I am fully aware I might step right in the heaping pile on this issue. But I ain't skeeerd. I know what I know and the rest is simply my opinion(s). RJ requested "adult only" replies. And I will insist on respecting his request.

1) I have said (and preached) from day one (for many years/moons) that we (the hobby collectively) have room for adding weight, but not so much adding any overall size. Weight helps to settle a player down, makes the figure on top far less of a (bad) balance issue - something all too common in the hobby (bad figure weight distribution). Only a very few stock figures have decent weight distribution. The rest require compromising the base performance by first tweaking out the ill-balanced figure. And that before tweaking performance in.

There really is no maximum weight limit, per say. It is only restricted by the field construction. I.E., field thickness, motor strength, and how well they work in unison.

2) There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong w/playing at 4.0. Or any other specific weight for that matter. To me, it's just another equipment spec to play by. Though, to be perfectly honest, 4.0 as a limit does not interest me in the least.

3) 4.0 is a "tweener" weight limit. Yes, it's heavier than 2.0+1.2/1.3=3.2/3.3. But not heavy enough to show off the beauty of heavier weighted play. It's just enough to add some oomph and settle the players down (from ill-balanced figures). But there are much better choices, performance wise, than 4.0.

However, if 4.0 rocks your world, by all means, play that way. Or any other way or weight for that matter. If it's a fun format for you and you enjoy the company, then it's all good.

4) 7-8+/- grams, base weight (no figure applied) is a far better weight for performance. That includes speed, strength and player stability. This weight class would feature 8.5 to 10 gram players, in general (after adding the figure to the base). Don't take my word for it. Try it yourself. You'll see. I have. And since I know what I know, 4.0 doesn't interest or excite me enough to bother with it. Down side, for some, is piling on swing weight tape ain't gonna cut it for this weight class.

5) After 7-8 gram bases, you really need to go full blown unlimited weight to benefit. Whatever you can "hide" under the shell that is non-destructive (to the coaches or the board, should if fall out) is fair game. Figure weight can be legislated or unrestricted. It's up to the format. Both work fine. This format allows you the broadest options for truly building a team to your liking. that's because you're not strapped w/weight limits. Want a team of Fridge players, including your backfield, do it. Want a lighter, faster OL like the Broncos had, do it. Want a blend of speed and strength (highly recommended), do it. No scales (weigh-ins) required.

Again, FWIW, just some knowledge shared and a few opinions based on that knowledge. Hopefully, someone may find it slightly useful.

-Mike Pratt