hokietwo
Super Freak
^^ I agree, that proto pic really sold me but the EFX paint job from afar looks more like that than the final KA version. We need a poll attached on top to see what people think, haha. I polled some friends to see which shield "looks" better and the majority (almost all) like the KA version better. Is the cheaper leather straps on the KA strong enough to carry the shield around for long periods or will it start to detach/break since it is a much heavier shield? I think there are different areas to judge the shields on, from aesthetics to construction to accessories, etc..
You have very smart friends. Its not even close for me visually.
Sorry man, I cannot give any comment on leather durability. I would say with any of these its as much the leather as the quality of the pop rivets holding on to it. I would also recommend if you have either shield, that if you wanted to run around with it and sling the shield around then go the surplus or leather store and buy some high quality leather that is rated to hold like 300LBS of tension and get it installed. These were made for display and to use them for any other purpose is at your own risk and peril.