't spell :-). I thought it went really well.

Anyways, I was the ret there, the other two was Protection. I'm really enjoying ret so far. I'm currently experimenting with using Seal of Blood in groups instead of seal of command. I can do more damage, but I have to be much more on the ball as far as watching my health, since my attacks damage me. We'll see how that goes.

My current plan at 80 is to go back and forth between Ret and Holy, espeically once the dual specs goes in. But I like the idea of having flexibility with my class.

Torf