Yep, I have a paladin build using sandspitters, too. I think it’s the earliest build I made, in fact. Can confirm the tankiness. 
It’s also a fun build to play.
I did already note under Features (under “Pros/Cons”) that the stats are displayed improperly in GT. It’s that way for both the Erulan shield and the Colossal Grasp gloves, and also for items like the Mythical Gladiator’s Distinction belt as well. No idea why GT has trouble with passive stats of that type, but there it is.