WouldYouKindly said:
Now my reason for, in hypotheticals, never wearing heavier than chain in a 1v1 duel is scientifically supported. Truth be told, I'd probably go for lamellar. Fairly light, easy to maintain, and as if not more effective than mail. Also, I think it's layered nature made it better against bows too.
However, for a battle line, it's probably best to wear heavier armor because you don't really have the luxury of free movement.
Except any actual testing proves your theory wrong.
Average suit of chainmail? probably close to 30 pounds or so for something that's full body.
Average Plate Armor? Mine is 20 pounds and my helmet makes up far too much of that due to safety reqs for the SCA.
Weight placement for Chainmail? except for the legs it all rests on the shoulders.
Weight placement for Plate? Except for legs it rests evenly along the full torso.
AS for movement, in my armor I lose a very slight bit of arm range in that my arm cannot go straight up. But I've yet to really ever encounter any type of situation where it needs to. But other than that I can dive roll, jog, move my leg in full motion, my arms across my chest and behind me. My torso bends just fine when I need to.
As much as I hate refferencing this movie for a factual point, if you look at Knight's Tale. THe guys in heavy armor having to be lifted into their horses? That's not combat plate, that's jousting plate. It is heavy and limiting because all it's meant for is riding down a straight even path and being able to withstand a lance strike from roughly one direction. Real plate is going to be similar to the "fictional" stuff Heath Ledger wears. Jogging, no limitations, vaulting into a saddle.
Contrary to whoever these "scientists" are, plate isn't heavy or all that encumbering.
