Viking punch shield

[Somstog]

Alright so i've been doing my research lately and the most common shield for Viking invaders during the dark ages was a 2'6" to 3' round punch shield. once i get back home for winter break i'd like to start building it but how should i go about it? cored or coreless? i could use some thinner plywood (3/8?) for the core so it will still be structurally sound (for taking reds) but still light. or should i go with like 5 layers of blue and hope it doesn't taco?

[Cheeseheart]

I'd go with a coreless shield. There's no need for wood if your concern is about taco-ing. Five layers of WalMart foam will do the trick, especially with an appropriate handle...though it may curve some, which could be unfavorable to the aesthetic of the shield-type you are trying to create. There's some kind of "plankfoam" or some such thing that's coming in to the spotlight for shields, but I don't know much about it. I've only read that Fitz can provide it.

[PhotoJoe]

Alright so i've been doing my research lately and the most common shield for Viking invaders during the dark ages was a 2'6" to 3' round punch shield. once i get back home for winter break i'd like to start building it but how should i go about it? cored or coreless? i could use some thinner plywood (3/8?) for the core so it will still be structurally sound (for taking reds) but still light. or should i go with like 5 layers of blue and hope it doesn't taco?

My response comes to you as a user of a 26 inch 5 layer all foam punch shield:
If they're glued up right they don't taco. Mine is as flat as the concrete surface I had it laying on while the dap set.

I've got mixed feelings about all foam-shields. The thing lacks density/weight. I love it for running around while playing field games (capture the flag in particular.) I'm not as fond of it when fighting against reds, or even hard swinging blue users. There's so little weight to resist the impulse of a weapon impact being translated into movement of the shield. The little thing gets knocked around a lot. What energy you don't expend in carrying one will get used up in working harder to keep it in place during actual use. My next shield will have a substantial wooden core and the foam board will be saved for running games(or loaning to friends/realm-mates w/o a shield of their own.)

[The Great Gigsby]

There's so little weight to resist the impulse of a weapon impact being translated into movement of the shield. The little thing gets knocked around a lot.

With a punch, you have to be much more proactive in blocking. Anticipate when and where they're going to swing and then block out and away from your body to disrupt the attack. If you just let it hang on your shoulder like you would a strap, you're not really using it right. They're not for mentally lazy fighters.

[PhotoJoe]

With a punch, you have to be much more proactive in blocking. Anticipate when and where they're going to swing and then block out and away from your body to disrupt the attack. If you just let it hang on your shoulder like you would a strap, you're not really using it right. They're not for mentally lazy fighters.

Exactly. Which, I feel, makes any energy saved by carrying a lighter all-foam shield more than matched by that expended in using one as a punch.

[Fitz Caliston]

Polyetheene Plank foam is available through many places, I just happen to sell to Forkbeard's group in Utah so it's kinda spread. I can ship anywhere but if you have a local supplier you'll save on shipping.

As far as a Viking Punch shield I would go with a Poly foam shield that is Skinned in MC foam then Plastidip'ed. something like this:



You can either get the materials and build it yourself (I have the instructions and step by step walk through available) or if your looking to just buy a premade one from me I start them at $200 for one like that, 24-30 inch diameter.

[PhotoJoe]

How much extra do you charge for one with a 2nd pizza?

[Fitz Caliston]

Hot and Ready $5.

[Not Relevant]

[Fitz Caliston]

Nope, building a PD shield is a matter of DAYS not hours. If your interested in learning just Friend me on Facebook, I have pictures of step by step on 6+ shields and different weapons, and I have comments on them in most cases as well, not to mention the basic walk through on Plastidip at http://amtwiki.net/amtwiki/index.php/Plastidip.

[Not Relevant]

[Fitz Caliston]

Nice! looks really clean!

[GreenBeard Pyne]

Those are some nice looking shields! This is my version of a viking shield. My personal shield.

[Pig]

Those are some nice looking shields! This is my version of a viking shield. My personal shield.

HOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[Remdawg Killionaire]

I just pooped a deuce.