Shield Shape

[Tyranastraz]

I currently possess a strap shield that is a bit of a beast in weight. It's technically max width and height and weighs a ton. While I personally think I can wield it decently, a smaller back-up shield is probably needed.

So my question to you all is this:

What is, in your opinion, the best shape for a strap shield? My heavy is shaped like a rhombus (ex. A), which before you judge, defends me quite well for how I use it.

[Caleidah]

Round

28"

[Magpie Saegar]

26"-30" round. With options for punch, strap, or shoulder sling.

[Sir Anastasia]

Cool kids do rock the round shield. I would say if you want godlike ninja powers, you should go with it.

I personally like the heater best, but there is a culture with that one that may cause you to get grief for it if you use it and are not knighted. However, it is seriously awesome. I'll be cremated with mine.

[Tyranastraz]

Thanks guys

What kind of core or should it be core-less?

[Sir Anastasia]

Honestly, I like wood-cored strap shields best, especially when people are kicking them.

[Tordek]

As someone who has more shields than weapons, ill drop in my input on this. If you are looking for what will purely improve your fighting technique, I would say 28" round strap. Punch is also an option but i've been rocking strap shields for 4 years, just picked up a punch recently, and can say the training with the strap has been extremely beneficial. Below is what Ive learned/noticed about shields over the years

Now, that's the best all around shield you can use that will improve your technique as your fight with it. Other types are better in certain situations.

Tower shield, most possible defense.

Kite shield, good defense, lighter and more agile than a tower, less sword encumbrance, looses the shoulder protection that Towers offer.

Buckler, often best when using something with two hands, usually for arrows, or speed training your hands.

Heater, if your not a night you might get flack for it. Encumbers your sword life the tower, excellent torso protections but not much for legs. Easier to use when legged than a tower shield, probably the most annoying to fight when the owner is legged.

Rectangular (mini tower) I have almost always seen this one picked up by flow fighters when they want more protections, never seen one with a strap, always have been punches. some shield fighters pick them up and use nothing else. They offer a great hybrid between defense and offense because they can be positioned to protect the torso like a tower, but can also be moved out of the way to not get in the way of yourself. I would recommend this if you don't go for a round.

As for core/core less. I will never build a strap shield without a core. When you construct the shield you have to think about how exactly your going to fight with it. Your arm can hold a decent bit of weight when strapped properly, and that weight can be a big advantage mid fight, because your shield will be less likely to move when struck or kicked. It will however wear you out faster and be slower for you to move. Great for practice and muscle building, but not at events.

As for core less shields, I would build them as punches using plank 4lb foam (ask around, its great stuff) with oblong handles your going to want these light so that they are agile, and because your holding the weight with essentially your wrist. The oblong handles allow you to pivot the shield. this can allow you to trap your opponents weapon/shield/arm or whatever your looking to lock up.

I realize this was rather lengthy, and its not all the info i have on shields, but it should be enough to get you on your way. I advise that you go to youtube and watch some combat technique videos for shields and determine what will be best for your personal fighting style.

[Sir Thurat]

I have to agree that a 27-28" round is your best bet. Your best leg protection is your footwork; build your shield to protect your body.

As for cores, I personally go with 1/2" 5-ply birch plywood. You can also use the 1/4" thickness of this (essentially generic tech-ply), which is half the weight, though you may find you get moved around a bit more due to its lightness.

For a 28" round, I use this. You can get a couple of 24"X24" cores out of this, and that will get you 27" shields; 28" if you prefer to use a fourth ring of edge foam, though even with blue foam I've found 3 to be sufficient so long as the shield is stored and treated correctly. Alternatively, you can also get a teardrop, a small heater, tower, or kite shield out of this piece. You can go a bit cheaper and get 1/2" CDX plywood, but it is weaker, and a bit heavier as well, but can be found here

For comparison, I have a 24" and (2) 26" rounds, each made of a different material:

26" 1/2" CDX (23" core) ~5.75lbs
26" 1/4" Birch (23" core) ~3.3lbs
24" 1/2" Birch (21" core) ~4.4lbs


Alternatively, you can use heavy duty plastics for cores, such as the bottom of a plastic barrel, but in that area I have no experience.

[Tyranastraz]

Rectangular (mini tower) I have almost always seen this one picked up by flow fighters when they want more protections, never seen one with a strap, always have been punches. some shield fighters pick them up and use nothing else. They offer a great hybrid between defense and offense because they can be positioned to protect the torso like a tower, but can also be moved out of the way to not get in the way of yourself. I would recommend this if you don't go for a round.

This is what I used to use back in Indiana, but when I moved I donated it to another guy. It was a strap, birch core. I may go back to it as my back-up, as I like the amount of protection it gives combined with the offensive capability. I've never felt entirely comfortable with a round. Then again, the round I used was only a 20".

[skeracunna]

what would be the dimensions for a kite shield please?

[Tordek]

There are no "right" dimensions to a shield, you have to build it to fit you, they are like suits in that way. Go buy some poster board or cardboard, draw something up, cut it out, see how the size feels with some practice swings. Just remember the max width is 3 ft and the maximum height is 1.5 ft less than your height.