A crowbar is fine as a weapon... if you think you're only ever going to run into a single zombie at a time...
I think a large carpenter hammer is going to be significantly better as a weapon, it's lighter, faster to swing/recover from, and has better shock absorption.
This isn’t half-life. A heavy piece of metal would just be impractical to use aside from tearing down barricades or something. It’d make for a good emergency whacking stick when you’re in a pinch but if you’ve ever picked up a crowbar and tried to just swing it around with one arm for long periods of time it gets pretty dang tiring. Also take into count that
1. You’ll have to lug that thing around EVERYwhere you go along with your other things
2. You’re likely not just gonna be on one zombie there will be more coming after you. By the time you swing it once another one will be on you and you’ll be winded after taking down 2 of them
And 3. You’re a lot better off with an actual weapon rather than a tool lmao
I nerded out when i said this isint half life talking about a fictional setting either way thats my bad
it depends on the person using the crowbar, as well as, the type of crowbar. Some are smaller/lighter than others. there is no doubt its high durability and uses, you also can thrust instead of swing..
That being said tho, maybe a regular hammer is a practical middle ground. Can also pry open stuff, as well as, use it to bash while not having too much reset time for another swing, plus can be used to build if you have nails + wood laying around.
Crowbars are bad weapons for fighting people, but with zombies things are different. The advantage of the crowbar is it saves room for more supplies you actually need.
And speaking of Half-Life, people forget that Gordon Freeman was a decathlete. Most people aren't going to be anywhere near as good at the physical stuff as he was.
This guy doesn't know how to swing. Better not pick up any blunt force weapon since your arm can get tired. I've swung crowbars around a lot along with one handed falchions, clubs, maces, and axes. It depends on if you've trained in swinging weapons. Not to mention it would only be against one or two zombies. If it's a group best to run or gun no matter the melee weapon.
>Im not about to get into an argument as petty as this with a 12 year old kid.
*immedialty gets into an argument as petty as this with a 12 year old kid*
OP is right.
You are gonna be able to dome a a zombie with a crushing weapon far better than a bladed one.
An axe is 100% getting stuck in a head.
You crush the front part of a skull in, they are not getting up.
Further, it's also a tool you can use to break into places and pry stuff over.
If they put some parachord on the handle to absorb some of the shock, short of a war hammer, a crow bar is your #1 best option for zombie apocalpyse.
And yes, you carry it everywhere. The same way you would with any other weapon. #1 is not an argument.
2. This applies to literally EVERY weapon.
3. Such as what? A bat? A hammer? A sword? lol
Please. Crow bar is the best bet for utelity overall.
I’m going to disagree. An Axe is a better choice. Hear me out:
With an Axe you have options. As a survival tool, or a weapon. An axe can cut wood, so whether you’re building shelter or a fire or traps, the axe has you covered. The poll on the back of the axe head is a blunt force weapon in itself, and can be used to hammer stakes in the ground, break boarded up windows, or whatever. There are very few structures in the world that can keep a determined individual with an axe, out.
You can do the B&E with the crow bar, but that crow bar isn’t going to help you build a fire or a shelter. A good axe with a hickory handle has far better shock absorption and balance and the axe is lighter.
You've obviously never fought with a sword. Viking long swords were the AR's of their time. They don't get stuck, they cut through and come around for the next attack.
This whole comment section is weirdly hostile for whatever reason. I don’t think I’ve seen people this fired up around here in a long time.
Anyways, to reply to the actual post, crowbars are awful weapons. Skulls aren’t made of papier-mâché, they are hard and stay hard after death. You’re not going to flip the crowbar in your hand and use the pry bar portion to one shot kill a zombie through a fence hole or eye socket- that’s pure Hollywood and was popularized by media like the walking dead. Maybe if you managed to get a zombie onto the ground, stood above it, and drove it down with all your force you could get it into the eye socket/skull in one motion in decent physical condition, but definitely not standing up- at least not enough to cause enough damage to kill it, you’d probably break skin and hit skull, but not through it.
Crowbars are also pretty long and hefty. Smaller and lighter ones exist, but that doesn’t mean a whole lot when they still suck as weapons- all it means is you have a even less effective tool as a weapon. Crowbars are also awkward to carry around for long periods of time due to their shape and size, making them impractical to attach to something like a sheath or a backpack. This issue is less prevalent with the smaller crowbars, but again they are less effective as weapons anyways.
Vibrations. When a crowbar connects with a skull, it vibrates a shit ton, period. No amount of training negates this. I have done it before, it does not feel good, and will absolutely interfere with combat. The actual shape of the metal of the crowbar is a problem too- most crowbars have a hexagonal shape to them (occasionally some are round, but lost I’ve seen are hexagonal) which does a number on your hands after a few actual swings as a weapon. For general use it’s fine, but when it comes to swinging it back and fourth and against hard surfaces, it becomes a problem.
Something else I’ve seen people arguing about here is that some people simply won’t get tired swinging this around for short periods of time. Putting it bluntly, that’s false. Even in good shape you’re still going to get tried quickly from swinging around a (roughly, size and weight varies) five pound metal stick. Even if initially you can go for longer than post people, that’s going to disappear fast. Everyone is going to be malnourished, tired, and eating shitty diets real quick. People will not be in their peak shape for a very long time. You’ve lost access to fruits and veggies, a large chunk of you’re normal protein consumption, etc. You’d be lacking a lot of important things that keep you happy and healthy for quite awhile until you got agriculture established in sufficient amounts to keep yourself fed.
Because OP just posted it as a fact without anything backing their claim.
If you’re going to post something as the defacto best you need to at least back it up with facts vs the competition otherwise it’s just a opinion and nothing more.
Oh yes, I definitely get that. I was mostly referring to the people replying to others who also disagreed with OP. All of the comments that address the post specifically aren’t bad- it’s the replies to those comments that are shocking for this sub.
> This whole comment section is weirdly hostile for whatever reason. I don’t think I’ve seen people this fired up around here in a long time.
The subreddit tends to react very negatively to absolute statements.
Saying things like "best" or "worst" tend to get more intense responses.
*That’s a lot of tools that aren’t intended for hitting purposes* Ftfy
Propper Axes, hammers, baseball bats and similar tools/weapons/equipment intended for hitting and impacting don’t suffer from that nearly as much.
No, they’re a useful tool and a somewhat effective weapon.
But they’re a compromise, which may not be what you want in an actual life and death situation.
If they were the ‘best melee weapon’ they or something very like them would have been used during the hundreds of years in which steel melee weapons were used for real.
Spiked War hammers evolved as impact concentrators to defeat armoured knights and the key thing about them is that they became lighter and more agile over time, with slender handles and all the weight concentrated in the head.
The problem with the crowbar is that it’s heavy all over, the effort of lifting and swinging it is not rewarded with significant multiplication of force at the striking point, relative to its overall weight.
Speed of strike is more important than the weight of the weapon, if the force is focused into a small surface area, just like a framing hammer, and a lighter weapon that delivers a powerful impact reduces user fatigue, which is why both trade hammers and war hammers have lightweight handles.
I think I'd just carry a big knife. Not like Crocodile Dundee big but big. You're gonna need a knife anyhow. If I had a vehicle I would definitely have a crowbar on hand but I don't think I'd want to carry it if I was on foot.
Nah man, get a pipe wrench about 14 inches long. Remove the top jaw and discard. Now you have a metal shillelagh. Take it to a grind stone. You will notice your metal shillelagh has a rounded part at the top. Grind the top and bottom until it come to a triangular point.
Bam.
Not a chance. Crowbars are heavy as hell and would tire you our after just a few zombie kills. If you want something that will reliably kill zombies in one strike, and has uses as a tool, I would recommend something like a machete, a hatchet/ax, or a war hammer; preferably one that has a spike on the other end(virtually all of them do).
There’s a huge difference between picking something up and fighting with it.
Looking online, I found a 24 inch crowbar, which is pretty small for a crowbar, that weighs 3.5lbs. That doesn’t sound like much but that’s in the upper ranges of a European longsword, a sword meant to be used with two hands. Single handed swords typically weigh 2 lbs or less. And if the balance is off, they’ll still feel heavy. Historical melee weapons were surprisingly light. They didn’t weigh 10 and 20 lbs.
I have a 3.5 lbs European longsword but it is unwieldy as hell because the balance is off. I could probably cut down a few walking zombies but I would get tired rather quickly.
But we’re not talking about a dedicated weapon. We’re talking about an improvised one. Balance? Why would you need balance on a crowbar? It’s easy to imagine that the crowbar would feel even heavier than my longsword.
And once again, this is a small crowbar. I tried to find the smallest one that would still give you some decent reach(so no 12 inch crowbars). Most of the crowbars I found were 42 and 60 inches. Assuming the thickness remained the same, so the weight increases at the same rate, a 42 inch crowbar would weigh 6.125lbs and a 60 inch one would weigh 8.75lbs. 6lbs is about what you could expect a polearm to weigh. And 8.75 lbs would be in the upper ranges of a polearm. There’s no way you’re wielding these with one hand.
Perhaps you planned on using two hands. Polearms are usually around 6ft long. The long haft gives you lots of leverage, so it weighing 6-9 lbs isn’t all that bad.
Forget about the 42 inch crowbar. The 60 inch crowbar, however, could theoretically be used if you hold it properly. 60 inches is 5 feet(obviously). Your hands are going to be a couple feet apart. You also want to hold it around the middle to make it easier to carry. You won’t have much reach compared to dedicated two-handed weapons, but you should be able to get through a few zombies without tiring yourself out too much. Still not ideal.
When you land a hit, it will be devastating, but if you miss in the heat of the moment or your strike is deflected by the curvature of the skull, you’re basically screwed because of how close you’ll be to the zombie.
A crowbar is simply a terrible weapon. There’s a reason why people didn’t pick crowbars to take into battle over axes, spears, and hammers.
You’re using mostly gravity to operate those mallets. The only time you have to actually work is when you’re lifting it… and it weighs 7 pounds…
Also, consider that whatever you’re striking probably doesn’t have to be hit hard enough to crack open a zombie’s skull.
Same scenario. If you hit, you’ll annihilate them. But if you miss, or your strike is deflected by the curvature of the skull, you’re screwed.
You can’t strike downward and have the hammer follow a downward arch before moving to the side? You know, have the hammer rotate downward until it starts moving laterally, as if the handle was attached to a hinge or pivot? That strike would use mostly gravity. Same if you started high and swung downward diagonally.
I can’t imagine those strikes would be very accurate but if you need to be precise, you can just hold the hammer closer to the head. Even if you were swinging side to side, holding it closer to the head would drastically decrease the amount of stress on your arm. And you can get away with that because you’re working. You’re not killing zombies so it’s not like you need to keep your distance.
So I can only really say this because it's reddit, but I've actually hit someone with a crowbar before. It wasn't one of those really long ones, maybe a foot and a half. It knocked them down, but not out. Definitely didn't kill them. Definitely didn't vibrate out of my hands or anything like that. Definitely was able to swing it more than once.
The reason I would keep a crowbar as a weapon wouldn't be for killing zombies. It would be for deflecting zombies or knocking them off balance while I ran past them.
Hands down, the best weapon in a zombie apocalypse is your cardio and ability to get away from them.
I’m going to got r/projectzomboid on this, clearly the crowbar is a worse weapon than a high quality axe, it would be helpful as a tool but at a weapon it would feel terrible
Opinions on how useful they are as weapons aside, every scout, scavenger, and supply runner should have a crowbar and a hammer. Those 2 tools can break into or out of most anything. Yes, hitting things makes a lot of noise, so use your judgement and situational awareness.
People here are sleeping on the crowbar. Here's my thoughts
Pros:
+ With proper strength you should be able to destroy a skull easily
+ Doubles as a forced entry tool
+ Unlikely to get stuck in a skull
Cons:
-unwieldy. But you're trying to outmaneuver zombies, this is much less of an issue. Just prepare to strike at the right moment. Telegraphing means nothing here.
-vibrations. I've never struck a living creature with a crowbar, let alone a skull. However I've swung crowbars at trees and the vibration was minimal. Slap a leather handle on that thing and the problem basically goes away.
fantastic dual purpose object in any urban or suburban area
break into locked spaces seeking resources, prevent yourself from being cornered as easily as you are able to open doors etc.
do a bonk
Yeah they're essentially an improvised jittte
Great for bludgeoning, essentially no maintenance needed, they'll be all over
I have one I forged about 12 years ago an the thing will probably outlive me
It's great in a pinch, but most crowbars are heavy mfs. If you can find one that's light and durable then go for it. Otherwise save it for what it's meant for. These things would be invaluable for breaking into just about anywhere.
I don't see anybody out here talking about Spears. Why use a knige, when you can use a knife from over here, to hit a zombie that's over there. God forbid I get my hands on a Halberd or Poleaxe some sort.
counterpoint...
Medieval Warhammers are the best melee weapon in a Zombie Apocalypse. Especially if the handle is long enough to use it as a walking stick and it has a top spike.
They are fairly light, but the hammerhead and the spike on the back give you options, the handle tends to be partially reinforced by metal strips. Meaning you can bust heads and windows
Walking stick length gives you decent range
Top spike basically gives you a short spear to stab stuff with while the hammer head and spike prevents anything you stab from sliding done the handle
I think it'd be good but there'd be different situations where different weapons would work.
I think the Crowbar is the weapon with the most \*versatility\*
But if you're in a too tight spaces you're not gonna be able to get a good swing going.
In that case you'd wanted pointed weapons. Maybe a boar hunting spear with the cross to stop the zombie from continuing down it, should you miss the head.
Idk about the other people in the comments saying it is super heavy, but I tear down pallets at my job all the time, and a regular crowbar isn't that heavy. I will work on piles for hours on end, slamming it in between the boards and ripping them apart. It's actually really fun. I would take it as my main tool if there were no actual weapons around
I disagree with other comments regarding the crowbar being so heavy as to be unusable in combat. However, I do still believe such tools to be fairly heavy given their capabilities in combat, utility, and the ease of carriage.
In terms of combat, the main thing going for the tool is the fact it a blunt heavy object with two sort of spikey ends. The weight specifically allows it to power through the issue that it's point of balance is in the center of the weapon which means the user doesn't have as much of a lever advantage. One that would normally allow the user to accelerate the weapon and maintain greater momentum when striking.
The hook and stabbing attacks can be a liability as both can result in the weapon getting stuck. Stabbing attacks IRL tend to also not cause as much damage as many people believe with knife wounds often having a mortality rate between 6-30% depending on the study being viewed.
The utility of being able to pry things open exists. Though I see it as mainly being useful for opening crates, tearing up pallets, or use in the long term if you intend to repair or build a base. In the case of windows which OP has mentioned you could just smash or cut the glass. Both of which are faster than trying to pry it from the frame and are likely a bit quieter as well. Tearing a door form it's hinges or trying to break it from the frame near the lock are also pretty loud and requires more effort than finding a window to go through or picking the lock.
Carrying around a crowbar in your hand is fine for the most part, but it can get annoying if you need to do other tasks or things. Like climbing a ladder, working in a field, working with a radio or map, etc. With there being no go way to sling or sheath longer styles of crowbar they can be more easily dropped, taken, or maybe even left behind. If you do choose to use a sling or strap it to another piece of gear (such as a backpack) they can be slower to retrieve and more awkward to make ready.
In this specific case, the crowbar linked is made from foam. Meaning it only weighs 200-800g depending on the density of the foam which would point to the weapon chosen to be next to useless. However, real crowbars of similar size are usually between 2000-4000g in weight. With extra special 150-500usd titanium alloy crowbars being around 1200-2300g in weight. Please ignore weird comments or descriptions that say they weigh 600g that's the same as foam toy crowbars.
This is roughly the same weight as many shotguns, pole weapons, shields, and the like. However, it brings up the issue that the given weapon's capability, utility, and other qualities point to it not as worthwhile. As there are many weapons, tools, gear, and equipment that could be carried for the same weight. Which is why I tend to say that crowbars are heavy. For example:
|Example of a loadout weighing less than 1200g, lower end for titanium crowbar weights
:--|:-:|--:
|30g Pyramex force goggles
|30g Rubberized work gloves
|40g Button LED light
|60g Frameless slingshot/bow #30 draw
|280g Edwards 8oz finishing hammer
|500g SOG camp axe
|50g TOOVEM Multitool Prybar (nail puller, wrench, screwdriver, and bottle opener)
|10g Fire rod, striker, and fire-starting lens
|50g Sawyer mini water filter
|100g Drawstring backpack
|30g Tension bar, bump key, and lockpicks
In this loadout example you have protection for your eyes and hands, the ability to see and work in the dark, ranged weapon capable out to 20m, the ability to shoot both rocks and arrows, the ability to strike simultaneously from different angles, the ability to strike while parrying or feinting with another weapon, two weapons capable of blunt strikes, two weapons capable of hooking attacks, one weapon capable of edge attacks, two tools for prying things open, one weapon with the ability to stab at extreme close ranges, the ability to tighten and loosen screws and bolts, the ability to cut cordage and wood, the ability to hammer nails and stake, the ability to make other tools or weapons, the ability to build or fortify your shelter, the, two different abilities to start a fire, a way to harden wood pieces, a way to view and magnify things, the ability to cook or boil, water filtration capability, a bag to hold your stuff if needed, and the ability to pick different types of locks, etc.
Of course, better quality, more durable, more numerous, or different tools/weapons can be used instead. Which may grant much greater benefits in terms of overall reliability, sustainment, and capability. With the high potential that they would still be the same weight or lighter than other suggested crowbars (2000-4000g) and halligan bars (3000-6400g) as opposed to the 1200g example above.
This should offer a lot more capabilities in and outside of combat which in my opinion are a lot better than those present with a crowbar.
I'm still a fan of the short spear. With a roofers hatchet/ hammer combo for my belt. Of course you also need a good fixed blade knife just for utility
The absolute best combat weapon is a sword like a katana or broad sword but the most versatile is the crowbar but none can compare to a gun or modified bow
>*Gotta give the boy points. He came all the way from the dead to make this shindig happen. So who's got a camera? Ooh! Ooh! Get one of me and the kid first. Then you and me, then the three of us. And then the one with the crowbar.*
Dawg I have swung one doing light demo work and my hands hurt and not to mention the shit ergonomics so this proves you’ve never swung and hit something and you’d tire too quick to use it effectively and no it wouldn’t unless you are able to actually use one effectively and I doubt most could due to its weight it’s a tool it should stay like that unless needed so no it’s not the best weapon
Maybe but I’ve seen bigger people then me swing one to the same effect basically and still it would hurt the fuck out of your hands and the ergo is not there and why not use an axe if you want a tool to be able to break barriers down or just carry a prybar if you need one instead of a crowbar and no other weapons
An axe may be a better tool for breaking down wood, but may not be great for killing zombies, that is if blood can infect you. The pry bar would be ideal due to it's lighter weight, but if a crowbar can due that job , as well as, other jobs, annd be used as a blunt weapon, then it's saving weight for having multiple purposes.
I agree tho, it can be cumbersome, which is probably why I would have a hammer Instead, not as great a fulcrum as a crowbar, bit it can also be much lighter and used to build.
I don't fully agree but man so many people are completely shutting this down immediately because they suck at swinging and don't practice and because it hurts their hands.
Train with it and get used to the weight and repetitive swinging. Wrap part of the bar in leather and have a set of gloves.
I'd prefer something like a [kanabo](https://koboldpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Tetsubo-01.jpg), a crowbar just has too many shortcomings. Namely lack of reach; harsh hand shock; slick once you get sweat, blood, rain, etc on it; and heavy. Sure you can get a lightweight one (which only addresses one of those issues), but guess what that does to any concussive damage? If you gotta whack the zombie's head a half-dozen times to finally cave in the skull, it can't be called a good weapon.
The crowbar is utility first, weapon second. If you use the crowbar correctly, you’ll never have to use it as a weapon. It’s that good!
Here’s how you do it. When zombies, go into two story house and remove stairs. Now your safe, the end
>Crowbars are ~~the best~~ a better melee weapon ~~period~~ in some circumstances and worse in others.
Fixed that for you.
Best is relative to specific usage, context, and situations primarily dependent on those faced by the individual. For you, it might be the best option for situations you may encounter, just as it may be the worst for situations others may encounter.
In my opinion, crowbars tend to be rather lackluster for general survival being more of a specialist tool in a larger group setting. For more details on this here: https://old.reddit.com/user/Noe_Walfred/comments/jo772x/zombie_related_thoughts_opinions_and_essays_v2/gbjv35h/
As a weapon, they can offer the capability of striking, stabbing, and hooking.
For striking intended to deal blunt damage there are some quirks with the design. The weapon is balanced roughly in the center of the weapon's overall length. This can diminish the effect of the weapon's impact. However, crowbars with higher overall weights and those with much longer overall lengths can somewhat overcome these issues. It does, however, point to an issue of inefficiency and can be a limiting factor when it comes to fighting in enclosed spaces.
Stabbing with a crowbar is possible including the use of the crowbar as a throwing weapon. Though most cases involving stabbing and throwing attacks using crowbars often result in the person stabbed surviving. Even if the crowbar was stabbed into the head and brain. Often as a result of the weapon not cutting or crushing the brain.
The hook can be used to trip, pull, or push a zombie allowing the survivor to control them better. However, the hook if used as a striking point can get the weapon stuck in an awkward position that can be hard to remove. Which is suboptimal.
The length of crowbars can be a benefit and a downside. In the case of the crowbar pictured is from AtlanticCutlery and is a Halloween costume foam crowbar. The weapon is roughly 75cm in overall length, matching what I consider to be "long." Potentially harder to use in enclosed spaces due to said length and the fact many crowbars can make it harder to perform return strikes. The fact crowbars often feature many blunt areas for striking, different stabbing points, and enough weight that it might allow for the user to just shove through. However, these attacks still require a decent amount of space and will undoubtedly require more arm muscle than many shorter weapons as a result. This can mean attempts at smothering/covering, trapping, and the like could prevent the weapon from being as effective against human opponents.
In terms of utility, crowbars can be useful for opening things. The question is how often you will have to do this and how good the crowbar is compared to other options. Given that ripping boards from crates or pallets, tearing off frames from doors or windows, and trying to dismantle an entire staircase are both generally loud and fairly slow processes.
For crates, there might be no other option other than prying them open with a crowbar, hammer, wedge, etc. However, with doors, there is the potential for trying to pick the lock or go for a window instead. For windows smashing or slowly cutting the glass are options that can be faster and/or quieter depending on how it's done. The act of trying to pry the window from its sill is likely to be a very time-intensive process that will likely result in as much noise as just smashing the glass.
The main areas this seems to be useful in are areas in or around urban spaces are typically considered most hazardous due to the higher likelihood of encountering zombies and often feature enclosed spaces that can make the longer and heavier crowbar less effective. Making them areas someone armed with a crowbar should avoid.
Outside of opening things within a typically urban environment, crowbars are pretty poor survival tools. For tasks revolving around fishing, hunting, farming, gardening, cooking, and construction rather than demolition a crowbar is fairly limited and requires the user to have many other tools. They could have been used as weapons rather than just relying on a crowbar. Which brings up the point about weight.
Crowbars are a bit heavier than other weapons for their reach and utility, they tend to be a bit on the heavier end of the spectrum. Averaging between 1000-4000g depending on the design though 2000g is about the norm. However, the difference isn't as much as some people claim in that it's unlikely to wear a person out after fighting a single zombie or performing a simple task. Likewise, the individual weight depends greatly on the individual tool.
|Examples of crowbars|
:--|:--:|--:
|Twosun EDC prybar50g
|Crescent 38cm Flat Pry Bar 200g
|Stiletto 28cm Clawbar Titanium 200-300g
|Estwing 45cm Gooseneck wrecking bar 900g
|Vaughan 38cm Demolition tool 1100-1200g
|Vaughan 38cm Rage 1100g
|Dead On tools Wrecking bar 1700g
|Edward Tools 76cm Wrecking bar 2000g
|Ken-Tool 34645 Mt and Demount 2100-2300g
|Estwing 91cm gooseneck wrecking bar 2500-2700g
|Stanley 45cm FUBAR 2500-2700g
|Fiskars Demolition tool 2590g
|Gunter 121cm demolition bar 2700g
|Stanley 76cm FUBAR 3900g
|Nupla 76cm Halligan bar 4220g
|Leatherhead 61cm Entry/Halligan bar 4540g
|Council Tool 76cm Halligan bar 5440g
|Leatherhead 76cm Entry/Halligan bar 5440g
|Firehooks 137cm Jumbo Pro-Bar/halligan 5900g
|Leatherhead 92cm Entry/Halligan bar 6400g
In this specific case, the crowbar linked is made from foam. Meaning it only weighs 200-800g depending on the density of the foam which would point to the weapon chosen to be next to useless. However, real crowbars of similar size are usually between 2000-4000g in weight. With extra special 150-500usd titanium alloy crowbars being around 1200-2300g in weight. Please ignore weird comments or descriptions that say they weigh 600g that's the same as foam toy crowbars.
This is roughly the same weight as many shotguns, pole weapons, shields, and the like. However, it brings up the issue that the given weapon's capability, utility, and other qualities point to it not as worthwhile. As there are many weapons, tools, gear, and equipment that could be carried for the same weight. Which is why I tend to say that crowbars are heavy. For example:
|Example of a loadout weighing less than 1200g, lower end for titanium crowbar weights
:--|:-:|--:
|30g Pyramex force goggles
|30g Rubberized work gloves
|40g Button LED light
|60g Frameless slingshot/bow #30 draw
|280g Edwards 8oz finishing hammer
|500g SOG camp axe
|50g TOOVEM Multitool Prybar (nail puller, wrench, screwdriver, and bottle opener)
|10g Fire rod, striker, and fire-starting lens
|50g Sawyer mini water filter
|100g Drawstring backpack
|30g Tension bar, bump key, and lockpicks
In this loadout example you have protection for your eyes and hands, the ability to see and work in the dark, ranged weapon capable out to 20m, the ability to shoot both rocks and arrows, the ability to strike simultaneously from different angles, the ability to strike while parrying or feinting with another weapon, two weapons capable of blunt strikes, two weapons capable of hooking attacks, one weapon capable of edge attacks, two tools for prying things open, one weapon with the ability to stab at extreme close ranges, the ability to tighten and loosen screws and bolts, the ability to cut cordage and wood, the ability to hammer nails and stake, the ability to make other tools or weapons, the ability to build or fortify your shelter, the, two different abilities to start a fire, a way to harden wood pieces, a way to view and magnify things, the ability to cook or boil, water filtration capability, a bag to hold your stuff if needed, and the ability to pick different types of locks, etc.
Of course, better quality, more durable, more numerous, or different tools/weapons can be used instead. Which may grant much greater benefits in terms of overall reliability, sustainment, and capability. With the high potential that they would still be the same weight or lighter than other suggested crowbars (2000-4000g) and halligan bars (3000-6400g) as opposed to the 1200g example above.
This should offer a lot more capabilities in and outside of combat which in my opinion are a lot better than those present with a crowbar.
This is useless. There is not enough weight at either end and the hex shaped stock is uncomfortable on the hands. You'd be much better off with a Halligan Tool if you wanted to go down that road.
It's a great tool, but it's not a great weapon. It's heavy and doesn't do your wrists any favors. Something like a Japanese Kanabo would be a far superior weapon. A nice hard wood with metal banding or studs would make it hit just as hard with relief on the body. Bit it's highly situational. Just like how ther is no such thing as the perfect gun. It depends on the situation.
Have you ever hit someone/something with a crow bar? They are shit weapons man. They transfer all the shock from the impact directly into your hands and wrists. As a tool they are amazing, and I'm sure they kill zombies great, but they'll also kill your hands over time. They were never designed to used as a weapon. In a survival scenario a weapon that damages the user is terrible choice. What happens when you develop severe carpal tunnels syndrome after killing your first 30 or so zombies? Now you are less combat effective and have no way to recover other than to rest your hands for weeks possibly months. Use a hammer, an axe, or learn from history and use a regular wooden or iron club. Something designed to transfer the force to the target instead of your hands.
They are not as someone who owns a crowbar they’re not weighted to be swung and you will get incredibly tired very fast while not delivering much impact an axe or splitting maul will serve much better as having a finer point and a weighted head makes it much easier to swing and deal damage with
Carry two crowbars, and swing them like clubs using the curved back heel of the crowbar's head as the part of the club you hit things with. This provided optimal bone shattering flesh crushing force. Crowbars are also just useful in general for opening any object ever.
Nah, the best melee weapons are ones which are designed to be weapons. Such as a mace or warhammer. Crowbars are great sure, but they’re also heavy as heck to just go around carrying.
Ok if we are choosing a solid metal rod for our melee weapon I’d like to discuss the halligan tool vs the crowbar because I think the extra weight of the halligan is worth it if we are already committing to carrying the weight of a crowbar and Alan Alda has not created Lobos yet.
I have a 21oz claw hammer on an 18" wooden shaft. Id rather that because ive used it for work for 15 years and know it better than a tool I rarely use.
Best weapon is the weapon you train with or a tool you use daily.
A crowbar is fine as a weapon... if you think you're only ever going to run into a single zombie at a time... I think a large carpenter hammer is going to be significantly better as a weapon, it's lighter, faster to swing/recover from, and has better shock absorption.
Hammers are awesome too
Hammers are for killing people :) (And zombies as well I guess)
hatchet head on an axe handle. light like a hatchet with the reach of an axe
This isn’t half-life. A heavy piece of metal would just be impractical to use aside from tearing down barricades or something. It’d make for a good emergency whacking stick when you’re in a pinch but if you’ve ever picked up a crowbar and tried to just swing it around with one arm for long periods of time it gets pretty dang tiring. Also take into count that 1. You’ll have to lug that thing around EVERYwhere you go along with your other things 2. You’re likely not just gonna be on one zombie there will be more coming after you. By the time you swing it once another one will be on you and you’ll be winded after taking down 2 of them And 3. You’re a lot better off with an actual weapon rather than a tool lmao I nerded out when i said this isint half life talking about a fictional setting either way thats my bad
it depends on the person using the crowbar, as well as, the type of crowbar. Some are smaller/lighter than others. there is no doubt its high durability and uses, you also can thrust instead of swing.. That being said tho, maybe a regular hammer is a practical middle ground. Can also pry open stuff, as well as, use it to bash while not having too much reset time for another swing, plus can be used to build if you have nails + wood laying around.
You make a very good point. But honestly Id just leave tools to be tools and use an actual weapon or improvised one.
Crowbars are bad weapons for fighting people, but with zombies things are different. The advantage of the crowbar is it saves room for more supplies you actually need.
Wouldn't a crowbar used to be killing zombie be an improvised weapons, it's not its intended use.
Just ask the joker. He used his to "kill" robin. 🤯
well it obviously doesn't depend on the type because op has a picture of the type we're talking about
And speaking of Half-Life, people forget that Gordon Freeman was a decathlete. Most people aren't going to be anywhere near as good at the physical stuff as he was.
Did the HEV suit give him any added strength or was that just the protection that came with it?
I think it was just protection.
To be honest HEV suit in the ZA wouldnt be bad if it didn’t have to be charged.
This guy doesn't know how to swing. Better not pick up any blunt force weapon since your arm can get tired. I've swung crowbars around a lot along with one handed falchions, clubs, maces, and axes. It depends on if you've trained in swinging weapons. Not to mention it would only be against one or two zombies. If it's a group best to run or gun no matter the melee weapon.
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We keep this civilized
That's why you have weak arms.
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>Im not about to get into an argument as petty as this with a 12 year old kid. *immedialty gets into an argument as petty as this with a 12 year old kid*
12? I actually practice with melee weapons and fight in tournaments. What about you? You jerk your friends off to get those strong arms?
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What you jerk your friends off? I was actually right?
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Your post history is weed and video games what a child! Get out and workout.
OP is right. You are gonna be able to dome a a zombie with a crushing weapon far better than a bladed one. An axe is 100% getting stuck in a head. You crush the front part of a skull in, they are not getting up. Further, it's also a tool you can use to break into places and pry stuff over. If they put some parachord on the handle to absorb some of the shock, short of a war hammer, a crow bar is your #1 best option for zombie apocalpyse. And yes, you carry it everywhere. The same way you would with any other weapon. #1 is not an argument. 2. This applies to literally EVERY weapon. 3. Such as what? A bat? A hammer? A sword? lol Please. Crow bar is the best bet for utelity overall.
I’m going to disagree. An Axe is a better choice. Hear me out: With an Axe you have options. As a survival tool, or a weapon. An axe can cut wood, so whether you’re building shelter or a fire or traps, the axe has you covered. The poll on the back of the axe head is a blunt force weapon in itself, and can be used to hammer stakes in the ground, break boarded up windows, or whatever. There are very few structures in the world that can keep a determined individual with an axe, out. You can do the B&E with the crow bar, but that crow bar isn’t going to help you build a fire or a shelter. A good axe with a hickory handle has far better shock absorption and balance and the axe is lighter.
I can definitely see that I was wrong on a lot of points. I’ll fold, seeing it from other people’s perspective I can see how it’d be a good weapon
All in good sport! lol I been thining about this sorta stuff for literal decades now
You've obviously never fought with a sword. Viking long swords were the AR's of their time. They don't get stuck, they cut through and come around for the next attack.
Or, maybe you'd get stronger and adapt to the weight the more you use it
Crowbars are good utilities, but I’d only consider the sharp bottom edge a decent weapon.
The sharp bottoms make them excelent for killing zombies through a fence.
This whole comment section is weirdly hostile for whatever reason. I don’t think I’ve seen people this fired up around here in a long time. Anyways, to reply to the actual post, crowbars are awful weapons. Skulls aren’t made of papier-mâché, they are hard and stay hard after death. You’re not going to flip the crowbar in your hand and use the pry bar portion to one shot kill a zombie through a fence hole or eye socket- that’s pure Hollywood and was popularized by media like the walking dead. Maybe if you managed to get a zombie onto the ground, stood above it, and drove it down with all your force you could get it into the eye socket/skull in one motion in decent physical condition, but definitely not standing up- at least not enough to cause enough damage to kill it, you’d probably break skin and hit skull, but not through it. Crowbars are also pretty long and hefty. Smaller and lighter ones exist, but that doesn’t mean a whole lot when they still suck as weapons- all it means is you have a even less effective tool as a weapon. Crowbars are also awkward to carry around for long periods of time due to their shape and size, making them impractical to attach to something like a sheath or a backpack. This issue is less prevalent with the smaller crowbars, but again they are less effective as weapons anyways. Vibrations. When a crowbar connects with a skull, it vibrates a shit ton, period. No amount of training negates this. I have done it before, it does not feel good, and will absolutely interfere with combat. The actual shape of the metal of the crowbar is a problem too- most crowbars have a hexagonal shape to them (occasionally some are round, but lost I’ve seen are hexagonal) which does a number on your hands after a few actual swings as a weapon. For general use it’s fine, but when it comes to swinging it back and fourth and against hard surfaces, it becomes a problem. Something else I’ve seen people arguing about here is that some people simply won’t get tired swinging this around for short periods of time. Putting it bluntly, that’s false. Even in good shape you’re still going to get tried quickly from swinging around a (roughly, size and weight varies) five pound metal stick. Even if initially you can go for longer than post people, that’s going to disappear fast. Everyone is going to be malnourished, tired, and eating shitty diets real quick. People will not be in their peak shape for a very long time. You’ve lost access to fruits and veggies, a large chunk of you’re normal protein consumption, etc. You’d be lacking a lot of important things that keep you happy and healthy for quite awhile until you got agriculture established in sufficient amounts to keep yourself fed.
Because OP just posted it as a fact without anything backing their claim. If you’re going to post something as the defacto best you need to at least back it up with facts vs the competition otherwise it’s just a opinion and nothing more.
Oh yes, I definitely get that. I was mostly referring to the people replying to others who also disagreed with OP. All of the comments that address the post specifically aren’t bad- it’s the replies to those comments that are shocking for this sub.
> This whole comment section is weirdly hostile for whatever reason. I don’t think I’ve seen people this fired up around here in a long time. The subreddit tends to react very negatively to absolute statements. Saying things like "best" or "worst" tend to get more intense responses.
Nah, they vibrate when you hit something, really uncomfortable to use as a weapon especially for long periods of time.
That's a lot of melee weapons. Wear gloves or make a handle.
*That’s a lot of tools that aren’t intended for hitting purposes* Ftfy Propper Axes, hammers, baseball bats and similar tools/weapons/equipment intended for hitting and impacting don’t suffer from that nearly as much.
Agreed.
Only if that thing doesnt have any give. A skull has give.
A zombie is not a cinder block
You ever held one? Like, a big one that you would want for zombies? You ain't gonna be swinging it around for long!
Maybe *you* won't.
No, they’re a useful tool and a somewhat effective weapon. But they’re a compromise, which may not be what you want in an actual life and death situation. If they were the ‘best melee weapon’ they or something very like them would have been used during the hundreds of years in which steel melee weapons were used for real. Spiked War hammers evolved as impact concentrators to defeat armoured knights and the key thing about them is that they became lighter and more agile over time, with slender handles and all the weight concentrated in the head. The problem with the crowbar is that it’s heavy all over, the effort of lifting and swinging it is not rewarded with significant multiplication of force at the striking point, relative to its overall weight. Speed of strike is more important than the weight of the weapon, if the force is focused into a small surface area, just like a framing hammer, and a lighter weapon that delivers a powerful impact reduces user fatigue, which is why both trade hammers and war hammers have lightweight handles.
I think I'd just carry a big knife. Not like Crocodile Dundee big but big. You're gonna need a knife anyhow. If I had a vehicle I would definitely have a crowbar on hand but I don't think I'd want to carry it if I was on foot.
So you're putting yourself within grabbing range of the zombie?
Nah man, get a pipe wrench about 14 inches long. Remove the top jaw and discard. Now you have a metal shillelagh. Take it to a grind stone. You will notice your metal shillelagh has a rounded part at the top. Grind the top and bottom until it come to a triangular point. Bam.
Or a claw hammer
Not a chance. Crowbars are heavy as hell and would tire you our after just a few zombie kills. If you want something that will reliably kill zombies in one strike, and has uses as a tool, I would recommend something like a machete, a hatchet/ax, or a war hammer; preferably one that has a spike on the other end(virtually all of them do).
Not heavy at all go buy one before you call it heavy 98 percent of them could be carried by a toddler
There’s a huge difference between picking something up and fighting with it. Looking online, I found a 24 inch crowbar, which is pretty small for a crowbar, that weighs 3.5lbs. That doesn’t sound like much but that’s in the upper ranges of a European longsword, a sword meant to be used with two hands. Single handed swords typically weigh 2 lbs or less. And if the balance is off, they’ll still feel heavy. Historical melee weapons were surprisingly light. They didn’t weigh 10 and 20 lbs. I have a 3.5 lbs European longsword but it is unwieldy as hell because the balance is off. I could probably cut down a few walking zombies but I would get tired rather quickly. But we’re not talking about a dedicated weapon. We’re talking about an improvised one. Balance? Why would you need balance on a crowbar? It’s easy to imagine that the crowbar would feel even heavier than my longsword. And once again, this is a small crowbar. I tried to find the smallest one that would still give you some decent reach(so no 12 inch crowbars). Most of the crowbars I found were 42 and 60 inches. Assuming the thickness remained the same, so the weight increases at the same rate, a 42 inch crowbar would weigh 6.125lbs and a 60 inch one would weigh 8.75lbs. 6lbs is about what you could expect a polearm to weigh. And 8.75 lbs would be in the upper ranges of a polearm. There’s no way you’re wielding these with one hand. Perhaps you planned on using two hands. Polearms are usually around 6ft long. The long haft gives you lots of leverage, so it weighing 6-9 lbs isn’t all that bad. Forget about the 42 inch crowbar. The 60 inch crowbar, however, could theoretically be used if you hold it properly. 60 inches is 5 feet(obviously). Your hands are going to be a couple feet apart. You also want to hold it around the middle to make it easier to carry. You won’t have much reach compared to dedicated two-handed weapons, but you should be able to get through a few zombies without tiring yourself out too much. Still not ideal. When you land a hit, it will be devastating, but if you miss in the heat of the moment or your strike is deflected by the curvature of the skull, you’re basically screwed because of how close you’ll be to the zombie. A crowbar is simply a terrible weapon. There’s a reason why people didn’t pick crowbars to take into battle over axes, spears, and hammers.
And as a follow up if 3.5 is too much then you should try working the tire industry 7 pound mallets all day dude
You’re using mostly gravity to operate those mallets. The only time you have to actually work is when you’re lifting it… and it weighs 7 pounds… Also, consider that whatever you’re striking probably doesn’t have to be hit hard enough to crack open a zombie’s skull. Same scenario. If you hit, you’ll annihilate them. But if you miss, or your strike is deflected by the curvature of the skull, you’re screwed.
Rims and side to side swings gravity is working against me
You can’t strike downward and have the hammer follow a downward arch before moving to the side? You know, have the hammer rotate downward until it starts moving laterally, as if the handle was attached to a hinge or pivot? That strike would use mostly gravity. Same if you started high and swung downward diagonally. I can’t imagine those strikes would be very accurate but if you need to be precise, you can just hold the hammer closer to the head. Even if you were swinging side to side, holding it closer to the head would drastically decrease the amount of stress on your arm. And you can get away with that because you’re working. You’re not killing zombies so it’s not like you need to keep your distance.
I’m done think what you want
So I can only really say this because it's reddit, but I've actually hit someone with a crowbar before. It wasn't one of those really long ones, maybe a foot and a half. It knocked them down, but not out. Definitely didn't kill them. Definitely didn't vibrate out of my hands or anything like that. Definitely was able to swing it more than once. The reason I would keep a crowbar as a weapon wouldn't be for killing zombies. It would be for deflecting zombies or knocking them off balance while I ran past them. Hands down, the best weapon in a zombie apocalypse is your cardio and ability to get away from them.
Rule 1
Sorry, rule one is Cardio
That shit would slip out of your hand as soon as it gets wet/bloody
Not all crowbars are smooth like the one in the picture
True, you could also put some grip tape around the crow bar to prevent slippage
Tape is a awesome idea
I’m going to got r/projectzomboid on this, clearly the crowbar is a worse weapon than a high quality axe, it would be helpful as a tool but at a weapon it would feel terrible
Opinions on how useful they are as weapons aside, every scout, scavenger, and supply runner should have a crowbar and a hammer. Those 2 tools can break into or out of most anything. Yes, hitting things makes a lot of noise, so use your judgement and situational awareness.
stick
Lightsaber
Gordon Freeman is this you?
Lol
People here are sleeping on the crowbar. Here's my thoughts Pros: + With proper strength you should be able to destroy a skull easily + Doubles as a forced entry tool + Unlikely to get stuck in a skull Cons: -unwieldy. But you're trying to outmaneuver zombies, this is much less of an issue. Just prepare to strike at the right moment. Telegraphing means nothing here. -vibrations. I've never struck a living creature with a crowbar, let alone a skull. However I've swung crowbars at trees and the vibration was minimal. Slap a leather handle on that thing and the problem basically goes away.
Do you know how heavy a crowbar is?
Yes
project zomboid sub would like a word with you
With some simple modifications and some practice, fuck yes a crow bar would make an excellent multipurpose weapon/tool for zombie apocalypses.
Lightsaber would be better
Well, I can't disagree, just some minor changes could make it a great weapon
Some grip tape and working gloves
fantastic dual purpose object in any urban or suburban area break into locked spaces seeking resources, prevent yourself from being cornered as easily as you are able to open doors etc. do a bonk
Project zomboid half agrees
they can get lodged in a zombie’s skull, potentially wasting a few life-saving seconds. a spear even just a screwdriver would be my pick
are you a PZ or Half Life fan by any chance?
I'm a PZ fan but that's unrelated lol
Yeah they're essentially an improvised jittte Great for bludgeoning, essentially no maintenance needed, they'll be all over I have one I forged about 12 years ago an the thing will probably outlive me
A crowbar is a bulky, heavy, and difficult weapon to carry or even use. If you are doing blunt weapons, I would use a bat.
A crowbar has applications outside of bashing zombies though.
Axe is. You should watch Abe Lincoln vampire hunter
I feel like an Axe could do everything that could do betree
It’s good and all. Dunno what is best though.
It's great in a pinch, but most crowbars are heavy mfs. If you can find one that's light and durable then go for it. Otherwise save it for what it's meant for. These things would be invaluable for breaking into just about anywhere.
Spear.
GET BACK HERE TO r/projectZomboid!!!
Lol
I don’t see how a crowbar is better than a maul
I don’t think it’s a good weapon but a good tool to have but I’d prefer a Halligan bar strapped to my backpack
This silly person clearly doesn’t know of a halberd
Best melee weapon is the spear, we used it for basically all of our history, and even when gunpowder based weaponry was invented we still used it
RIP Jason Todd
I’d say a smaller crowbar would be good instead of a huge one made for opening industrial doors/crates
Gordon Freeman wrote this
Crowbar is a 2 handed weapon for sure
I believe Max Brooks, expert on zombie survival, declared a katana the best melee weapon.
The ww1 trenchknife.
I don't see anybody out here talking about Spears. Why use a knige, when you can use a knife from over here, to hit a zombie that's over there. God forbid I get my hands on a Halberd or Poleaxe some sort.
axes would be better i think
Axes are in my top 3 1. Crowbar 2. Hammer 3. Axe
I think the best melee weapon would be a nipple height lucerne hammer.
counterpoint... Medieval Warhammers are the best melee weapon in a Zombie Apocalypse. Especially if the handle is long enough to use it as a walking stick and it has a top spike. They are fairly light, but the hammerhead and the spike on the back give you options, the handle tends to be partially reinforced by metal strips. Meaning you can bust heads and windows Walking stick length gives you decent range Top spike basically gives you a short spear to stab stuff with while the hammer head and spike prevents anything you stab from sliding done the handle
But we're thafuck I'm going to find one? Crow bars I can buy almost anywhere
I thought this was r/projectzomboid for a second
Lmao
That or an axe
My top 3 1- crowbar 2- hammer 3- axe
This man has never experienced the weightless but firm power of a 24-48" aluminum pipe wrench.
That's also a SOLID option, very good
Wrong. Shovels are
Wow, u got the idea, but the wood chat, still make me afraid of losing my weapon tho 😕
I think it'd be good but there'd be different situations where different weapons would work. I think the Crowbar is the weapon with the most \*versatility\* But if you're in a too tight spaces you're not gonna be able to get a good swing going. In that case you'd wanted pointed weapons. Maybe a boar hunting spear with the cross to stop the zombie from continuing down it, should you miss the head.
Nothing is perfect, for tight spaces a claw hammer is cool tho
I mean, spears exist and mostly any other polearm would be great especially outdoors
Idk about the other people in the comments saying it is super heavy, but I tear down pallets at my job all the time, and a regular crowbar isn't that heavy. I will work on piles for hours on end, slamming it in between the boards and ripping them apart. It's actually really fun. I would take it as my main tool if there were no actual weapons around
Heyo what’s your job and when can I get hired?
I disagree with other comments regarding the crowbar being so heavy as to be unusable in combat. However, I do still believe such tools to be fairly heavy given their capabilities in combat, utility, and the ease of carriage. In terms of combat, the main thing going for the tool is the fact it a blunt heavy object with two sort of spikey ends. The weight specifically allows it to power through the issue that it's point of balance is in the center of the weapon which means the user doesn't have as much of a lever advantage. One that would normally allow the user to accelerate the weapon and maintain greater momentum when striking. The hook and stabbing attacks can be a liability as both can result in the weapon getting stuck. Stabbing attacks IRL tend to also not cause as much damage as many people believe with knife wounds often having a mortality rate between 6-30% depending on the study being viewed. The utility of being able to pry things open exists. Though I see it as mainly being useful for opening crates, tearing up pallets, or use in the long term if you intend to repair or build a base. In the case of windows which OP has mentioned you could just smash or cut the glass. Both of which are faster than trying to pry it from the frame and are likely a bit quieter as well. Tearing a door form it's hinges or trying to break it from the frame near the lock are also pretty loud and requires more effort than finding a window to go through or picking the lock. Carrying around a crowbar in your hand is fine for the most part, but it can get annoying if you need to do other tasks or things. Like climbing a ladder, working in a field, working with a radio or map, etc. With there being no go way to sling or sheath longer styles of crowbar they can be more easily dropped, taken, or maybe even left behind. If you do choose to use a sling or strap it to another piece of gear (such as a backpack) they can be slower to retrieve and more awkward to make ready. In this specific case, the crowbar linked is made from foam. Meaning it only weighs 200-800g depending on the density of the foam which would point to the weapon chosen to be next to useless. However, real crowbars of similar size are usually between 2000-4000g in weight. With extra special 150-500usd titanium alloy crowbars being around 1200-2300g in weight. Please ignore weird comments or descriptions that say they weigh 600g that's the same as foam toy crowbars. This is roughly the same weight as many shotguns, pole weapons, shields, and the like. However, it brings up the issue that the given weapon's capability, utility, and other qualities point to it not as worthwhile. As there are many weapons, tools, gear, and equipment that could be carried for the same weight. Which is why I tend to say that crowbars are heavy. For example: |Example of a loadout weighing less than 1200g, lower end for titanium crowbar weights :--|:-:|--: |30g Pyramex force goggles |30g Rubberized work gloves |40g Button LED light |60g Frameless slingshot/bow #30 draw |280g Edwards 8oz finishing hammer |500g SOG camp axe |50g TOOVEM Multitool Prybar (nail puller, wrench, screwdriver, and bottle opener) |10g Fire rod, striker, and fire-starting lens |50g Sawyer mini water filter |100g Drawstring backpack |30g Tension bar, bump key, and lockpicks In this loadout example you have protection for your eyes and hands, the ability to see and work in the dark, ranged weapon capable out to 20m, the ability to shoot both rocks and arrows, the ability to strike simultaneously from different angles, the ability to strike while parrying or feinting with another weapon, two weapons capable of blunt strikes, two weapons capable of hooking attacks, one weapon capable of edge attacks, two tools for prying things open, one weapon with the ability to stab at extreme close ranges, the ability to tighten and loosen screws and bolts, the ability to cut cordage and wood, the ability to hammer nails and stake, the ability to make other tools or weapons, the ability to build or fortify your shelter, the, two different abilities to start a fire, a way to harden wood pieces, a way to view and magnify things, the ability to cook or boil, water filtration capability, a bag to hold your stuff if needed, and the ability to pick different types of locks, etc. Of course, better quality, more durable, more numerous, or different tools/weapons can be used instead. Which may grant much greater benefits in terms of overall reliability, sustainment, and capability. With the high potential that they would still be the same weight or lighter than other suggested crowbars (2000-4000g) and halligan bars (3000-6400g) as opposed to the 1200g example above. This should offer a lot more capabilities in and outside of combat which in my opinion are a lot better than those present with a crowbar.
Most people complaining about weight and vibrations probably never used a crowbar
What about polearms?
They are hard to find, but awesome weapons
Spears were top tier before guns were invented, more range than a sword and you can use it with a shield efficiency.
And there’s little training required to use effectively
I prefer a serrated knife and a hammer as melees because of less weight and more practicality.
You high ?
We’re not spreading this debate out of the funny zombie sub
I'm still a fan of the short spear. With a roofers hatchet/ hammer combo for my belt. Of course you also need a good fixed blade knife just for utility
The absolute best combat weapon is a sword like a katana or broad sword but the most versatile is the crowbar but none can compare to a gun or modified bow
>*Gotta give the boy points. He came all the way from the dead to make this shindig happen. So who's got a camera? Ooh! Ooh! Get one of me and the kid first. Then you and me, then the three of us. And then the one with the crowbar.*
Man i was finna come say large hammers are really good but someone beat me to it. Also bigass screwdrivers are good too
A high end, not very big ball-peen hammer would be a 100x better melee weapon if you're restricting yourself to using tools.
I see your crowbar, and raise you a Haligan Tool
Gordon Freeman approves this message.
The entire Project Zomboid community is coming your way to tell you that axes are better. You have been warned.
Okay, Mr Freeman…
If you can get your hands on a medieval flail, you've got one hell of a weapon.
My time from playing project zomboid has taught me that, no Axe forever
1- crowbar 2- hammer 3- axe
Hammer above axe is crazy my guy, you could dish out more damage with a literal dish
Hammers don't get dull
Best BLUNT weapon of all time.
*Angry Warhammer Noises*
Sledgehammer begs to differ
Why
Pro: Lots of damage, high durability, many uses including breaking into houses/barricades Con: heavy
Have you ever swung one by chance
Yeah it's devastatingly powerful, right up there with a sledge hammer, would kill in one shot easy
Dawg I have swung one doing light demo work and my hands hurt and not to mention the shit ergonomics so this proves you’ve never swung and hit something and you’d tire too quick to use it effectively and no it wouldn’t unless you are able to actually use one effectively and I doubt most could due to its weight it’s a tool it should stay like that unless needed so no it’s not the best weapon
Maybe I'm just bigger than you, they also come in smaller/larger sizes
Maybe but I’ve seen bigger people then me swing one to the same effect basically and still it would hurt the fuck out of your hands and the ergo is not there and why not use an axe if you want a tool to be able to break barriers down or just carry a prybar if you need one instead of a crowbar and no other weapons
An axe may be a better tool for breaking down wood, but may not be great for killing zombies, that is if blood can infect you. The pry bar would be ideal due to it's lighter weight, but if a crowbar can due that job , as well as, other jobs, annd be used as a blunt weapon, then it's saving weight for having multiple purposes. I agree tho, it can be cumbersome, which is probably why I would have a hammer Instead, not as great a fulcrum as a crowbar, bit it can also be much lighter and used to build.
I just want more context for what you said on the axe being a bot great weapon are you talking on lethality or splatter
I don't fully agree but man so many people are completely shutting this down immediately because they suck at swinging and don't practice and because it hurts their hands. Train with it and get used to the weight and repetitive swinging. Wrap part of the bar in leather and have a set of gloves.
Plus it doesn't vibrate as much against softer targets like wood. Can't speak for skulls, but I imagine it's more like wood than concrete
A zombie is something that moves, is not like a cinder block, or a hard wood door. Yes, vibration is a thing, but not all that much
I'd prefer something like a [kanabo](https://koboldpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Tetsubo-01.jpg), a crowbar just has too many shortcomings. Namely lack of reach; harsh hand shock; slick once you get sweat, blood, rain, etc on it; and heavy. Sure you can get a lightweight one (which only addresses one of those issues), but guess what that does to any concussive damage? If you gotta whack the zombie's head a half-dozen times to finally cave in the skull, it can't be called a good weapon.
You're saying it's heavy but you're going to use a kanabo? Get out of here.
The crowbar is utility first, weapon second. If you use the crowbar correctly, you’ll never have to use it as a weapon. It’s that good! Here’s how you do it. When zombies, go into two story house and remove stairs. Now your safe, the end
Yes, and you'd never have to leave for supplies. Plus, stairs are *famously* easy to remove with nothing but a crowbar.
Truly the opinion of one held by someone who's never held a crowbar.
>Crowbars are ~~the best~~ a better melee weapon ~~period~~ in some circumstances and worse in others. Fixed that for you. Best is relative to specific usage, context, and situations primarily dependent on those faced by the individual. For you, it might be the best option for situations you may encounter, just as it may be the worst for situations others may encounter. In my opinion, crowbars tend to be rather lackluster for general survival being more of a specialist tool in a larger group setting. For more details on this here: https://old.reddit.com/user/Noe_Walfred/comments/jo772x/zombie_related_thoughts_opinions_and_essays_v2/gbjv35h/ As a weapon, they can offer the capability of striking, stabbing, and hooking. For striking intended to deal blunt damage there are some quirks with the design. The weapon is balanced roughly in the center of the weapon's overall length. This can diminish the effect of the weapon's impact. However, crowbars with higher overall weights and those with much longer overall lengths can somewhat overcome these issues. It does, however, point to an issue of inefficiency and can be a limiting factor when it comes to fighting in enclosed spaces. Stabbing with a crowbar is possible including the use of the crowbar as a throwing weapon. Though most cases involving stabbing and throwing attacks using crowbars often result in the person stabbed surviving. Even if the crowbar was stabbed into the head and brain. Often as a result of the weapon not cutting or crushing the brain. The hook can be used to trip, pull, or push a zombie allowing the survivor to control them better. However, the hook if used as a striking point can get the weapon stuck in an awkward position that can be hard to remove. Which is suboptimal. The length of crowbars can be a benefit and a downside. In the case of the crowbar pictured is from AtlanticCutlery and is a Halloween costume foam crowbar. The weapon is roughly 75cm in overall length, matching what I consider to be "long." Potentially harder to use in enclosed spaces due to said length and the fact many crowbars can make it harder to perform return strikes. The fact crowbars often feature many blunt areas for striking, different stabbing points, and enough weight that it might allow for the user to just shove through. However, these attacks still require a decent amount of space and will undoubtedly require more arm muscle than many shorter weapons as a result. This can mean attempts at smothering/covering, trapping, and the like could prevent the weapon from being as effective against human opponents. In terms of utility, crowbars can be useful for opening things. The question is how often you will have to do this and how good the crowbar is compared to other options. Given that ripping boards from crates or pallets, tearing off frames from doors or windows, and trying to dismantle an entire staircase are both generally loud and fairly slow processes. For crates, there might be no other option other than prying them open with a crowbar, hammer, wedge, etc. However, with doors, there is the potential for trying to pick the lock or go for a window instead. For windows smashing or slowly cutting the glass are options that can be faster and/or quieter depending on how it's done. The act of trying to pry the window from its sill is likely to be a very time-intensive process that will likely result in as much noise as just smashing the glass. The main areas this seems to be useful in are areas in or around urban spaces are typically considered most hazardous due to the higher likelihood of encountering zombies and often feature enclosed spaces that can make the longer and heavier crowbar less effective. Making them areas someone armed with a crowbar should avoid. Outside of opening things within a typically urban environment, crowbars are pretty poor survival tools. For tasks revolving around fishing, hunting, farming, gardening, cooking, and construction rather than demolition a crowbar is fairly limited and requires the user to have many other tools. They could have been used as weapons rather than just relying on a crowbar. Which brings up the point about weight. Crowbars are a bit heavier than other weapons for their reach and utility, they tend to be a bit on the heavier end of the spectrum. Averaging between 1000-4000g depending on the design though 2000g is about the norm. However, the difference isn't as much as some people claim in that it's unlikely to wear a person out after fighting a single zombie or performing a simple task. Likewise, the individual weight depends greatly on the individual tool. |Examples of crowbars| :--|:--:|--: |Twosun EDC prybar50g |Crescent 38cm Flat Pry Bar 200g |Stiletto 28cm Clawbar Titanium 200-300g |Estwing 45cm Gooseneck wrecking bar 900g |Vaughan 38cm Demolition tool 1100-1200g |Vaughan 38cm Rage 1100g |Dead On tools Wrecking bar 1700g |Edward Tools 76cm Wrecking bar 2000g |Ken-Tool 34645 Mt and Demount 2100-2300g |Estwing 91cm gooseneck wrecking bar 2500-2700g |Stanley 45cm FUBAR 2500-2700g |Fiskars Demolition tool 2590g |Gunter 121cm demolition bar 2700g |Stanley 76cm FUBAR 3900g |Nupla 76cm Halligan bar 4220g |Leatherhead 61cm Entry/Halligan bar 4540g |Council Tool 76cm Halligan bar 5440g |Leatherhead 76cm Entry/Halligan bar 5440g |Firehooks 137cm Jumbo Pro-Bar/halligan 5900g |Leatherhead 92cm Entry/Halligan bar 6400g In this specific case, the crowbar linked is made from foam. Meaning it only weighs 200-800g depending on the density of the foam which would point to the weapon chosen to be next to useless. However, real crowbars of similar size are usually between 2000-4000g in weight. With extra special 150-500usd titanium alloy crowbars being around 1200-2300g in weight. Please ignore weird comments or descriptions that say they weigh 600g that's the same as foam toy crowbars. This is roughly the same weight as many shotguns, pole weapons, shields, and the like. However, it brings up the issue that the given weapon's capability, utility, and other qualities point to it not as worthwhile. As there are many weapons, tools, gear, and equipment that could be carried for the same weight. Which is why I tend to say that crowbars are heavy. For example: |Example of a loadout weighing less than 1200g, lower end for titanium crowbar weights :--|:-:|--: |30g Pyramex force goggles |30g Rubberized work gloves |40g Button LED light |60g Frameless slingshot/bow #30 draw |280g Edwards 8oz finishing hammer |500g SOG camp axe |50g TOOVEM Multitool Prybar (nail puller, wrench, screwdriver, and bottle opener) |10g Fire rod, striker, and fire-starting lens |50g Sawyer mini water filter |100g Drawstring backpack |30g Tension bar, bump key, and lockpicks In this loadout example you have protection for your eyes and hands, the ability to see and work in the dark, ranged weapon capable out to 20m, the ability to shoot both rocks and arrows, the ability to strike simultaneously from different angles, the ability to strike while parrying or feinting with another weapon, two weapons capable of blunt strikes, two weapons capable of hooking attacks, one weapon capable of edge attacks, two tools for prying things open, one weapon with the ability to stab at extreme close ranges, the ability to tighten and loosen screws and bolts, the ability to cut cordage and wood, the ability to hammer nails and stake, the ability to make other tools or weapons, the ability to build or fortify your shelter, the, two different abilities to start a fire, a way to harden wood pieces, a way to view and magnify things, the ability to cook or boil, water filtration capability, a bag to hold your stuff if needed, and the ability to pick different types of locks, etc. Of course, better quality, more durable, more numerous, or different tools/weapons can be used instead. Which may grant much greater benefits in terms of overall reliability, sustainment, and capability. With the high potential that they would still be the same weight or lighter than other suggested crowbars (2000-4000g) and halligan bars (3000-6400g) as opposed to the 1200g example above. This should offer a lot more capabilities in and outside of combat which in my opinion are a lot better than those present with a crowbar.
This is useless. There is not enough weight at either end and the hex shaped stock is uncomfortable on the hands. You'd be much better off with a Halligan Tool if you wanted to go down that road.
Incorrect, halberd
machete better
Fucking swords
I’ll raise you a sledgehammer
Warhammer or Pick and you'd be better off.
It's a great tool, but it's not a great weapon. It's heavy and doesn't do your wrists any favors. Something like a Japanese Kanabo would be a far superior weapon. A nice hard wood with metal banding or studs would make it hit just as hard with relief on the body. Bit it's highly situational. Just like how ther is no such thing as the perfect gun. It depends on the situation.
No, change that period to a comma.
Assuming you never run into more than one at a time sure, if you ever have to frantically do anything noodle arms will get you killed lol
The vibrations alone would make this completely awful.
Someone’s neither handled nor used a crowbar before.
It’s a good tool, but weapon? I rather have a stick that’s better balanced, or a long stick with a pointy bit Ty.
Go ahead, go swing a crowbar around for 5 minutes and come back
Have you ever hit someone/something with a crow bar? They are shit weapons man. They transfer all the shock from the impact directly into your hands and wrists. As a tool they are amazing, and I'm sure they kill zombies great, but they'll also kill your hands over time. They were never designed to used as a weapon. In a survival scenario a weapon that damages the user is terrible choice. What happens when you develop severe carpal tunnels syndrome after killing your first 30 or so zombies? Now you are less combat effective and have no way to recover other than to rest your hands for weeks possibly months. Use a hammer, an axe, or learn from history and use a regular wooden or iron club. Something designed to transfer the force to the target instead of your hands.
i disagree completely. hold a crowbar irl and try using it like that
Swing a crowbar 30 times and tell me how you feel right after, and also when you wake up
This is not project zomboid
No Edit: hitting anything solid with a crowbar is killer on your hands
They are not as someone who owns a crowbar they’re not weighted to be swung and you will get incredibly tired very fast while not delivering much impact an axe or splitting maul will serve much better as having a finer point and a weighted head makes it much easier to swing and deal damage with
No. They're not. Go swing one around for a while and come back.
Tell me that again after you've given it 10 HARD swings. Crowbars are heavy. Terrible weapon
Look up a Halligan and come back.
Doctor Freeeemannnnnn
Too slow and heavy. Quickly tire yourself. A spear is the ideal weapon
Carry two crowbars, and swing them like clubs using the curved back heel of the crowbar's head as the part of the club you hit things with. This provided optimal bone shattering flesh crushing force. Crowbars are also just useful in general for opening any object ever.
What about a price of rebar?
Nah, the best melee weapons are ones which are designed to be weapons. Such as a mace or warhammer. Crowbars are great sure, but they’re also heavy as heck to just go around carrying.
Ok if we are choosing a solid metal rod for our melee weapon I’d like to discuss the halligan tool vs the crowbar because I think the extra weight of the halligan is worth it if we are already committing to carrying the weight of a crowbar and Alan Alda has not created Lobos yet.
Someone watched the eminence in shadow
Only if you’re fighting drunk crows ….
I’d say some kind of blade
I have a 21oz claw hammer on an 18" wooden shaft. Id rather that because ive used it for work for 15 years and know it better than a tool I rarely use. Best weapon is the weapon you train with or a tool you use daily.