Large Kite Shield Pros/Cons and advice

[Bammock]

I am new to this sport, so I am trying every weapon combination to see if anything clicks. I borrowed a big kite shield/short sword combo and got a bit of training with the style. It was fun to be such an inconvenient target, and I'd like to know more about the style before building a kite shield. I am 6'1'' and the shield is about 50'' long, so the height thing works to my advantage some.

What are the upside/downsides for wielding a kite?
Does using a huge shield hinder advancement in fighting skills?
What are some strong weapon combos to go with this shield?
Am I allowed to have a life-size portrait of Gary Coleman on the front of the kite?
Any advice from other kite shield users would be great. Thanks!

[Tails]

What are the upside/downsides for wielding a kite?
Advantages are great leg protection, and superior defense, The downside is that you will be slower, you will not be able to throw certain shots, and it will make you lazy in the long run.

Does using a huge shield hinder advancement in fighting skills?
Yes, it will make you lazy in the legs.

What are some strong weapon combos to go with this shield?
Long flail.

Am I allowed to have a life-size portrait of Gary Coleman on the front of the kite?
If you paint it by hand it's not a modern print. Or stencil it, that'd work too.

Any advice from other shield users would be great.
If you want to be a better fighter get a 28" or 26" round shield.

[Saxavarius]

A large shield is better when you have less room to move like in a large scale line fight; a smaller shield (20-28 in) is good for teaching you footwork and when you need to be able to move (an open field fight)

A max length flail would be your best combo with a Tower/Heater shield but that too can make you lazy with your shoot selection and you can become dependent on the hinge action to be able to land a shot.

Get good with a small-ish shield and you'll be better in the long run.

[Gabekillsyou]

I currently fight with a larger kite shield (as seen in my pic)

I do really like it, im much shorter at 5'7" and the coverage is great, but as stated before it will make you lazy.

I started with 24-26" round shields and shorter swords, with my kite though I am using a max blue at 46 1/2"

flails are the most popular combo with a large shield (or shields in general) ive heard them be called "skill on a stick" for the simplicity in shoulder shots but i personally prefer the sword or club.

My best advice is experiment further. You might end up flourentine red fighting and enjoying that at your height

[Sir Thurat]

All of the above advice is pretty spot on, but for the sake of not cheesing the rules, don't paint Gary Coleman on your shield. The rules prohibit modern prints, but skirting the rule and hand painting it has about the same legitimacy as making a cowboy hat and wearing it on the field because it's "handmade".

If you were to paint it in a style consistent with the medieval period, that would probably be more acceptable, but it would really be toeing the line.

[Bammock]

Thanks for the advice. I will keep my shield moderate in size for training purposes, and no worries about Mr. Coleman. I was just being goofy. I intend to keep with the medieval theme in my garb and decoration.