Melee thought process
 

Very curious question.

I see items like the hammered hoop which is like -18 ac but gives you lots of hp and some mr.

How is this better worse than alternatives.
Want to understand the thought process.

I can see how against bosses who essentially never miss you unless you parry/dodge/block/riposte, that nothing but hit points for a better complete heal makes sense. so super high end stuff?

I could see wearing it on an aoe heavy fight where you aren't taking physical hits I guess?

Personally I wouldn't think the AC loss is worth it as a monk.

Isnt most damage a melee going to take on a raid from Aoe's yea?

But wouldn't you wear resist gear in those instances?

You would also consider where you are in relation to the AC softcap for your class. If you're well over the softcap already, and you're a non-plate class with a low over-cap return on AC, then the practical effect of losing 15 item AC may be outstripped by the benefit of gaining 75 hp.

depends how much u got!