(PF) Tactical Advice for a Bear Shaman Druid

[thompur]

My Bear Shaman Druid just gained access to 4th level spells.
He can Wild Shape into a huge bear. His animal companion is a medium bear. As such, he can do 1d6+9 with his bite attack and 1d4+9 with his claw attacks. If he casts Strong Jaw on his bear, the bear, with AB +9, can do 2d6+9 with his bite attack, and 1d8+9 with each claw.
But, if he casts it on himself, when he's a huge bear, with AB +8, his bite does 4d6+10, and 2d8+10 with his claws.(Both assuming power attack in use). Basically, if cast on the bear, they both do about the same damage.
So which would be the most efficient use of the spell?

Thanks.

[grarrrg]

So which would be the most efficient use of the spell?

Depends what you're fighting for starters.
Fighting one BBEG with massive DR: Put it on you, so you can punch through the DR better, you're Bear is out of luck (or cast on both). Unless one of you can bypass the DR, then either cast it on the bypass for uber damage, or cast it on the one without so that it can still contribute.
Fighting a few medium-threat enemies: put it on the Bear, gives you both decent chances to maul something.
Fighting a horde of weaklings: save the spell slot for later.


If you can get it allowed, a dip in Mammoth Rider (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/mammoth-rider) can give your companion a decent size boost (because it doesn't typically allow Bears for a companion).