Opponent grabs your leg...

[bushido_man96]

The other issue with higher kicks is that the higher you go, the more you telegraph the kick, with body movement, preparation, etc. It can still land, of course. It is one more thing to consider, though.

[tallgeese]

Very good point.

Again, something to be aware of.

[bushido_man96]

Another thing I have noticed when performing high kicks on BOB: I was recently doing a spinning hook kick on BOB. I found that the higher I had to kick, the closer I had to be to the bag to hit it. By the time I finished spinning and connected the kick, I looked where I was standing. I was close enough to punch.

So, I think the higher that you kick, the less that you get the extended range factor. Your optimum range will be right at waste level.

[DWx]

True optimal range is at the horizontal and high kicks can often be within punching range. You do have the added bonus though of being able to keep your torso (and head) further away than you would if you were attacking with the hand. If you compromise on a bit of power you can lean back away from the kick and keep the majority of your vulnerable targets (your torso and head) out of range. On the other hand you have to have better balance and your vision is slightly impaired.

[bushido_man96]

Good points as well, DWx.