I used a Newbery Uzi last year around 2'9 in weight that helped me get boundaries easier than with previous bats. As it was a Long Handle it was easier to free the arms and swing at the ball and because it had a huge profile, when it middled it flew to the boundary. Saying that I never scored any 6s with it but a team mate did so easily when he borrowed it but he was much more of a slogger.
So, as I'm a straight bat player slogging doesn't come naturally to me; yes a light pick up bat helps but then so does a bat with a huge middle/profile and also the Long Handle and Shorter blade helps the freeing up of the arms.. but saying all that I still think timing and technique count for more but if the technology exists.. why not use it...