Using inanimate object hit point rules as written

[Stupid Jedi]

My guess is that Shield HP/DR wasn't updated from 3e. I would simply revise the HP to use homogeneous object HP based on the shield's weight.

[Nymdok]

Originally Posted by Verjigorm

Shields are too tough, that's all there is to it. There's enough anecdotal evidence from historical sources that describe shields being penetrated by pikes, spears and arrows, all weapons that lack the ability to do much damage. Then there's the Falx and Great Axes.

Bodkin tips fix much of this as does high strength.

Lets use the over penetration rules of thin slab (I think shield counts).
So cover DR = 4 (9/2 round down for bodkin tips)

Odds a bodkin arrow will penetrate a large shield (DR:9) when fired from a Composite bow (Both TL1).
Str 10 Bow (thr+3) => 1d+1 or 2-7 with equal probability to each means that it will penetrate through if the die roll is a 4,5,6 or 50%.

Spear is a little different. No bodkin tips for a spear, so we gotta shove it with brute force.

Spear Vs Large Shield thr+2 vs DR:9 Doesnt even become possible till Str 17, but as a thrown weapon is possible at Str 15.
However a Harpoon is possible at Str 13.

Great Axe vs Large Shield is a whole different story.
sw+3 vs DR:9 and min str =12 means damage of 1d+5 and all of a sudden we're penetrating that large shield 1/3 of the time! As a matter of fact, the str17 we discussed for the spear will rip through even a large shield 75% of the time. (3d+2 => 8 or better on 3d6)

Nymdok
I think its a sickness that I calculated this at 12:30am.......