Posted by: Ed Howell (howellto@comcast.net) on Fri Oct 21 07:59:02 2005

John,

Adding weight to the knob of the bat will definitely increase bat speed. I don't know that 2 or 3 ounces will make a big difference. But I know it wouldn't hurt. There is a device on the market,the ProCut that attaches to the knob of the bat. It comes in 3 weights, 8, 12 & 16 oz. Whenever I do a clinic and add this to the bat the batspeed usually increases from 3-7 mph immediately. The reason for this is twofold. It helps keep the hands inside the ball so mechanics are improved and it adds weight to the knob so when the knob starts correctly the extra weight increases swing speed. Hope this helps.

Ed Howell

> I've noticed a few MLB hitters have recently used these huge white things on the knobs of their bats. Not sure if it's tape or some other contraption, nor am I sure of the purpose...more comfortable hand position or move the balance point?
>
> But it has me curious about adding weight to the knob of a bat. Let's say you add a couple ounces or more to the knob, other than moving the balance point a little, what does it do to bat speed? If I added weight to the barrel, it would seem logical that it would slow my bat speed since the added weight would be toward the end of the bat, far away from my hands. If the weight is added to the knob,below the hands, would it still reduce bat speed? Or could it somehow increase bat speed? Also, would it expand or move the sweet spot on the barrel?
>
> Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
>
> Jon