Which weapon is best for a hoplite?

[Diomedes]

I was told the awlpike loses speed and damage when used with a shield whereas the war spear does not - is this true?  They seem like the two best weapons, at face value, but I really don't know enough about them to decide.

[Panoply]

I believe they both lose speed and damage, but you gain in thrust reach.

I'm no expert on hoplites, but it seems to me that awlpikes are generally preferred for the extra length and damage, assuming you don't plan on stowing your shield on your back. That said, awlpikes don't fit with the hoplite theme much, imo, and weapons like the red tassel spear, war spear, or even shortened spear look better.

[Armbrust_Schtze]

war spear.

[Dunecat]

I believe they both lose speed and damage, but you gain in thrust reach.

I'm no expert on hoplites, but it seems to me that awlpikes are generally preferred for the extra length and damage, assuming you don't plan on stowing your shield on your back. That said, awlpikes don't fit with the hoplite theme much, imo, and weapons like the red tassel spear, war spear, or even shortened spear look better.

This. And additionally, War Spear is faster and usable when mounted.
However, as of my experience with zero wpf in polearms part-time hoplite, awlpike is generally more prefferable due to noticably better damage.

[RamsesXXIIX]

Try the light lance sometimes.

[Cyclopsided]

I was told the awlpike loses speed and damage when used with a shield whereas the war spear does not - is this true?  They seem like the two best weapons, at face value, but I really don't know enough about them to decide.

All pole arms experience the same penalty when used with a shield.

Awlpike is the best because of length and damage, but doesn't fit the role.
War spear & red tassle are alright, short but fits the theme.
If you want theme, use the light lance. It also happens to be just fast enough to use with some spin moves, and is the correct length for a hoplite spear in real life. Slow though... good for support.
Bamboo spear is also the right length, but does low damage and doesn't fit the theme very well. The length makes it amazing for support.
Shortened spear is just so short, it works though...

Hopefully ashwood pike gets the ability to be used with shield + 2 more speed. Then maybe that weapon won't be worthless & would fit the hoplite theme PERFECTLY.

[Socrates]

I use War Spear or Bamboo Spear. I love the look of light lance like Marathon says it fits the theme, but for me I find it too slow.

[Digglez]

warspear is pretty awesome even with 1 WPF. with 7PS if anyone 'runs' into it I can 1shot them if I hit them in the face, speed bonus is niceee

bamboo spear is almost useless with shield, it attacks too slow

[Socrates]

When using a Bamboo Spear speed isn't the key needed though. Your job is just to be an annoying guy with a minipike and shield. You can easily just backpedal holding right mouse button to disengage and wait for teammates.

[Digglez]

When using a Bamboo Spear speed isn't the key needed though. Your job is just to be an annoying guy with a minipike and shield. You can easily just backpedal holding right mouse button to disengage and wait for teammates.

half of your attacks glance and they all leave you open for counterattack for about a full second, which is a death wish

[Cyclopsided]

half of your attacks glance and they all leave you open for counterattack for about a full second, which is a death wish

If they glance you fucked up elsewhere. Pointblank stabs never work.

[7000bc]

Awlpike for damage and range > speed
Warspear for speed> damage and a little range
red tassel spear for  +++Speed> damage and range

[Civilian]

My favorite is the awlpike, higher damage and greater range vs its alternatives.

[Huey Newton]

Light Lance is suprsingly good on foot.
Decently fast with amazing range
Only downside of course is its not sheathable

[Phalanx300]

I use the Warspear for it seems the more accurate choice to the real Hoplite Spear.