The Defender armor is a set with unusual high armor ratings.This set is primarily made for Guardians , who must withstand and soak up the numerous damage for other people. Yet this set does not have shields, it is unneccessary for them for Guardians have auras to guide them, and the set gives players thorns, which will reflect back some damage. It will occasionally have additional stats, such as +X armor and +X health.
Pro: Heaviest armor in the game, provides lots of defence, thorns activate and reflect damage when struck in melee
Con: No shields, no standard elemental defenses (yet Guardian s do not usually need them), being the heaviest means the slowest.