PvE - Bow Grip question

I'm specifically asking about choosing a bow grip of Fortitude or Defense

Ok, considering most enemy attacks do more than 30 damage, a bowgrip of fortitude would only be useful for buffing the first attack (cutting it down by 30) where as the armor bonus from a bowgrip of defense would make you AL 75, thus giving you a small buff against all attacks aimed at you.

So the question at hand is; Would it be better to negate 30 damage from the first attack you take or does the slight AL bonus of a Grip of Defense make it a better choice?

in PvE it doesn't really matter. In PvP however, most people would want you to bring a bow grip of fortitude.

I think you are viewing what the grip of fortitude does, a little different from what most people view it as. What is so good about the bow grip of fortitude, is the +30 HP. In PvP, there are builds known as "spike builds" that are designed to take out an entire player's HP in one quick strike, leaving no room for healing. More often times than not, the +30 HP is what will leave the player alive, barely, but still alive.

Bow grip of defense is better if you are constantly taking damage. I know when I run droknars forge, I prefer a sword handle of defense, because it reduces all damage by 1. 1 damage every hit may not seem like alot, however, you will probably take many more hits than just 30 in any small skirmish.

Honestly, its up to you. I know I like to PvP with my ranger as well, as I've got the ability and equipment to do so, so I pack fortitude grips on my bows, however I have a friend who does not PvP alot with her PvE cahracters, and therefore prefers the defense grip.

PvE it depends on the build and or area. I like the +armor for when I hench it, but in a good PvE group the +30hp grip would be better as you will typically not be taking damage except in the type of degen, where armor dosn't help.

I had not considered spikers, thanks for the info.