Vertex or alpha Howl?

I'm thinking of replacing my Three Dragon's mask with either Alpha Howl (which I already own) or Vertex Vaal mask. I started out wanting something that would help the aura's (Grace and hatred) I'm running on my my marauder build and allow me to squeeze in Tempest Shield - which would be handy on a few fronts, not least as I'm aiming to max out my blocking and it would thus help save me a node or two on the skill tree that I could use elsewhere.

Alpha Howl allows me to do this, and like a lot of people when I first laid my eyes on Vertex I went 'halle-fricking-lujah' and though it offered up the same. I've since read all the brouhaha surrounding it, as well as GGG's correction of the issue, but it still has a lot that appeals - it just doesn't help squeeze in TS.

Either of them present a headache in terms of making up the resistances lost via the two rings and gloves (everything else is locked in and exactly where I want it for this build) so I'm trying to figure out which way to go, ignoring the price difference between the two.

On the face of it Alpha Howl seems the best fit, because it has +2 to Vertex's +1 for auras. It also offers up almost the same amount of evasion. It allows for TS via the 8% reservation reduction - Vertex doesn't. Plus it helps on the resistances by at least matching the amount for cold lost with the Three Dragons mask, meaning I only have to make up Fire and Lightning - a big difference in cost when you're looking for high dual res on other gear to make it up, instead of high res on three resistances. The other benefits to AH also aren't to be sneezed at.

Vertex on the other hand would practically double my existing energy resources with some numbers that can't really be sneezed at, the boost to chaos resistance is certainly handy (even though I typically ignore it anyway!) and the 50% reduction in mana cost would certainly appeal, though at this stage I'm not quite sure where it would be of most benefit. As for the TS aspect, I could always chase a few appropriate nodes on the tree (like Sovereignty) to get the mana reservation down and allow me to use TS.

Any thoughts?

For auras, go with Alpha's Howl. Vertex is going to be changed so the mana reduction doesn't affect auras.

Fair enough. I guess I misread what he was asking.

If you're using Grace, Hatred, and Tempest Shield, you're not really gaining that much benefit from the +2 Auras in Alpha's Howl. Grace gains a decent amount of evasion from the extra level, but the others don't. I'm also pretty sure Tempest Shield doesn't even count as an aura, so it's not gaining any levels in Alpha's Howl.

If the reduced mana cost from Vertex is noticeable in your build, then you'd definitely be better off using that. It's a much more expensive item though, so you have to consider whether the orbs you spend buying a Vertex could be better used for upgrading your other gear.

Hi again,
as Vipermagi said, I was aware that Vortex wouldn't actually affect the amount reserved - even though it did do that for a short time after release until the mistake was corrected.

Bear in mind that I'm not looking for an aura 'boost' from Alpha Howl for Tempest Shield - just the ability to squeeze it in thanks to 8% reduction in AH. You're right, it isn't an aura, though it functions like one in terms of the manner in which it takes a slice of the mana reserve for itself. I've already tested Alpha Howl out and there's a serviceable amount of mana left over once Hatred, Grace and TS have kicked in, though I'd be looking to add to the amount there. I just can't use AH at the moment until I'm sure I want to go that way, and until I can make up for the lost resistances through more gear purchases.

Just one other question. By bumping up the auras, do I also get slugged the extra penalty on Dex. that you would normally incur by going up levels? Every other gem I have is leveled to 19 or better, but Grace I've had to leave at 14 because of Dex. issues. Hopefully that gets resolved as I get my levels up a few more notches (currently at 80) but for now it's an issue.

Cost-wise I'm not really concerned. One I have - via a drop - the other I can afford if need be. I almost wish I could borrow a Vertex for a field test so I can make some direct comparisons! Too bad the vendors aren't like car salesmen where you can go up and take a unique for a test ride to see if you really like it!

ah great, thanks