Shields are very unbalanced. Faster charge beats the shtako out of bigger shield.

[Aetrion]

Currently shields in this game seem incredibly unbalanced. The second I got my first 3 second recharge shield I've never looked back, because it's simply superior in every way to slow charging models that tend to only have a small increase in shield capacity.

The fastest charging shield I found has a 2.85 second activation, 40% recharge, and 1030 shield.
The slowest charging shield I found has 12 seconds activation, 10% charge and 1560 shield.

The fast shield has four times better activation time, four times better charge speed, and only about 30% less maximum shield. That just seems incredibly lopsided to me.

Granted, there is the additional consideration of BMGs, which can recharge a slow shield just as well as a fast shield, so if the shields don't have to charge at all that's a minor advantage, but the reality is, finding a 5.5 second break in the action to recharge a fast shield is a thousand times easier than finding a 22 second break in the action to recharge a slow shield, a measely 500 more hitpoints just don't make up for that kind of difference.

[Renegade336]

Completely agree. Tried using the larger shields (ironclad, rhino) but the fast recharge shields are far superior. Just have to find cover for a couple of seconds and your good to go.

[bobalock]

It is very dependent on your playstyle. For instance, someone is going to want a rhino when they go into PVP, because your going to get chased down and not have 3 secs of downtime for that shield to recharge, so its better to have the bigger capacity.

[Mad Macallan]

The Bee is a Legendary Amplify Shield made by Hyperion in Borderlands 2. The Bee is obtained randomly from any suitable loot source but has an increased chance to drop from Hunter Hellquist located in Arid Nexus - Boneyard.

Oh wait. Wrong game?

[illgot]

100% correct. Sadly I am still using what I think was the free shield I received from preordering off steam.

[Devin]

Pretty much been my experience as well...

BMG users can definately make good use of the stronger shields. I remember in the beta Cloak said it instantly triggers your shield's charge cycle, but I tend not to get shot when cloaking, so I'm not sure if it still does or not. Even still, I got rocked way harder while using an ironclad compared to my VBI Sentinel.

[iMogwai]

On the other hand, Cloak immediately causes your shield to recharge. If you're using cloak, especially in PvP, having a strong shield with a long activation time might actually be better.

[Orbital]

Yup I've been using the Rebel's (same one 90% of the time playing, till recently). Using cover and the quicker shield regen restart is way better so far.

[elrick mercer]

Personally I think big shields with slow recharge should be used for snipers or people who use cloak in general. Cloak will instantly recharge your shield and if you are sniping you should be far enough to where your shield can recharge.

[Cavadus]

Rhino and the Ironclad own in PvP. Respark is the best for PvE with the Rebel a distant second.