I asked in the bard folder, but I thought I'd ask here too. Is the less hindering set a better option than the more protecting set for every day use?

- Set 1 -

215 stones:
moderate (7/15) hindrance
moderate hindrance (7/15) for stealth
fair (3/15) protection and very high (10/18) damage absorption for puncture attacks.
good (5/15) protection and very high (10/18) damage absorption for slice attacks.
moderate (4/15) protection and very high (10/18) damage absorption for impact attacks.
fair (3/15) protection and moderate (6/18) damage absorption for fire attacks.
fair (3/15) protection and moderate (6/18) damage absorption for cold attacks.
poor (1/15) protection and somewhat fair (4/18) damage absorption for electrical attacks.

- Set 2 -

400 stones:
high (9/15) hindrance
significant (10/15) for stealth
good (5/15) protection and very great (12/18) damage absorption for puncture attacks.
very good (6/15) protection and very great (12/18) damage absorption for slice attacks.
good (5/15) protection and very great (12/18) damage absorption for impact attacks.
moderate (4/15) protection and very good (8/18) damage absorption for fire attacks.
moderate (4/15) protection and very good (8/18) damage absorption for cold attacks.
low (2/15) protection and fair (5/18) damage absorption for electrical attacks.

> In this case - set 2, without question.

That's the set I ended up going with since I don't really train stealth (I know, I know, I'm missing out on TDPs, but it's part of the character I'm trying to develop). Honestly, I couldn't be happier. I get hit slightly more often than before, likely due to the one-notch higher overall hinderance and a little bit of a burden, but the protection seems to make up for it. Plus, I like the look, so there's that.