Sorry about semi-digging this up, but I'd rather not make a new thread.

Anyone think this would be useful to a smiter if upgraded to Vortex Shield?

Not really, there no stats that are actualy good on it.

True. Ethereal Zak would own it.

My pala is pretty strong but wut pisses me off is these people being little sh*ts. I can't hit them and they can kill me in 1 hit.
Nothing hits except smite but that doesn't do much damage. Wut would be the best arua eva to use to beat down those freakish people. If i eva did hit them I would be blasted with some much sh*t. 1 word i think, Cheaters

smite damg on a shield doesnt matter if the shield is ethereal thus leaving an upgraded HoZ to be THE BEST smite shield possible, doesnt matter if its ethereal in fact i recomend YOU AVOID USING an ethereal shield at all, a few hundred points more to defense doesnt do too much and u lose a socket to zod unless your shield has repair self on it.

Upgraded Perfect HoZ (Eth) 868.5 Def
Upgraded Perfect HoZ 507 Def

The different might not be much, but after lv 30 Holy Shield:
Upgraded Perfect HoZ (Eth) ~4860 Def
Upgraded Perfect HoZ 2839 Def

If you decided to put 1 in Defiance (with lv 30 Holy Shield):
Upgraded Perfect HoZ (Eth) ~4991 Def
Upgraded Perfect HoZ 2915 Def

There is quite a difference, but it is really up to the dueler to decide whether or not they'd need more defense.

The Exile shield is what im seeing mostly for smite-a-dins these days. They are using an ethreal vortex shield

15% Chance To Cast Level 5 Life Tap On Striking
Level 13-16 Defiance Aura When Equipped (varies)
+2 To Offensive Auras (Paladin Only)
+30% Faster Block Rate
Freezes Target
+220-260% Enhanced Defense (varies)
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Cold Resist
+5% To Maximum Fire Resist
25% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items
Repairs 1 Durability in 4 Seconds

its maddness the dmg they do, around 3200 each hit

Mainly because of the higher Defense, Resist, and Life Tap. Well, Life Tap can be helpful.