Mmmm, personally I eyeball the 2,400DPS 1H and the 2,600DPS 2H, and wonder just how much bonus I need from Finery to make up the difference. By my math that is less than ten percent base DPS difference between the two -- and doesn't count that I am looking at 1.15 vs 1.4 attacks, which means faster wrath gen, which means more spamming lasers or other "wrath only" spenders to hurt things.
I would honestly bet that a reasonably built 1H crusader and 2H crusader would be about equal, once you factor in all the non-sheet DPS bits and pieces. Probably play very differently, but that isn't such a thing.
This is what I am talking about. I haven't done the math either, I am currently at work. I really think it boils down to your build choice.
While i do understand that all other classes may have better offhands, that's because they are meant to do a bit more damage than crusaders. Crusaders do have supporting passive a that help our block chance along to some extent. I strongly believe that if I found the right 1hand with enough DPS to support it (2400+) i would definitely consider replacing heavenly strength with something else to make up for the damage ( the one that gives increased damage depending on how may gems you have socketed) gave me a pretty huge boost when I got my legs chest and weapon socketed. There are alternatives for the Crusader, just not ones that upfront like heavenly strengrh. For someone just starting to gear the class, it's always going to be the foot passive because it's the easiest to get your sheet DPS up and go 'look at my damage'! YAY
Carrying a 2hand+shield is ridiculous, even for a crusader. The fact that our shields gives a considerable DPS boost, you have to have some kind of debuff on the passive. If you want to use heavenly strength and you don't have a Hellskull yet, until then reset those paragon points into movement speed or use steed. It's really not hard. This is the point of diablo, to maximize the potential of your character in any way possible. The new Paragon system supports that philosophy very IMO.
edit: I forgot it reduces you maximum speed, so I guess paragon points still would not work. you Could still use steed thouand and stack CDR. Either be faster or do more damage... Unless Hellskull drops
edit: I forgot it reduces you maximum speed, so I guess paragon points still would not work. you Could still use steed thouand and stack CDR. Either be faster or do more damage... Unless Hellskull drops