Prot or Ret for leveling?

Hey,

which of these two is the best spec for leveling until lvl 55?

When I say best, I mean which can level up the fastest, pull the most mobs and kill them, do solo group quests etc.

I only need this char to level 55 so I can make a DK.

Retribution? It deals more damage?

Retribution + Strength gear = Easy leveling

You have several abilities to protect yourself if things get messy.

Retribution:
- more dmg
- less "downtime" (PoJ, Benediction, SoC glyph, later JotW)
- 1H + shield + RF and you can easily tank dungeons if needed

I only wish more Rets would realize the use of keeping a 1H + shield in their bags. I have always, always done this on the warriors I've leveled and I just cannot imagine leveling a warr without having these in my bags. I guess the lack of shield-requiring abilities is the reason for this behaviour for Rets.

Can you expound why? I do this but just because I want to try if 1H + Sword is still fast for killing mobs. With my ret pally (43), if I want to last long and auto attack to death I use sword and shield + seal of healing

Because keeping a 1H + shield in your bags basically lets you tank dungeons on low level. Simple as that.

I have a 54 Ret on Lord and he has been carrying a shield since the lvl 1 buckler shield. I cannot imagine switching to 2H now because it is stupid.

While levelling, I need all the extra armor I can get, since I use Ret Aura. I tend to pull 3-4 mobs way above my level (at least 3+), so I do not want to lose dps to heal myself.

Flash of Light is enough to keep you in check during leveling. The main purpose of carrying a shield & one-hand is to be able to deal with +5 mobs situations and tank low level dungeons.

Retribution:
more dmg fast heal and easier