I'm sure there has been a lot of discussion about this...but

Is there any upside to using light armor as against heavy armor?

Apart from a role-play preference....are there any game mechanics differences that make LA a sensible choice....
...or is one just making a poor choice and consequently taking more damage in combat?

Any advice & opinions etc welcomed; especially from those who have play experience with both options.

Thanks

Ohm.

Google search: "skyrim light vs heavy armor"

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It depends on what kind of character you're playing, but because the AR of both armors can be just about the same around the same time mid-game (at the cap) if you level smithing at all, you're best off using light armor because it has reduced weight.

I'd do things by build though. There's a type of build out there that highlights getting as much AR as fast as you can. You use alteration 'skin spells in combination with a shield and heavy armor, and steal a full set of Orcish Armor (minus gauntlets) from the altar in Largashbur as soon as possible, and your armor rating can be some ridiculously high number at the very beginning of the game.

You should default to light armor in most playthroughs because it's fundamentally better in terms of perks/attributes.

Because of the Armor Cap, no material or class has any real advantage over the other, protection wise. Of course, certain perks/skills are needed for certain materials to reach the cap.

It all comes down to Loot Weight and Role and Aesthetics.

Heavy vs Light does not even affect Sneak (all armor does and there is a Perk for that)