Heavy lance is best lance. I wouldn't consider using a lance because if you end up going head to head vs an equally matched opponent with a heavy lance, chances are you're going to lose because of the length.
Also since they changed the lance radius to about 45 degrees in front of your horse, having less length can really hurt you. Lots of 2h swords can outreach you when they stab because you have to basically ride directly into them (and you can't peel off at the last second like you used to be able to do and create some separation between your horses head and the enemy.
Sorry for necro'ing this thread...
Oh how the mighty (heavy lance) have fallen...
After using it for a couple weeks after the damage nerf to the heavy lance I finally traded for a MW lance (traded my MW Heavy Lance and +1 wisby gauntlets for a MW lance).
I think it's far superior now to the heavy lance, I generally try to avoid head on 1v1'ing other cavalry unless I see they have a lance as well, or unless I'm able to juke or change speeds to throw them off.
it's still great versus other cav, just not head on, and I think it's superior vs infantry due to the 10 more speed, and the 31p (compared to 26p on a MW heavy lance).
I also noticed in strat battles the Heavy Lance is fucking weak as shit at 23p (unless you and another cav are going head on) and the lance is a much better option at 28p default.
I'd suggest people ditch their heavy lance for a regular lance or grab a great lance (seriously they're really good for strafing infantry lines in strat)