[Cyrien]

For ships I ussually go for smaller size. All the different Cruiser types. For early game use missiles with PD or DUC with PD. Then later switch over to Meson BLasters... maybe PPB if others are not developed in shield tech enough for phased shields to be an issue in the reasonable future. After Mesons go for High Energy Weapons with Rippers mounted on Starbases with Heaviest mount for static defenses in the infrequent areas I employ them. Generally Warp Points, you haven't lived until you see a fleet warp into a few starbases with rippers on steroids for damage and more range than you can shake an APB at with one shot every round... hehe. God that's fun (probably the only reason I ever use static defenses).

I then go for elite training on all ships and fleets, maximize movement rates, centralize defensive fleet positions for maximum efficiency and response times as well as support for each during bad times. Throw in maxed ECM, Combat Sensors and require all ships to have Stealth and Scattering armor. If it is offensive generally throw in 3 or 4 solar panels or a few resupply ships that are dedicated to supplies.

My basic strategy is maximize damage in a steady delivery system or a knock em all out at once system. Meson BLasters deliver the steady stopping power while Wave Motion Guns are great for the initial all out butt stomper and shield burster while still being able to do damage if shields aren't an issue (unlike shield sappers).

Sorry for diverging away from weapons but it is really necessary for a complete discussion of weapons strategies.

I might add more later as I see what other people add in.