So far, the only difference I'm seeing is in the animation. When I do a regular shield bash, I stagger the target and usually leave them open for a nice power attack. Doing a power bash (perk) doesn't seem to do anything different, aside from using a massive amount of stamina. It doesn't do any damage either, or at least no more than a regular bash.

Granted, I don't have Deadly Bash yet, but still, shouldn't the power bash be distinguished from the regular bash somehow? Or am I missing something?

Thanks.

I've killed enemies dead using a heavy shield bash. I think the difference is in how much they are staggered, and how much damage you do, similar to a power attack vs a regular attack.

Correct. A normal shield shield bash is done by simply holding the block button, and clicking the attack button. This will do a quick forward push of the shield, which can stagger an enemy for about a second or so. A power bash needs the perk unlocked, and is done by holding block button and then holding the attack button like when preforming a power attack. The power bash can cause an enemy to fall to their knees for much longer than a normal shield bash, and does much more damage and can also disarm enemies with the right perk.

I honestly dont find power bashes that useful. They use alot more stamina while not doing that much damage. The stamina could be better used for power attacks in conjunction with a standard bash, which honestly works very well in its own right.

I don't understand how you can write both of these sentences about the same type of attack. Does a power bash do a lot of damage or not? Frankly, when I use it, it doesn't seem to do ANY damage. And I just got the Deadly Bash perk as well, and it still doesn't seem to be doing any damage. And yes, I'm doing an actual power bash, not just a regular one. I'm still not seeing a difference between regular and power bash.

Read it again.. i said the power bash does much more damage, as in much more than a normal shield bash. You can even increase the damage done with another perk. However, ive found even though the power bash does do noticably more damage than a normal bash, it still doesnt do much damage compared to using your primary attack. The power bash is only really useful for the improved staggering it delivers, but i find its still not enough. Its much more efficient to combine stand shield bashes with main weapon power attacks. Some people do like the power bash, but i personally dont for the reasons stated.