Not entirely sure I want to, but if I make an armored mage which seems to work out better still metamagic on spells with somatic components or arcane armor mastery on spells with somatic components?
Arcane armor mastery uses 2 feats, only removes 20% of the spell failure, and uses your swift action but you have full spell levels.
Still spell only uses 1 feat, lengthens casting time, and reduces the level of spells you can cast, but removes any spell failure and doesn't use up swift actions.
I'm thinking arcane armor mastery will usually be better unless you are a tank melee caster, but does that match your experiences?
No opinions?
I guess that means it's either a toss-up, so obvious it needs no comment, or no one has compared them.
Hmmm... Since gamers will passionitly argue anything...
Depends on a BIG number of things. Mostly what class/classes you are talking about and what you want your character to do.
You can find a few opinions on the matter [url=http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/advice/elditchKnightWhyAllTheNegativeComments]HERE[/ul]. The topic is about the Eldritch Knight prestige class and might give you some viewpoints on the matter.
This also gives some help, for another type of build. Talks about a Paladin going into Dragon Disciple (meaning they have to multiclass bard or sorcerer).
Fixed the link.
For me with prepared casters I prefer still spell.
1. There are still spells that don't require somatic components in the first place.
2. Long term spells with somatic components can be cast before you put armor on.
3. You can have +5 heavy fortification full plate and a +5 (whatever you want) tower shield as well as a weapon in your other hand for the price of a feat and spell level. The other costs 2 feats and doesn't give you as much defense and you still need a hand empty to cast spells with it.
4. Still spell works while paralyzed -- arcane armor training doesn't.
5. A metamagic rod of still spell can help with higher level spells but doesn't help with arcane armor mastery.
6. The trait that lets you lessen the metamagic cost for a spell helps with still spell but not with arcane armor mastery.