For a more detailed introduction to this guide, please read the Prot BiS guide for the 10-19 bracket. I go into more depth there, including which race you should choose and how to navigate these guides. So, without further ado, the best-in-slot gear for 40-49 Protection Paladins for PvP and PvE in Classic WoW.
Headpiece
Neck
Shoulder
Back
Chest
Wrist
Hands
Waist
Legs
Feet
Ring Slot 1
Ring Slot 2
Main Hand
Shield
Two-Handed
Dressing Room
So if your focus is on Player versus Player action, and we choose the most useful PvP options from above (those that increase stamina, strength, armor, agility, and defense), then your toon should look like this: Protection Paladin BiS 40-49 PvP.
If you’re in a PvE mindset, my recommended best-in-slot items would make you look like this: Protection Paladin BiS 40-49 PvE.
I built my Protection set as a mishmash of both worlds, around an aesthetic I find awesome: Protection Paladin 40-49 BiS Alternative Design.
