Why don't legionnaires like the VHTA as a melee weapon?

[synario]

According to the stats, this weapon is fantastic as a melee weapon. 55c, 103 speed. YES, it's short, but so is the DWP at 69 length yet people say that's one of the best 1-handers around.

The only reason I can think of would be that it's difficult to switch from ranged to melee mode, but couldn't that be overcome by practice? (only switching modes when you are farther away from any enemies)

Maybe the short length really does cripple the VHTA as a truly miraculous melee weapon, I'm not sure?

[Sargent Q]

I do use them quite a lot as my melee weapon.  I have killed both thor and odin with them in melee.  I have also killed up to assassins with them, and pikes on normal.  So I don't see that the short length is a problem.

[Mr.Peso]

It's a superb melee weapon and quite good while throwing. To me the perfect weapon for Legionnaires, at least in it's price range.

[Soviet]

Legionnaires don't like DWP either so I wouldn't trust their judgement.

[DrWhoCares]

Short. Has to be switched from throwable to melee. Slow.

It's not terrible. There's just many better things.

[clickeverywhere]

From my brief experiences using it, it just felt too slow when used as a one-hander. I'll agree that DWP isn't the best legionnaire weapon as well. Seems like legionnaires work best with fast and long weapons.

[Timmix]

From my brief experiences using it, it just felt too slow when used as a one-hander. I'll agree that DWP isn't the best legionnaire weapon as well. Seems like legionnaires work best with fast and long weapons.

Frostfang all the way!

[Tsukiyomi]

I'm not sure why I am bothering to comment on this since I will just be told by *experts* that I am wrong.  The problem with the VHTA in melee is indeed the length.  When you are out on the field in open combat the length of the weapon is your friend.  The reason for this is the length of the weapon allows you to remain further away from those you are fighting (should be obvious).  This allows you to defeat enemies from a distance where they are less likely to be able to hit you.  I'm sure all of the experienced players are aware of how often bots with those pesky two handers like to hit you through their buddies.  Having a shot weapon puts you in range of bots behind the one you are fighting.  Simply put, with VHTA you are able to deal nice damage but every time you are attacking you will put yourself in range of other bots and expose yourself to unnecessary damage.  Longer weapons allow you to deal damage from a safe(er) distance and keep crowds at bay.  Short high damage weapons are a better choice for a class like Royal Guard - due to the nature of the class you will typically be very close to the enemy to begin with. 
  @ Soviet - DWP is indeed a fine weapon.  Any commando class will do great with it.  The "dislike" that has been expressed is only due to my experience using it vs. illustrious as legionnaire.  I find that they both kill in the same number of hits so I prefer the longer faster weapon.  For non-legionnaire commando I would choose the DWP any day, but with the increase in 1h damage and speed I personally see no need to switch my setup. 
    It might also be worth adding that longer weapons allow you to more effectively stun lock very tough/quick enemies who take a lot of hits to kill from any weapon.  In the end it all comes down to preference and your style of gameplay.  If you like being very close and surrounded by enemies a short weapon is probably for you.  If you like keeping your distance and fighting a bit more tactically you should probably go for a longer weapon. 
  @ Synario - I would suggest you do some more experimenting for yourself instead of making all sorts of posts comparing stats trying to figure out why people have opinions.  If you like a weapon and do well with it, it's good.  If you suck at using certain weapons and die every time you use them, they are bad.  Doesn't matter what other people use.  Use what works for you.  My example -  I love the illustrious.  I get tons of kills with it and it often helps me stay alive in bad situations.  Other people say the Fang of Fenrir is the better weapon and they do quite well with it.  I get killed instantly almost every time I use the fang.  This doesn't mean the Fang is bad, it just doesn't suit my style of combat.  Find the path that works for you.

[Soviet]

  @ Soviet - DWP is indeed a fine weapon.  Any commando class will do great with it.  The "dislike" that has been expressed is only due to my experience using it vs. illustrious as legionnaire.  I find that they both kill in the same number of hits so I prefer the longer faster weapon.  For non-legionnaire commando I would choose the DWP any day, but with the increase in 1h damage and speed I personally see no need to switch my setup. 
    It might also be worth adding that longer weapons allow you to more effectively stun lock very tough/quick enemies who take a lot of hits to kill from any weapon.  In the end it all comes down to preference and your style of gameplay.  If you like being very close and surrounded by enemies a short weapon is probably for you.  If you like keeping your distance and fighting a bit more tactically you should probably go for a longer weapon. 

.....

DWP is glory

[Sargent Q]

I find that the length doesn't really make a difference as the illustrious is still shorter than the 2 handed weapons and, the VHTA's are as long the the one handed weapons they have.  And they give the option on killing at least some before they get to you. Like Susanoo though its my fighting stye,  I have been playing mount and blade for quite a long while and the earlier versions have a much better stab than the warband one does meaning that i have a very hard time with the stab and it usually gets me killed when i use a one hander with a stab.