03-11-2006, 09:27 PM
Agreed. So at best we have an ambiguous text. A common combination in the 14th century was to wear padded jacks over mail to better protect troops from crossbows and English longbows. IMO wearing felt over mail is a valid combination and would greatly increase resistance to arrows. Bodkins, in particular seem to bounce off layered textiles and felt while broadheads are more likely to cut through. However mail is better able to resist broadheads than bodkins - so combining the two offers the best of both worlds.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books