WOW:pre-Naxx tank gear guide

This is a list of some of the better Lv80 pre-Naxxramas plate tank gear that you can get by simple questing, the Auction House (AH), BOE crafting or reputation rewards up to 'revered'. The guide applies to Warrior, Paladin and Death Knight tanks. The following list will give you the best ways to tank gear guide: 

Target Stats
The primary aim of the items listed is to increase stamina, defense, dodge/parry and armor. 540 defense is the target value to minimize crit chance against you. Once you hit 540 you should be aiming for a good balance between armor, stamina and avoidance (dodge+parry). From a threat generation perspective, strength, expertise, hit and block value will come naturally with the gear you collect. The head, chest, legs and shield contribute most to the tanking stats so aim to get these sorted above all else. Unbuffed 20k armor, 20k health and 30% dodge+parry is a good target for entry-level Naxxramas.

Gem Selection
Recommended green quality jewels are Perfect Regal Shadow Crystal (red slots), Perfect Enduring Dark Jade (yellow slots) and Perfect Solid Chalcedony (blue slots). Remember that you do not have to match the jewel color to the slot color and you only give up the socket bonus if you take this approach. Suggested gems are shown as a guide only for each socketable item. Better quality gems are recommended if you can afford them.

Other Comments
The Wyrmrest Accord reputation rewards provide many quality tanking items. You are encouraged to concentrate on getting to 'revered' as quickly as possible. The next reputation to aim for is Argent Crusade (revered) so that you can pick up the best head enchant.

*Highly recommended items - generally better than 5-man instance boss drops