Spears can be more unwieldy in close/cluttered terrain (ie forests). Assuming weapon and shield combat, clubs might be able to deliver more power through a shi

Spears can be more unwieldy in close/cluttered terrain (ie forests). Assuming weapon and shield combat, clubs might be able to deliver more power through a shield (staggering or fatiguing the defender) than a spear thrust. The reach advantage of spears are also partially eroded once you consider a shield as well. I think it's very telling that nearly all of the examples given of "modern" hunter gathers have them using both spear and clubs. I think the reality is that spears would have likely been preferred, but club/maces retaining some utility. In addition, the very fact that clubs had so many disadvantages would make it's use a bit of a status symbol too.