I am going to copy/paste this directly from Grov's Book on the Manual page, but I am also going to add some of my own notes for personal upkeep of the direction I'd like to take in my progression to 70.  I know I am only a measily level 20 now on Gorrgy, but if I can plot my gear progression correctly I should be able to begin my heroics the day I turn 70.  Thus the reason for copying (not plagurizing) Grov's list here.  Eventually I intend to create a quest/level progession list for gathering this gear to have the nearest chance of uncrittable/uncrushable on day 1 for level 70.

 You'll notice here that Grov indicates the need for heavy Stamina for 5mans, the reason for this is the lack of back-up healers.  You traditionally have one healer, and only one.  He can see your life draining away and decide to cast a large heal, or he can see you get smacked three times and DIE from his (or her....) light heal barely making a scratch.  Whether it is regular 5mans, or Heroics.  Get used to this.  Seriously.   Palatanks get so little respec in PUGS because most DPS'ers don't truly understand our mechanics.  Notice I jumped there from Healers.  The reason is Redoubt I can throw up my Seal of Light and be keeping my own health regen up nearly as quickly as the healer can.   The healer can then take the time to learn how much our life does or does not fluctuate.  Pre-Heroics/Raids Critt/Crush change isn't a problem.  Work on your stamina and armor value.  Once you get over 9-10k Armor, the 5mans will go much smoother through to your uncrit/uncrush.  Moving along from Stamina to Spell Damage. 

Shop the Keepers of Time!   You should have purchased the [Continuum Blade], the [Timewarden's Leggings], and the [Glyph of the Defender] from them before you even reach level 70.  KoT was basically tweaked for the beginning Tank to get geared early. 

• Why else would [Andormu's Tear] be the quest reward from the Black Morass? 
• Then we have the [Iron Band of the Unbreakable] and [Uther's Ceremonial Warboots] from Lieutenant Drake in Old Hillsbrad Foothills. (Completeable at 66)
• Next, there's the [Burnoose of Shifting Ages] from Chrono Lord Deja in Black Morass.  (Completeable at 68.  Honestly.  Sta potions, get a Ret pally for Blessing of Kings.  Easy.)
• Finally, there's the [Legplates of the Bold] and the [Legplates of the Righteous]  (Get the Righteous, you have the Timewarden's coming for Raiding.) from Aeonus in Black Morass.

My advice is get a good healer and get all of your KoT rep between 68 and 70.  Don't wait until 70 because the 121 spell damage from the Continuum Blade, and the other assorted items will be getting you well on your way to a viable 5man/Heroic tank.   You won't replace the glyph, the blade, the leggings, or the ring for a long time to come unless you're much luckier than I have been.  Now that is out of the way, let's take a look at Grov's list.  I'm going to try and tweak the list a little for what is 'reasonable' for a poor tankadin, and what you should get so you can go grind cash faster than your Shattered Sun Dailies.  (DO THESE.  Need the Shield.  Badly.)  Finally, I do want to point out for those who may or not have noticed, Grov’s list and my additions will be solely BOE equipment, available through quests, or available through regular 5mans.  The only item I’m going to list outside of this rule of thumb is the shoulders.  You’ll understand why if you keep reading. 

 Now that you're 70 it's time to seriously look at the gear that you can obtain in most non-heroic 5 mans or rep rewards. Oh look, he does point it out……   Haha.  Some things to think about when obtaining gear are stamina, mitigation(avoidance) and spell damage(threat).   

There are few goals that you should really shoot for if you're looking to MT (or really even OT). - 10k HP is a good start for stepping into something like KZ. - 12-13k armor. This equals out to about 53% mitigation (59% if you include the 6% from RF) - 200-250 Spell damage for threat generation. This will take you well through Kara and into some of SSC.  

Pre-Raid Obtainable Gear  

Head -

 

[Tankatronic Goggles] – lvl 70 (crafted) Vendor item.  Expensive to make, but I’m going to include them because they are nearly rated as T4.  I did not originally include them because I assumed the recipe was a raid drop or something similar.  However it is trainable from any Grand Master Trainer at 350, regardless of Gnome Specialization or Goblin Specialization.  These can then be upgraded to [Hard Khorium Goggles] if you are A)TRULY loved by your guild, B)FILTHY RICH, or C) One of the luckiest SOBs on the server.  Average recipe sells for about 7,000g from what I've heard.  That is a long way down the road though.

 

[Felsteel Helm] - lvl 70 (Crafted) I want to note here that the Felsteel helm is a viable Helm, but not the best option for an up-and-coming Tankadin(In MY opinion only.  Many would disagree as the armor is definitely a huge help over the Myrmidon's).  Your money would be better spent on the Oathkeeper's Helm.  Seriously, don't buy this.  If your a Blacksmith, or can get it cheap that's cool.

 

[Oathkeeper's Helm] - lvl 70 (Crafted) This is a wonderful toy, but unfortunately the def is only +15 so it doesn't rate very high towards your 102.4% uncrush.   However, there are three gems slots.  If you can get a +12 Sta in one of them, it wouldn't be all that untoward to have a couple 4/6s or 5/6s.  (Dodge/Sta or Def/Sta).  Then you'll end up needing two of them though.  One properly gemmed for raiding, and the other gemmed for 5mans.  Its whatever.  Good piece.

 

[Myrmidon's Headdress] - lvl 70 (Steamvault quest reward) The Myrmidon's Headdress is awesome when you gem is properly.  It's also like the KoT as it is 'on your way' towards more gear through Cenarion Reputation and Steamvaults. (See 'Neck', 'Chest', and 'Cloak')

 

[Helm of the Righteous] - lvl 70 (Mechanar - Pathaleon the Calculator)  I have added this helm because it is not only a fairly common drop, but with a +spell Gem in the yellow, and a uber-sta meta-gem it becomes a force to be reckoned with for Heroics.  Need those badges.  (Remember, two of the Righteous Set equipped means 15% cheaper Consecration.)           

 [Glyph of the Defender]  Get one for your 5man Helm, and your Raid Helm.  Awesome upgrade, basically free if you run your Shattered Sun Offensive Dailies twice.  

 

Neck -

 

[Strength of the Untamed] lvl 70 (CE Revered)

 

[Steam-Hinge Chain of Valor] lvl 70 (2nd boss of Steamvault) This is a great little neckpiece to pickup while you are farming for your Untamed. 

 

As soon as you can get the untamed, I would recommend wearing it ALL the time.  Strength of the Untamed is good for an avoidance set, while the Steam-Hinge is more along the lines of your aoe 5-man tanking.

 This is a comment I have seen across a few forums from experienced tanks, and it is a valid/viable comment.  However, up-and-coming tankadins should realize/remember that if your gear cannot survive the loss of survivability, stay with the Untamed.  For exampled, if you haven't been able to pickup the Green Bracers of the Fortress or the Sha'tari Wristguards, I would not recommend giving up the Untamed.  Keep this recommendation in mind.   BALANCE YOUR GEAR.   It's great if you have +400 Spell damage going into Heroics, but when you get smacked like a fly on the first pull it doesn't mean diddly.  

 

Shoulders -

 

[Fanblade Pauldrons] Heroic Auchenai Crypts – I list these because Crypts with good CC isn’t the worst Heroic to start with.  (UB, Mech, Crypts.  That order).  Also, these are a common drop and your Badges of Justice will be better spent in other areas such as the waist or boots.  Your Shoulders for Raiding aren’t that vital, and the Nexus-Guard Pauldrons will hold anyone over that doesn’t have to deal with elitist jerks.  “OMFG, he’s wearing a green.  He’s not geared enough.  Tell him t go get geared before trying to come with us!!!”  Yeah, right.  Look at the Def/Arm/Sta/Parry/Block/Dodge stats you see in Arm before you tell me I’m under geared.  Thanks.

 

[Spaulders of the Righteous] lvl 70 (2nd to last boss Botanica) Drop rate = 1 in never.  But keep trying, you need them for 5mans.

 

[Nexus-Guard's Pauldrons] lvl 67 (Quest: Success!)  I can't emphasize enough how underrated these shoulder-guards are.  Yes, I KNOW they are green.  Yes, I SEE the green too.  Please, for the sake of argument, let's call them purple.  Seriously.  Between the Block and the Agi they add 2.84% towards your uncrushability value.  They are also some of the best easy shoulder-guards to get.  (Fine, we'll compare.  [Crystalforge Shoulderguards] from the Void Reaver are only 2.56% from Def/Parry.  Which is better mind you, but nearly full-on raid end-game.  They also have 2 sockets.  But again, full-on end-game.  The Nexus-Guard are easy to get at 67.  Let's get into Kara quickly.    

        Both the Aldor’s and the Scryer’s have good inscriptions for your shoulder-piece.  Get the best one you can for your Heroic and Raid gear.  They are basically free after some rep grind, and a cheap boost towards your 102.4% race.  

 

Chest -

 

[Jade-Skull Breastplate] lvl 70 (2nd boss in Mech) GET THIS.  Like YESTERDAY. 

 

[Breastplate of the Righteous] lvl 70 (Last boss in Steamvaults) 5mans.  Uber.  Keep your Jade-Skull with you though as some healers REALLY suck.

 

[Vindicator's Hauberk] lvl 70 (Revered Aldor) Yes, I know this breastplate is great and all, but let’s discuss Scryer vs Aldor viability for the Tankadin in Volume III.  Might be some information you haven’t thought about.It's really a choice between Jade and Vindicator's.

 While jade has more stam, Vindicators has more total avoidance and if you're having a hard time getting to that 102.4(and you're aldor) I'd suggest going with the Hauberk, but if not I almost always choose stamina over extra avoidance.  

 

Cloak -

 

[Burnoose of Shifting Ages] lvl 70 (First boss BM) You should pick this up while trying to get your KoT up, but if not I wouldn’t fuss. 

 [Devilshark Cape]  This is nearly guaranteed drop from Steamvaults while getting your Cenarion Rep up enough your neckpiece.  Steamvaults should be your main focus until you get the cloak, chest, and neckpiece.  

 

Bracers -

 

 [Bracers of the Green Fortress] lvl 70 Crafted These are usually 250-500g on the AH, but well worth the cost.  Make friends with a Blacksmith.  They’ll usually make them for you just for the price of the mats if your lucky.  You will use these in both Heroics and Raid.

 [Sha'tari Wrought Armguards] lvl 70 (Shadowlab quest reward) For this, I would say save the money and get Green Fortress, they're very good even in raid and the bracers off Attunemen have a really low drop rate.  

 

Gloves -

 

[Thatia's Self-Correcting Gauntlets] lvl 70 (3rd boss Arc)

 

 [Gauntlets of the Righteous] lvl 70 (last boss SH) These will be very useful for Heroics as the +spell and can be paired with either the Helm or the Breastplate to get your two pieces.

 

[Felsteel Gloves] lvl 70 Crafted These are viable, but can vary from 45g to 200g.  If it is more than 100g, I wouldn’t buy them.

 

 [Gauntlets of the Chosen] These can be used until you can either pickup Thatia’s or the Felsteel Gloves for Raiding.Felsteel hands down, with the socket options and stam/armor these are awesome for starting in raid tanking.  

Belt -

 

[Sha'tari Vindicator's Waistguard] lvl (quest) There isn’t much else.  This will probably be one of the first items you’ll spend your badges on after the Libram.  Sad, but true.  Though to be honest, you’ll also pickup some fun stuff in Mech and Bots, so it isn’t all bad.Hands down the best avoidance belt you can get before raiding.

  Grab the quest to get the Arcatraz Key and this is your reward, well worth it. (just to be safe here is where the quest starts)  

 

Leggings -

 

[Felsteel Leggings] lvl 70 Crafted I wouldn’t buy these unless they can be picked up for WAY cheap on the AH.  The Timewarden’s are simply better for both 5mans and Raiding, and the cost is usually the same from the AH to KoT.

 [Timewarden's Leggings] lvl 70 (Keepers of Time Revered) See why I said start farming Kot?Timewarder's will be the best socketed, but if you don't have the rep Felsteel aren't a horrible option.  

 

Boots -

 

[Flesh Beast's Metal Greaves] lvl 66 (Quest)

 

[Boots of the Protector] lvl 70 BoP Crafted The first are probably a little more practical for just starting off, the quest is fairly easy just make sure you don't vendor them thinking you don't need level 66 boots. As for the protectors, it takes a bit of luck, and money. Since they're BoP you can't just find someone with the pattern and nether to make them, I've seen the pattern on AH for as low as 100g before, if you can, grab it. And chances are that all the rep grinding that you'll be doing you'll end up getting a nether or two, if not don't sweat it, the Flesh Greaves will do just fine.

  /agree wholeheartedly.  Like the Waist, there isn’t many options for up-and-coming Tankadins.  This will be the third item you’ll be spending badges on.  Not that there is all that many options there either.  

 

Libram -

 

[Libram of Repentance] This should be your first purchase with badges.  It only costs 15, and worth EVERY one.  You won’t unequip it while raiding for a WHILE. 

 

[Libram of the Eternal Rest] Useful for Heroics, but hard to get.  I mean seriously, how many times do you see ‘LF Tank – Sethekk Halls’?  Pretty much everyone I’ve seen hates that instance……… 

 

Trinket –

 

[Adamantine Figurine] Shadow Labs – 2nd Boss.  This one just won’t drop for me (on Thunderlord).  I’ve ran Slabs at least two dozen times.  It dropped once and a friggin Warlock rolled on it “for pvp”.  I told the group we either restarted the instance or I was gone (He was from their guild), so I LEFT!   I mean, that was just cold.

 

[Figurine of the Colossus] Shattered Halls – YOU NEED THIS.  I don’t care if your T6 out, this item should still be with you at all times, especially if you choose to heed my advice about Scryers.  We’ll discuss just how awesome it is in Vol III.

 

[Dabiri's Enigma] (lvl 68 Quest) – This one is at the end of a long quest chain, but easier by far to pickup than the Slabs drop.  The RARE Slabs drop.  It pairs well with the Adamantine Figurine, so I would pick it up fairly early. 

 

Also, look for some “Use: +XXX Spell Damage” Trinkets.  The one from the Zang quest (I’ll get it later) is nice.  These will have nothing to do with your Heroics/Raiding, but I’ll explain in Vol III.  I’ll also try and have a few viable suggestions.  For example, the [Glowing Crystal Insignia] is an easy one to pickup as you level.  For what I plan to explain in Vol III, the [Eye of Magtheridon] is unrivaled, but you won't have it.  We'll get into a few more examples later.

 

Shield –

 

[Dawnforged Defender] Get your

 

[Sunward Crest]            Shattered Sun rep up starting at 70 

 [Shield of the Wayward Footman] LEVEL 65!!!!  Yeah, start looking for it on the Auction House from level 50 on.  Usually goes for around 50g.  WELL worth it, since you’ll use it well into your 70s.  Its just as viable as most of the other’s available. You can pickup the Sha’tar reward if you’ve farmed enough rep with them ([Crest of the Sha'tar]) cause it is just pretty, but that is A LOT of rep to farm from instances that you don’t need that many items from to get Raid/Heroic ready.   This is a nice step for Raiding after you start running Heroics though.  Mechanar IS one of the easiest Heroics.  

Weapon –

 

 [Seeker's Gavel] This is viable in place of the Continuum Blade, but I wouldn’t recommend it starting out because it’s not gonna proc your BoW nearly as many times.  Viable as a ‘switch-to’ weapon throughout Heroics though. 

 [Continuum Blade] Oh yeah. Seriously on the weapons though.  Many Tankadin’s are griped at for Needing massive +spell one hander’s throughout Heroics/Raid, but if you can draw your threat gen nearly SOLEY from your weapon, doesn’t that make it easier on all those caster’s in the long run?  Be selfish.  Your weapon’s +spell will be the deciding factor for a while on whether your viable to keep threat.   

Gems – Minium +12Sta for your blues.  Don't really care about socket bonuses.  AT ALL. Stack the Stam.   If your curious whether I know what I'm talking about for an 'up-and-coming' tankadin, do a quick search for Narcomon.  He's mine, and the only one on any server.  ;)  Notice the green shoulders, but then notice the defense. ........   Course, it would be funny if I had my Righteous Gloves/Chest on instead of my Felsteel Gloves/Jade-Skull Breastplate when writing this.............     That only puts my def at 471 if memory serves, but with enough Sta/+spell to be mostly viable to start my Heroics.   With my Jadeskull and Felsteel Gloves though I'm sitting right at 494, over 12k armor, and over 10.5k health.   Well ladies and gents.  That about covers some of my thoughts and ideas for now.  We'll look at updating again later.