Punch or Strap?

[Nykas]

Looked for a while and I couldn't find anything on this, but I may have just missed it:

I usually fight florentine but, due to a bad habit I've developed of impaling myself on arrows (which have finally begun to be somewhat common where I fight), I've been trying fighting with shields, and I like it.

But, I was wondering: what are the benefits of strap shields vs. punch shields, and vice versus? Obviously punch shields can be moved more, and are apparently lighter, being all foam? So what's the benefit of a strap shield? Greater stability? I have limited resources with which to experiment myself, so any opinions people want to offer would be great. Thanks.

[Michael]

I am a pretty big fan of grip (or punch) shields myself for the reasons you mentioned but there are advantages to strap shields as well. First they provide better passive defense (particularly relevant against arrows). Since they are reasonably well attached to your body and cover a lot of it even when relatively at rest, they are significantly better at passive defense. They are also harder for your opponent to control, either by hitting them hard enough or by feints and leads.

The ability to control a grip shield by hitting it hard is often overstated. A large grip shield can use your body to rest against just the same as a strap shield can which greatly reduces the opponents ability to pivot it on the single grip point. Greatly reduces isn’t the same as eliminates though. With a pole arm especially it is still more possible to pound a grip shield out of the way than a strap.

Feints and leads use the very mobility of a grip shield against it. They are especially effective against smaller grip shields. If you have to move a fair bit to block, then any opponent who can tempt you into blocking the wrong place, will be in a position to attack where the shield no longer covers.

[Thomas MacFinn]

Against a larger grip shield, it is also sometimes possible to rotate the shield with a firm thrust. The rotation rarely does you much good, but does wonderful things for anyone standing to your left and looking for it to happen.

It is also easier to turn a strap shield edge-on when you want to move it that way to, for example, discourage people from body-slamming your shield.

[Nykas]

So, basically, passive defense and stability versus more mobile defense and light weight?

[Arrakis]

You can make all-foam straps (I DO NOT recommend it) or a wood-cored punch (I do recommend it).

Try the two kinds in the same shape of shield. Like, make a 28" round punch and a 28" round strap and see what you like best. They just fight differently.

[Nykas]

In a few weeks I'm going to make a strap with a removable handle, I think. So I can try out each, with the same type of shield, without having to make two shields.

[Tsume Hanami]

would that even pass?
i made a shield that i can use as a strap and as i punch. it is hard to fight as a punch cuz the handle is just a really THIN piece of cotton fabric but it works. My shiels is wood. try useing a storage tub lid. i made a shield out of one years ago and it worked wonders for me. it passed and i did the same thing like i did with the shield now. i personally liked the storage lid better. then the wood one i have now.

[Michael]

I made a sheild to be both grip and strap. The centergrip was recessed behind the shield boss and thus it didnt interfere at all with the straps. It was constructed of 3 inch foam board so there was some room to recess it.

[Titan G]

if you can make it to an event peter the quick had a pretty sick **** strap/punch shield at beltaine.

and i dont much about the divergent fighting styles ill leave more of that the amazo fighters like peter and winfang etc etc if you look around there are some good videos of fang somewhere and he has good shield work. however unless you have some serious arm strength issues wood cored shields arent uber heavy and if you are having an issue with that check out the tech ply(unsure of spelling there, just go to the website and look) shields edhellen sells.

[MagnusofDregoth]

Wait, how does he switch from the **** strap to the punch shield? They seem like they would be useful only in very different contexts.

[Titan G]

you switch between strap and punch inbetween fights? siwtching in the middle of a battle seems a bit silly to me if thats what your implying. i was just commenting it was possible to build a simultaneously punch strap shield so you expieriment with both styles. if your trying to fight punch and strap in the same battle on purpose then your probably gonna die to the first competent fighter you come against.

[MagnusofDregoth]

Sorry, I was trying to make a pun--your post read like Peter had something that served as both a "**** strap" (maybe some sort of Japanese or German product) and a "punch shield."


Anyway, yes, that is a good design. I have not used one myself but it seems like it wouldn't be all that hard to use or make.

I prefer punch shield because I feel they can be made smaller relative to the amount of protection that they offer, and a smaller shield allows for greater varieties of technique. You see some guys with tower shields, all they have are the same three flail moves that are totally boring.

[Titan G]

yea i am predominatly a punch fighter but because of my size im being forced to move into straps im just a little to wide for punch shields so the double tap ( first tap to the edge to just get the shield to move second taps right on the ribs) gets me predominantly now that i can block most wraps and crossovers. im also liking the solidarity of the strap i find when fighting higher tier fighters they know that swing stength brings speed so the extra weight on a strap is starting to be more comfortable.

[Jerlaine Trefenwyn]

there is one drawback to the punch shields I've seen that's not listed. Seeing as how there generally made of nothing but foam they don't have the strength as a strap. This being said if you get a big guy like let's say Nash or Forkbeard throwing a shield breaking hit your probably gonna end up flying. The same goes for shield bashing, kicking, and etc... Now me personally I love my strap kite shield...

[Roland Demox]

I used a strap for pretty much my whole first year of fighting. Now im starting to move in the direction of the punch. I liked the strap alot but the punch makes it easier for me to "flow"

[Sir Azrael]

PUNCH! All the way dude. Much easier. I used strap for like the first month or so, but the punch is just so much better.

[Jerlaine Trefenwyn]

You have a good point alot of guys can move easier with it... I did ballroom for 6 years so the way I fight with the strap Kite shield comes natural I can move better with it than most can even with a punch it's not for everyone... I guess just us guys who've been fighting awhile.. That and when I first learned to fight I fought with one of the biggest bulkiest heavies shields you could find.

[No'Vak]

I'm a firm believer in the "use a round strap for the first year or so" belief. It MAKES you develop decent shield work and teaches you to move your legs instead of moving your shield.

~Noik

[Sir Azrael]

First off, I'm a natural fighter, not trying to be * or anything. And second, my punch is the max. height, and has a core, so I am carying around a strap, but I have to use more arm strength.

[Arrakis]

First off, I'm a natural fighter, not trying to be * or anything.

Any time you type something and then have to add that bolded bit onto the end, just don't post the original something.


Max height shields ftl.

[No'Vak]

First off, I'm a natural fighter, not trying to be * or anything.

Any time you type something and then have to add that bolded bit onto the end, just don't post the original something.


Max height shields ftl.

QFT. Thats idiotic imho but to each his own I guess.

~Noik

[Jerlaine Trefenwyn]

First off, I'm a natural fighter, not trying to be * or anything. And second, my punch is the max. height, and has a core, so I am carying around a strap, but I have to use more arm strength.

Not tryin to bash ya or anything so don't take offense. Anyways good on ya bro sounds like you founds something that works and you like which when I last checked is what the game is about. And somehow I think were all natural fighters which is why were out here fighting. what type of shield is it and how thick is the core though I'm kinda curious now...

[No'Vak]

Oh I didn't see you said "I am using a strap" just because it has a core in it.

The similarities end with the core.

Max size punch shields are for pussys imho but oh well.

Have fun developing awesome fighting abilities with that.

~Noik

[Sir Azrael]

Noik: Ummm, alright? I don't really care what you have to say about how my fighting will develop.

Jerlaine: Here are some pics.



The core is 1/4 inch thick, PVC handle. It has 1 layer of foam on the back, and 6 on the front.
And it weighs about 10 pounds.

And to Wes: If you havn't already started to make the sheild you were planning to, my brother made an amazing good one, and it works excellently, (haha, if thats a word). Here are just a few pics, if you want constructing pics of it, let me know, he took a bunch while he was making it.




P.S. The handle on my brothers sheild doesn't at all touch your arm.

[Jerlaine Trefenwyn]

Those actually look really good. Let me know how it turns out. Just ignore the guys who trash talk. Most of the time there just making up for lousy combat skills. I'm just not the biggest fan of shields without cores something about seeing a kid get hit by a red than crying. Of course Versago has been known to damage when he hits red so maybe that doesn't count..

[Satanaka]

If you can- I'd advise- start with a strap- then after you feel like you have good skill then- go to a Punch. They are both great- but there are advantages and dis-advantages to both. Train so that you learn both.

But- i'd repeat that it's better to start with a strap- like a heavy round- and maybe after 4 months or working with a rond- go to a inverted tear drop- use for about 3 months. THEN move to punch shields...

It works.