I want to create a bard that uses one-handed swords and a spell in the off-hand. I was thinking of using the ward spells in place of a shield, but how effective are they?

They seem to be helpful, but then, I cheat and have a shield that provides a ward spell. 50 points isn't enough to shrug off an attack by an Elder Dragon, though.

<3 Peryite.

I have a couple of those spells, but hardly use them.
They take a short time to activate, so your timing must be good...that can be hard, when your focus lies on your other hand, during a fight.
And in my opinion, they use way to much magicka.

They are good in specific situations. A strong mage that you want to get close to so that you can gut them, for example....

I spent too long trying to figure out what spells and potions to use on one particular bad guy... I kept getting killed.... until I rushed in with a ward and a sword.

R

I've found them to be of some benefit against dragon breath attacks (shouts), and spells, but I think they svck in melee. Might depend on your difficultly level though. Plus, you can't bash with a ward. Or enchant them.

I don't really like them, especially since you stagger once the alotted amount has been absorbed.

Useless if you play on harder difficulties. Enemy spells scale up in damage so you won't be able to block even simple flame spells.

They are very useful against dragons. Even a lesser ward can stop a breath attack (it regenerates fast enough to eat up the continued damage). Fairly handy against wizards as well, as long as you keep your restoration skill high. Though, I do use a magic mod which makes spells a bit better with talents (Better Magic).

They aren't that useful against melee attacks at all. Imho, they should provide 50% absorption of physical attacks (like shields) or the like, rather than a piddly amount of armor.

This. I've been killed by a mage during this stagger when I probably could have killed him first if I didn't use the ward. Plus they drain too much magicka for me.

I do agree that the magicka cost is a bit silly, especially since they stop all magicka regeneration. They'd be a bit pricy to run if they didn't cost ANY magicka, just because they automatically cost all of your regen.