Question about weapons

[jaxor]

Keep in mind I've not used any feats on either weapon types.
One is Short Spikes, the other is Long Spikes, Neither weapon is magical,
and I use both weapons one handed.

Now with short spikes, I have a to hit bonus of 0 and a strength of 16
With long spikes, I have a to hit bonus of -2 and a strength of 16

long spikes (Str,Dex) novice
Primary Weapon: 1d8+3 Hit Bonus: -2 Critical: x3
short spikes (Str,Dex) journeyman
Primary Weapon: 1d8+3 Hit Bonus: +0 Critical: x2

combatmode is identicle on both.
[ Keyword ] Option
[+DEFENSIVE ] You fight defensively.
[-power attack ] You do not fight using the 'power attack' feat.
[+RANGED ] You use ranged/melee weapons as melee weapons in combat.
[+CAST DEFENSIVELY] You cast spells defensively to avoid attacks of opportunity.

Is this something I should bug or is there some fundamental reason I should have -2 to hit with long spikes and not short spikes.

[Vaemar]

The -2 to long spikes is because you are still at the first level of novice. From the next skill up it will be -1 and the malus will go away completely once your long spikes skill reaches apprentice.

My suggestion is to find a mob trainer and train long spikes up to apprentice. Some mobs may train just up to novice, but it will be easy to find some others who train higher, at least up to apprentice.

[jaxor]

Appreciate the explanation, have a good day.