I agree to an extent at least when it comes to the 2h weapon classes I was testing this on my current game due to the fighting stance of using a 2h weapon it has less reach then the 1h equivalents this is painfully evident if you have a sword that can switch between the two using the 1h stance nets you far more reach (though there seems to be a bug that you dont get skill xp)
Both historically and Warband, 1 handed swords were some of the most popular weapons on horseback, to the point where it wasn't weird to just not bother with a big cumbersome lance, especially in later time periods. That they aren't in Bannerlord is a flaw of the implementation, not a flaw of the weapon.This doesnt really bother me. However I disagree with your premise- its not non-polearms that are the problem.
Using 2-handed weapons on foot is essentially a death sentence, especially if its a 1 v 2 or more. Or you're very highly skilled (namely, fast)
Using 2 handed polearms on foot is a death sentence, unless they can be used 1 handed with a shield. Again, unless you're extremely skilled.
Using 1-handed weapons with a shield is absolutely the best way to win fights when you're outnumbered. Just keep the shield up, keep your enemies in a line, and time your strikes.
This means that if you're infantry (and I dont know about you but I'm only on foot when I have to be) a big ass shield and a 1 handed weapon is gunna be your go to choice until you decide to switch to cavalry.
On horseback, because you're high up off the ground, it makes perfect sense to me that you cant hit anything more than a few feet away from you. A longsword has a blade 2.5 feet long... at the most. And mainly those were considered "hand and a half swords" or bastard swords. Most swords would have blades about 2 feet in length.
Anywho, my point is if you want to be melee cavalry, couch your lance. And when you're in the thick of it, don't switch to a one hander, pull out 2 handed axe or 2 handed sword. Or use a polearm that can be swung if you put away your shield (my favorite, this way I can keep some javelins or a bow)
TLDR, 1 handed weapons suck on horseback because horses are tall. Use longer weapons.
Both historically and Warband, 1 handed swords were some of the most popular weapons on horseback, to the point where it wasn't weird to just not bother with a big cumbersome lance, especially in later time periods. That they aren't in Bannerlord is a flaw of the implementation, not a flaw of the weapon.
There's something wrong with the horseback attack animations or hitboxes which is setting one-handers back.
Poleaxe? Poleaxe?! Do you know what a poleaxe even is? There's no depiction or record of one being used on horseback, and for good reasons!Actually the poleaxe was the most common cavalry weapon, followed by the lance.
Medieval Europe lances were the most common, but out east it was polearms (namely the moon sword, which was a poleaxe, and other 2 handed weapons)
They only switched to one handed weapons when their polearm broke. And if you think about it, it makes sense to want distance between you and your enemy, especially when youre on a horse that can get away and maintain that distance.
But I do agree with you about warband.
1 handed weapons were the way to go on horseback