The ultimate energy source for a powered weapon is either a force crystal or a spinorb. If the weapon is powered by a force crystal, the force crystal must be replaced periodically or the weapon loses its advantage. If the weapon is powered by a spinorb, the weapon recharges itself from motions involved with being carried between uses. The main drawback to a spinorb-powered weapon is that it can only store enough energy for a few full-strength blows, although energy is recovered from each blow that misses. Many powered weapons use both force crystals and spinorbs, with the force crystals as a backup system for when the spinorbs run out.
Because powered weapons are not limited by the natural strength of their wielders, they are usually made quite large and heavy. A typical powered weapon looks like something that would normally only be wielded in a cartoon.
Polearms are typically the best match for powered weapon enchantments. The length of the polearm gives the powered weapon reach, while the strength enhancement of the powered weapon compensates for the natural unwieldiness of the polearm. Powered glaives and halberds are particularly popular uses for this type of enchantment.