Depends on two things:
1. shape and design of splints.
2. thickness of leather backing.
as to #1- if you use wide, curved splints (like the ones in the patterns section of the archive, here-
http://www.armourarchive.org/patterns/s ... _dwarlock/ ) that meet nearly each other then you generally get stronger and more coverage with the splints. the upside to the wide, curved splints is more protection and strength (because of the curve in the steel) but the downside is roughly equivalent, and possibly slightly more, weight than an equivalent all steel arm because of the leather backing.
if, like me, you use long narrow flat splints spaced about the same width apart as they are wide (mine are about 1.25" wide and space the same) then you suffer from splint bending. it's not a big deal really, you just have to accept that it will happen. the upside to long narrow flat splints is lighter weight and more flexibility. the downside is the splints bend when hit and you feel shots a bit more depending on the thickness of the backing leather.
as to #2- thicker leather is more protective, thinner is more flexible. my arms and legs are made with around 6 or 8 oz. leather and long narrow splints. hence the downside to my arms and legs are more than some others of the same type. when I redo my arms and legs I think I'll go with around 10oz. leather just for some added shock resistance but other than that I'm satisfied with the lower weight (my full legs are cuisse, cop and full length greave attached to the cop and weigh in at right around the same as the standard full steel leg without greave), adequate protection and flexibility. if you make splinted legs with thin, spaced splints the same size as the standard steel leg (without greave) you will save a few pounds over the equivalent steel leg.
for the wider, curved splint style I don't think you need to use thicker leather than I have in my armor, about 6 or 8 oz., since the protection will come mainly from the splints instead of a thin splint/leather combo like my gear.
My overall assessment is that with the wider more curved splints you really don't gain any real advantage over full steel since it is effectively like a churburg #13 for the arm or leg but without the overlap in the steel. full steel wrap but with leather underneath. with the thin, flat, spaced splints you lose weight and thus gain some mobility and possibly tire at a slower rate but at the cost of some protection. disclaimer- I have not fought in the wide, curved splint style so my assessment is based on logic only.
looks wise, either one is very sharp. i'd use either in SCA fighting but I just like the look of mine better.
dang, I need some pics of my kit!
Angus
