Do Deflection Shields actually do anything?

[Brad, STL/MO]

I've got a QL13 deflection shield equipped on one of my characters. When I activate it, a sphere of sparkly light appears around the character.

But if it makes any difference to incoming damage or outgoing damage, it's too subtle for me to detect.

Now I've got a QL36 (I think) one. Before I spend the IP on Parry to equip it, if I do, will I be able to tell the difference? Will it do me any good?

[_______________Garzu]

It adds to your AC for a short period. A QL 13 dont add much so you will not see any difference, but with a ql 120 shield, the difference is big. I think a QL 200 gives 5000 ac for 30 secs, on top of what you already have.

[_____________Barakon]

Also, if i'm not mistaken, it only adds AC to impact/projectile, melee/ma and energy. Thus it helps squat against the other damage types.