Compared to shortbows, they have a lower damage value, but shieldbows generally have an extended attack range of 8 as well as their defensive properties. Effectively, a shieldbow is more similar to combining a one-handed crossbow with a shield, which has the same attack speed. While shieldbows have a damage bonus and enable two-handed abilities, it is less flexible as special shields cannot be swapped in (eg dragonfire shield). Note that the ammunition types differ also, and crossbow bolts can be enchanted while arrows cannot be.