DB or SNS

[Rain]

Throughout my time of playing MHW I have primarily only used bow. I want to broaden my range to melee, so I hopped into the training room and tried out the various weapons and two stuck out for me; Dual Blades an Sword and Shield I am stuck between which to choose. I know theoretically I can use both but I prefer focusing on one and getting good at it! Any advice or pointers would be nice.

[Suzaku]

I believe DB has the higher damage potential, but SnS has greater survivability with the use of its shield. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either one.

[Jethro]

DB gets punished quicker for making mistakes due to long animations

[!?!]

If you want to play support with wide range, sns is your best option.
Dual blades do more mad deeps.

[chefcook90]

SnS is MUCH more flexible as a weapon and is effective vs every monster in the game - DB has trouble fighting tall boys with tough legs (basically every single Brute Wyvern, plus Diablos and Black Diablos)

That said, DB absolutely destroys Fanged Wyverns, Bird Wyverns, and anything that can be flashed out of the sky.

[Aims]

SnS!!! you don't have to worry about stamina unlike DB, just unsheathe that big knife and deal huge dmg with amazing flexibility!

But still, both of them is good, really up to you~ :3
(choose SNS)

[Rain]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

[Endarion]

SnS also seems to get much more fun with the upcoming expansion

perfect rush combo will be a huge dps boost for the weapon specialy for elmental ones

[shadonic]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqmP25SlGY&t=58s

this will obviously help you pick the right weapon

[Washing Machine]

Shields? Eww. Just don't mash the demon dance unless the mons is knocked down or whatever, and DB can dart around dodging without much any dedication after attacking. There's like no recovery to regular swings and the spin2win is great to position yourself.

The poor range is the only real frustrating part. And killing yourself jumping and sliding around trying to go full anime with the helicopter over monster backs.

[Kuradoberry]

Unlike DB, sns can throw themselves into the air attack anytime and can KO monsters.

Sns mounting is busted, even IG users cry in frustration when the sns users get off mounts more often! DB on the other had does more hits more of the time, very good for elementals and status effects, and even just looking cool with the attack on titan captian levi rolling slash.

[Greb]

Sword and shield? More like gunlance and shield am I right?