Strap or Punch?

[Mitzunare]

I'm looking at Edhellen and I see a deal.. a Long Broad Sword and a Punch Teardrop Shield combo for $76.


I can get a Standard STRAP Shield for $60 and a Long Broad Sword for $30.. so I save $14 if I buy the deal, but am I going to regret investing in a Punch Shield; especially when first usage is going to be a 3-day event? (Beltaine.)

I'm a skinny, small guy, so add that to the equation.

[Tails]

I prefer punch over Strap any day. I'm a short guy.

[Kyrian]

If you can, try out both styles of shields. Myself, personally, I prefer strapped shields but that's only because I prefer using offensive shield work and I've found that strapped shields tend to give you more control when you're edging or punching with the shield. You can still use these types of techniques with a punch shield but with only the one point of contact between my arm and the shield, it just doesn't feel as stable to me. Punches, though, can be much more effective at controlling range since you can hold them farther from you, tend to be more maneuverable, and extend the cone of defense out in front of the shield. A person has to get past the shield in order get to you. I've also found that punches can be more effective against flails because you can hold the shield farther away from your body. One of the downsides of punch shields is that they are far more susceptible to being manipulated especially at the corners. A spear can stab at a corner and the punch will open up like a door. So, to sum up, each type of shield has its good and bad points. You could also consider purchasing a punch shield and then running some straps through it so you can use it as both a punch and strap.

[Mitzunare]

Dunno why I didn't think about your last sentence, Kyrian. I love you.

[Remdawg Killionaire]

Kyrian is the Patron Saint of Belegarth.

[Tails]

Kyrian is the Patron Saint of Belegarth.

QFT

[maverick_stormcrow]

I have used both punch and strap shields. Not sure why I didn't think of putting straps on a punch shield. It's an awesome idea. You have the best of both worlds.