Shields are pretty good one problem with them though.

[Appoloin]

They don't have handles. Unless its some sort of magic they stick to you i don't know. Not saying there all like that just the majority that i have seen.

[Bamko]

hmm, the ones I made had handles, I know, cuz I put handles on em! 

Maybe the handles (image) has not been implemented yet?  maybe soon(TM)?

last I checked they did nothing anyway, does not prevent you from getting hit, nor can you train sheild handling.  I think that might be coming soon(TM) as well.  I would prefer working sheilds to precede the handles being visible, if it comes down to either/or.  but hey, that is just me.