[Saber Cherry]

Crystal Shield: I avoid it, as it has high encumbrance. Very useful for a Holy or Unholy priest to let them cast level-4 or level-5 spells, but otherwise not great...

I rarely use Dragon Helmets except for assassins or thugs. They do not grant immunity, and are worth 75 gold plus 1 forge-turn... half a good mage.

My choices (in order of importance)

Boots of the Messenger (except for Earth mages who get Earth Boots)
Girdle of Might
Lucky Coin
Amulet of Resilience... only for heroic / national hero / pretender / empowered mages, since it costs 10 gems
Rune Smasher, when appropriate

Boosters - Bag of Wind, Winged Helm, Thistle Mace, Skull Staff, Earth Boots, Blood Stone, etc.