I note in Vicente's 'Sling Contest Pictures' AND in Zorro's '3 Strand Braid Sling', that the release cords appear to be carefully tapered AND have no grip knots.

In constructing his '3 Strand Braid Sling', Zorro does much extra work to taper even that simple sling.

So, what performance improvements (if any?) are provided when a tapered no-knot release cord is used??

I think most of us NorthAmerican guys use straight cords with knots.   Maybe we're missing something important.

Any answers or suggestions??   mgreenfield

Perhaps it is for the whipcrack effect.  After all, whips taper, and end in a tassel.  Or maybe it is just that way because they have always done it that way.  Tradition is like that.

Maybe a cross between the "whip effect" and the construction method? Lots of fibre slings show a taper to the release cord in particular, though sometimes both. If you want and integral retention loop (which is elegant design-wise as you only have one set of "ends" to work with) you are pretty much forced into having the retention cord full thickness, and you need a certain number of strands to do the pouchwork. Once you lock in the pouch strands on the way down the release end, you are carrying more bulk than is required to take the strain. Dropping strands is a simple way to "finish" the cord and add some taper. Tassles are a really easy and effective way to deal with the bunch of loose ends. I've been using a knot (diamond - like a turks head woven from the body strands) to "lock" the end and provide a little extra grip, then unravelling the ends.

My first slings used flat leather strips for cords. No knots, no loops. Never had any trouble with the cords slipping with them either. I think knotted release cords and lack of taper may be side effects of using modern (slippery) pre-braided materials (paracord etc). Evolution of design can be driven by lots of factors other than performance!

Matthias

Matthias's thought of reducing the unneeded bulk makes sense. Also, the taper may allow for a faster movement of the release cord after it is released? I know that when I occationally have a bad release, the stone snags on the knot and has even ripped a few knots off. The knotless end may help reduce damage in those rare events.

Could a person have a weighted release cord to help release faster or is it the other way around with a non-weighted release cord that is faster?

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I really don't know,  i think release is smoother and thus accuracy is increased, my 1st slings (when i was a kid) had knots but i soon got ride of them, now i can't  stand a knot in the release cord.
Bear in mind  grip of the release cord  is made with the whole hand , not only with  two fingers, so you can really hold it firmly and release it smoothly.
it gives me a better feeling of when to release... or may be i just got used to it?
Anyway old designs have been tested for ages and i think if ancient people  used it this way may be it's because it's better.