Hi all
I am currently playing a Captain who has just reached level 10. I am currently using a fine longsowrd, but I just got the ability to use SPEARS.
Since at level 15 I get the chnce to use shields, I would like to know the differences between a spear / shield setup and a sword / shield setup.
What do Spears have that swords dont and vice versa?

By spears I assume you mean halberds? (Spears have a point on the end (no blade). A halberd has a blade with a point)

1h sword/shield combo is really best left to guardians as they have special skills for shields. I personally like halberds best. They have a good DPS and do a fair amount of dmg. They do have the drawback of attracking aggro in a fight, but I find that to be a plus more than a minus. Also the lvl15 Captain class quest gives you a very nice halberd as a reward.

btw, spears have a DoT.

(Is a dwarf guardian) 1h Axe + Big Shield beats all!

I meant the normal weapon SPEAR - 1 handed SPEAr, not the halberd..
I dont know whether to use a 1 hand weapon with shield for my aptain, or to go for the big 2 handed halberd..

The short answer is that at level 10 it doesn't make much difference, and you should use whatever weapon you get that has the highest DPS - you're going to be outleveling weapons so fast that you shouldn't even bother purchasing one until your level 15 quest weapon isn't good enough anymore. To be honest, none of the weapon specials seem to do very much anyway, especially the ones that 'proc', so it doesn't make too much of a difference either way. I'd suggest going with a sword if you have an option, because even a slight increase in hit chance is better than nothing, or just pick which one looks cooler ;)

Now, here's the full answer, to keep in mind as you level:

The answer to this question depends on what kind of Captain you want to be. There's three general types: Offensive, Defensive, and Healing. Your equipment and traits determines what you're trying to do.

One thing to note is that no matter what route you go, Captains are very power-limited, and we rely on our specials a lot for damage, buffs, and healing. Make sure you keep an eye out for virtues and equipment that can increase in-combat power regen.

Offensive
An offensive build focuses on high-damage, high-crit rate. Primary stats for choosing equipment are are Agility, then Might, then Will. Your goal is to get your crit rate on Devastating Blow up to the 20%+ range, and other crit rates into the 15%+ range. Traits focus on increasing the frequency, crit rate, and damage of attacks.

You would want to go with a halberd here, because they're the slowest weapon, and therefore have the highest max damage. Max damage on a weapon determines how high you can crit - a crit with a halberd is better than two crits with a dagger, even at the same DPS rating.

Defensive
A defensive Captain focuses on Vitality, Might, and Agility. Your goal is high morale and defense so you can live as long as possible, and to wear your opponent down through less damaging attacks. Traits focus on survivability.

In this role, you'd want to use a one-handed weapon and a shield - probably a sword, for the reasons I mentioned earlier. There are a lot of Captains going this route, but it is a bit difficult because we currently have a very hard time holding aggro, even with our taunt.

Healing
A healing Captain focuses on restoring health by building up Will and Fate (once Fate is fixed that is) - you want as much power as possible. In this role, you'd want whatever weapon gives you the better stat bonuses. Traits focus on creating the frequency and powers of heals.

I've never actually met a Captain going for this type of role, because it kind of limits our multi-purpose nature, but I know some people are. It might be more difficult if you're not in a group all the time, and because our direct healing ability is rather limited, but the good part is that healers are always in demand.

Or you could just pick and choose what parts of each archetype you want, and still be quite successful. We're a generalist class, and aren't relied on for one specific role, so we can pretty much do whatever we choose. Hope that helps!

I forgot that there was a spear class in lotro. I don't use 1h weapons much.

Or you could totally ignore the "build" and "types" and jsut play what feels right.

I like the look of the Halbard you get for completing the first level 15 captain quest - think I will use that for a bit!

(has a 20 captain)My captain is currently using the halberd from an ancient story of evil -Anorchathol-
Weapon speed 3.4
Dmg per sec 13.5
Greater threat during combat
Adds 12 to vitality