Belegarth

Discuss about these two shield types. Their places on the battlefield as well as Pro's and Con's

Strap
Pro
Harder to move via a heavy hit
Easier on your wrist
Easier to get full force on a 1handed bash
generally heavier for stronger bashing potential
Closer to body for easy hip roll blocks
Less likely to overblock

Cons
Heavier
Slower to block
cant move away from body for presses/etc easily
higher learning curve to master

this post, even though a couple years old, goes over the main points of strengths and weaknesses, and offers a few viewpoints on them.

http://belegarth.com/board/viewtopic.ph ... nch+ahiwls

i just spent a long time reading thru that and there was very little pointing out pros and cons, mostly just whining about reds and punch shields.

a few posts had some pros and cons, though one can garner several viewpoints from that * as well. Not everyone agrees on what constitutes a pro or a con.

Yeah I've seen that post before but its really confuseing and a more straight forward explaination of both the strap and the punch would make it much easier for new people who visit the boards. or those thinking of switching.

Punch sheild pro: Light and easy to move around.

Punch sheild con: Light and easy to move around.

Punch shields:
easy to move around
faster to move to intercept shots
can be moved away from the body (arms reach) to prevent wrap shots from swords or flails

Strap shields:
able to push people around easier since the shield is strapped to your arm
can put more of your body weight behind blocks, bashes, and edging
heavier weight makes it slower and harder to move around

most people in our realm tend to use punch shields.

one pros of punch shields that hasn't been mentioned is that they're usually cheaper to make than strap shields. (which is why they're preferred around here I should think)

but, personally, I like strap shields a lot more. as you shouldn't move your shield too much when blocking anyway (you should move your body and your shield goes with it) I find the ability to wobble around less is golden.

another point is, you don't have to make a strap shield heavy if you don't want to.

Faolan has a trusty little sled round shield that be maneuvered around quite easily when need be

In a large amount of cases it is easier to teach the basics of punch shield work to be effective than strap shields. But everyone finds their comfort zone with whatever equipment they can use.

Oh and when did Grey become a man?

I don't know... but her husband is going to be *!

Back on topic.

The only reason that I like my punch over a strap is because I am lazy. Yes, lazy. In my opinion good shield fighters all use strap shields, but that does not mean that there aren't good punch shield users.

Using a strap will force a fighter to improve his shield work.

Using a punch just makes it easier on a fighter.

If you are set on using a punch, go find some Amptgaurders... they will force you to improve your shield work because of their turbo-sticks that weigh all of 2 ounces.

I'm Grey, not Lady Grey! jeese but, in my defense I didn't know there was a Lady Grey and I wanted to change my name, but, I'd confuse too many people

I might anyway though

cause grey is boring