As such, I didnt spend enough time with the combat to get a proper feel for it.
According to aclip shared on X by user Blue Stigma, there’s a good reason for those misgivings.
It’s all about frames, you see.

Blue Stigma uses the switch axe in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate as an example.
The hitstop for its overhead swing lasts eight frames.
So, whats the problem in Wilds?
The result is much limper and less satisfying combat across the board.
Slow bonk make bonk feel good certainly scans to me, though.