calculating defense and chance to be hit

[WarriorWalrus]

Ok, I will try it again.

The character is currently using:
rare hydraskull ......def 310 (etheral but repairs durability)
venom grip gloves def 112
goblin toe ..............def 33
sacred rondache.....def 161
gloldwrap ...............def 35
-------------------------------------
total ......................def 651

The character is currently in nightmare; in hell, the belt in particular may change but will not necessarly change in defense much. (I will probably need some more resists, I may have to use a magic plated belt of some kind)

So, the total defense would be.............................including bonuses from holy shield (+100%) and merc (+240%)
with origional armor 815 + 651 = 1466........................6450
with upgraded armor 1445 + 651 = 2096....................9222

and the chance to be hit would be (level 85 hell lord and character, AR = 6134)
with origional armor 48.7%
with upgraded armor 39.9%

for a difference of (48.7-39.9)/48.7 = 18%

So I am being hit 18% less - but the shield would have blocked 75% of those hits anyway. I am now thinking that the best course will be to leave the armor alone and put the points into vitality.

Thanks for the help!

WarriorWalrus