[Puke]

depends on whats hitting it. leather, streached tight over a frame, would be alot lighter - but would have a hard time turning any weapon with any kind of weight. wood is stonger, but heavier.

Metal, if beaten thin, is generally lighter than wood and will Last longer, and will be better for turning aside blades, but will transfer more blunt impact to the person holding it.

Samurai didnt actually have shields, because their swords were good enough to turn aside weapon blows without being dulled, bent, broken, or damaged. Arrows were a different problem, though.