Riot Shields/Ballistic Shields. Yay or Nay?

[XanderShadow]

Crikey, this got a fair but of reply going on while I was down xD

To answer a few things:

The shield would be for my personal use only. I'd only be making one + the inserts for replacing as games go on. So only I'll be fielding it and making sure it's used appropriately.
The shield would be 'weighty' but to a degree I can still use it without causing issue with my health (the reason I'm making it). I'd also only be using a pistol with it for situations where those I'm shielding are down/out and need covering fire to revive.
I like to think I am an honest player. Never had issues at the sites I've played. On those instances I may not have felt a shot but someones mentioned it; I call it and do the respawn rules of the site. Simply better to go with it and avoid the pissing about. If you're hit, you're hit. Doesnt matter if it's in the face or the tip of the shoe.
I'd only be using this in CQB/Urban games where a shield is thematically appropriate.

The inserts will be layered cardboard. After running some tests using my own personal guns; two-three layers of cardboard stop a reasonable number of shots before the ystart passing through; so having a majority of the shield comprised of these will make the bulk of the shield light but destroyable; meaning just hunkering down behind it will only serve so much before, as a real shield does, it becomes compromised and nolonger protective.

At the end of the day, I want to be able to assist my team and enjoy games; but I don't want to ruin other peoples fun by just being a walking wall you can't stop.
I intend to take this seriously, and design both the shield and it's use rules carefully to maximize it's fair use in games where it's allowed.

 

[Tommikka]

This is our shield, which is an ex riot shield.

The notch in the corner is handy for shielded pistol play, but it's mainly been used as an option for marshalling.

Unless a site required weight to a shield in their rules, I'd avoid adding restrictive weight for reality.

(Here its letting a presenter feel the impact of being shot without getting bruised before some filming)

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[RobHedley]

Having been on the receiving end of a 'Living Immortal God' with a lightweight impenetrable shield (He sprinted past me with it!), I would be the first to say no to the Shield.......

However, firstly if it allows you to play the sport we all love and allows you to feel more of a part of your team then go for it. I am sure the vast majority of field owner when presented with the fact as you have, would happily allow its use. Yes, it would need to be included in the briefing so that everyone is aware but I can't see a problem with that.

Secondly, the fact that you are not just saying that you need a Shield because of your health but are also looking to make it fair and can be compromised, I take my hat off to you. I love the idea of a Shield that has the face made up of layered Cardboard. Like anything ballistic, a number of shots in the same location, it will become compromised and allow shots through. I think that as long as not everyone has one, it add an extra feature to the game, like a juggernaut type of game. With enough fire power or with outflanking you can take the holder out. I would love to see what you come up with.

I understand why some people say about that we shouldn't use them as they are Pistol Calibre proof only etc, so we shouldn't allow them. However, at the end of the day, we run around with a 'BB Accelerating Tool' made to look like a real weapon, we shoot at people and are shot by people that have Springfield bolt actions, Sci-Fi weapons, AR-15s, AKs, MP5s, Pistols that can shoot as well as high powered rifles whilst we are all dressed up in a mismatch of camo, hoodies etc etc etc. Come on guys, nothing is Airsoft is real world so why try to say 'well in the real world, this wouldn't happen' because we are not in the real world and if it improves the game and the fun then why not. The amount of times I have had someone tell me that my Osprey pouches shouldn't be paired with my generic pouches on my battle belt because that is not how they are used in the real world!!! Hey, they are there to keep my mags off the floor and they look like they are doing a pretty good job to me ?

 

[GeorgePlaysAirsoft]

Unless a site required weight to a shield in their rules, I'd avoid adding restrictive weight for reality.

Its not about "reality" its about balance and thus fun (i hope). but also sorry but riot shields are light, boring, lame, ballistic shields like the vant are heavy, very cool, chads only 

fwiw: obviously have zero problems with a lightweight shield being used to make airsoft more accessible for those with mobility/health considerations, indeed im very in favour -  the cardboard cut out is a cool idea too. 

 

[Adolf Hamster]

I Inderstand why some people say about that we shouldn't use them as they are Pistol Calibre proof only etc, so we shouldn't allow them. However, at the end of the day, we run around with a 'BB Accelerating Tool' made to look like a real weapon, we shoot at people and are shot by people that have Springfield bolt actions, Sci-Fi weapons, AR-15s, AKs, MP5s, Pistols that can shoot as well as high powered rifles whilst we are all dressed up in a mismatch of camo, hoodies etc etc etc. Come on guys, nothing is Airsoft is real world so why try to say 'well in the real world, this wouldn't happen' because we are not in the real world and if it improves the game and the fun then why not. The amount of times I have had someone tell me that my Osprey pouches shouldn't be paired with my generic pouches on my battle belt because that is not how they are used in the real world!!! Hey, they are there to keep my mags off the floor and they look like they are doing a pretty good job to me 

This is a very strong point.

After all we expect hits to a finger, glancing blows off a helmet, or hits to a plate carrier to count as kills, and folk are more than happy to argue that a 1/4" peice of plywood counts as hard cover, or that a bb deflected by a leaf doesnt count.

 

[Tackle]

This is a very strong point.

After all we expect hits to a finger, glancing blows off a helmet, or hits to a plate carrier to count as kills, and folk are more than happy to argue that a 1/4" peice of plywood counts as hard cover, or that a bb deflected by a leaf doesnt count.

This is why I think the degradable aspect could be a game changer (without the usual stigma associated with shields), sure, it's a "bulletproof" shield, but with a very limited lifespan per game, with the right scenarios in place it'll force the users to have to adapt a fast dynamic playing style, but once the shield fails all possible advantages are lost.

as in my earlier post, the users would have to adhere to western law enforcement rules such as single shot only, whereas the defending "bandits" can have an almost anything goes approach, within reason ?