Shield required level

[ZhouYu]

So, I have an improved baskie shield on my barb, as well as an improved griffy LS. I have noticed that I am level 11, whereas the required level for the shield is 12. I have also noticed that the shield still blocks. I also fumble quite a bit more than I think I probably should.

Is the fumbling a result of the shield's required level? Does it not block as well as it's supposed to? It seems like both of these are true.

I'd appreciate any information on this.

[Tnem]

Shields have always worked like that, they still block but don't confer abilities. I don't think the fumbling is because of the shield.

[srflynn64]

Fumbles are attributed to your skill level.
Unless you are trying to attack with an item that you are not at the req levl

You can hold any shield but wont gain the abilitys of that shield until you reach the req lev.

[Darge]

At skill 10, random chance fumbles should stop.

If you are below that, that's why.