Posted by: Major Dan (markj89@charter.net) on Tue Jun 4 08:05:59 2002

Is it better to have 1. a lower weight softball bat say 26 ounce and
> swing it faster or 2. a heavier bat that will be swung at a lesser
> speed. Obviously the heavier weight will impart more force on
> the ball; however so will having a higher swing speed. So what
> is better swinging faster or swinging a bigger piece of lumber?
> > Thank you for any replies
> To have a great stick requires a combination of both.
> I think 26 oz. doesn't have enough mass to do you any good,
> 28oz. would be a better choice. You should try different weights
> to see which is best for you. Your choice of bats is also just as
> important. It won't do any good to have a great stroke with a peice
> of crap bat. Train as heavy as possible during the off season to
> build muscle memory, then go to your light bat as the season
> approaches to get your timing down.
>

Go to the following website:

http://www.npl.uiuc.edu/~a-nathan/pob/Parkland/sld001.htm

this is a slide show with information from Dr. Adair's book on the Physics of Baseball.
The sixth slide shows the relationship between bat weight and ball speed. One of the preceding slides shows the relationship between pitch speed and batted ball speed. Some interesting stuff.
What you will see is that bat weight matters but not that much. Batspeed is more important.

"I think 26 oz. doesn't have enough mass to do you any good,
> 28oz. would be a better choice." do you really think two ounces is really significant? if so check the chart and rethink your position.

"Train as heavy as possible during the off season to
> build muscle memory, then go to your light bat as the season
> approaches to get your timing down."

why does 'training heavy' build muscle memory? muscle memory is built by repetition. training heavy would build stength, endurance.
The best way to build batspeed is with overspeed/overload training.
Check out the setpro site sometime for more details on that type of training. it is superior to what you suggest.
However, yes as the season approaches you should do more 'real' work - game weight bat, bp vs dry cuts, etc. to get timing down.
it is important to work some timing all the time so the swing and the reaction to the ball don't disconnect too much...