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[Banksy]

I always go for bat speed over weight, a heavy bat might help you hit the ball a little further but a fast bat can keep your wicket in tact!!!

[jamesisapayne]

I always go for bat speed over weight, a heavy bat might help you hit the ball a little further but a fast bat can keep your wicket in tact!!!

Can't score runs if you're back in the hutch!

[fasteddie]

No-one has yet mentioned going to the gym!

I've recently broken out of my 2lb 9oz weight, but have been hitting the weights in the gym a fair bit over the past 6 months.
The difference to my game is marked. I now use 2lb 13oz and 3lb 1oz.
Bat speed is very important and couple with the ability to wield the weight you're onto a winner!

procricket makes a very good point. Weight on an English wicket can get you over and away, but if you're not comfortable then stick with what works.

Have you tried getting a heavier net bat from somewhere like MSR to test the water?

[jamesisapayne]

Have you tried getting a heavier net bat from somewhere like MSR to test the water?

No need mate - I've been trying it. My M&H distinction weighs 2.14 and goes like a rocket but try playing a pull or cut I'm about 2 minutes too late, hence the reason for my post - is it better to be able to play more shots properly but hit the ball less far, than tonk it but only when driving? And get tired using it for a long time? I think yes.

[Chad]

No need mate - I've been trying it. My M&H distinction weighs 2.14 and goes like a rocket but try playing a pull or cut I'm about 2 minutes too late, hence the reason for my post - is it better to be able to play more shots properly but hit the ball less far, than tonk it but only when driving? And get tired using it for a long time? I think yes.

In this case, I think you oughtta swap that Distinction for something! (my Powerbow)

In all seriousness though, I would ditch the Distinction and go for a bat that is slightly lighter, maybe a 2.10-2.11? (About 100g in difference, which is a fair bit, but you will get more reward in terms of runs because you aren't limited to shots) I think that 2.10 is a great weight, as there is noticeably more mass in the bat, along with a decent batspeed and pickup, I would say that those 2 ounces do not really affect the batspeed. Once you get up to around 3-4 ounces above a 2.8 though, the batspeed will drop a little more noticeably, but I find that my batspeed is fine with my 2.11 Laver, so maybe pick up has a part to play with batspeed as well as dead weight.

Maybe go into a retailer store, pick up a few bats, play shadow shots like the pull and cut with it, and see which one you feel best with, then weigh it.

[fasteddie]

Chad's right.

Maybe that's too much weight or the balance of the Distinction is not to your style.
They are very appealing, lots of wood, but you may be better off with a different bat.

Is the gym a viable option?

[ajmw89]

I usually wield a heavy bat and have had trouble with a hard cut over the last couple of years.  Now I'm regularly hitting the gym, I find that I'm no longer having that trouble!

[jamesisapayne]

Chad's right.

Maybe that's too much weight or the balance of the Distinction is not to your style.
They are very appealing, lots of wood, but you may be better off with a different bat.

Is the gym a viable option?

With 2 kids 3 and under, in a word. No.

It is a lot of wood, and a proper driving bat (which is my best and favourite shot) but after about 15 minutes I can really feel it to the point I'm starting to mis time shots.

[armie]

I would prefer a lighter bat since bat speed can do the trick. heavier bats are good against spinner particularly for big shots but too great a difference can make life hard for you. i would prefer better bat speed really.