Topic: Spears with shields, worth the cost or not?

[Commander Bernhardt]

As Subject says I want to know if upgrading my 30 man unit of spearmen to carry shields is worth the investment when you can have like a VHS, Rod of Power or Casket for the same points.

my last couple of games I have been paying attention on the number of 5's I throw when taking armour saves and as a first impression it seems like a nice investment.
Now for some math: equipping my 30 man unit with shields costs 30 points. So to make the added point investment count my shields need to save (30/5) 6 wounds. This includes only AS throws of 5. Pure statistically by the time my shields save 6 models, my unit is allmost wiped out. (it has sufferd 36 wounds of which 6 are saved thanks to LA and 6 thanks to shields, leaving only 6 models alive)

but that's math and it didn't even include S4 or higher attacks...

my general thought is that shields just aren't worth the investment but I still want to know what the community thinks

[Johedl]

my general thought is that shields just aren't worth the investment but I still want to know what the community thinks

Start with this: http://warhammer-empire.com/theforum/index.php?topic=36339.msg564258#msg564258 if you still want to know then wade throw this thread: http://warhammer-empire.com/theforum/index.php?topic=36642.0

[Ludwig von Blucher]

I would say no. for the 30 points you can buy an extra 6 spearmen, use those dudes as your shields!

[Delthos]

I'm of the same opinion, shields aren't worth it. Especially as you can't use them with the hand weapon to benefit from the 6+ WS, and you have to use the spear now. I've always felt more men is better than shields.

[Commander Bernhardt]

I think we can all agree on this one that more bodies is better than shields