any idea why the long sword spirit gauge wont full? i keep hitting monster, but the gauge wont flash hence i cant use the spirit helm breaker combo

Hey guys, I am currently going to do the Blackveil Vaal. Thing is that I have been using my Tigrex armor for quite awhile and I need an upgrade. I maxed out the armor def I could currently. The issue is that I can't seem to find a full armor or mix armor that works for my dual blades build. Tigrex armor seems to be the best for me no matter where I see but at 750+ def, it is not gonna last long against elder dragons. Here is what I have so far;

Speed eating level 3
Critical eye level 4+necklace level 3
Attack level 4
Health boost level 3
Earplugs level 5

I can't remember the other skills but these are the important stats for me. So my question is what kind of mixed armor set with higher def can I use but got nearly as good as Tigrex's skills? I am thinking of wearing Velkhana Beta armor but losing the level 4 attack skill and speed eating level 3 is kinda risky for me. I am willing to let go earplugs skill but I really can't think of any mix armor which is good with my current skills. Speed eating has been seriously helpful for me to get healed asap without taking too much time. Any advice would help.