Reading the
thread on pocket clip sling grips, I got curious and wanted to try one. The condensed info is first, the review follows.
Green=good, red=bad, blue=neutral
The grip:
(finished ebony with metallic grommet)
useful and ergonomic, faster than fiddling with loops or rings - just grab and go.
won't slip - the curved end hooks onto the pinky finger if you relax your hand during the release
a must for thin cords, where a finger or wrist loop might cut into the flesh
Light and small profile, can be fitted in/around/next to pouch without making the sling bulky
looks good, feels good
unable to determine if it's easier to sling heavy objects (pouch too small for bricks)
- highly recommended !!
The swivels:
(brass)
easier loading. Can turn the pouch if it is upside down without twisting the cords
strong, did not break after hard throws and heavy stones
reduce but not eliminate cord twisting. Cords untwist more with heavy stones, but have to wait while cords untwist
do not reduce cord tangling, knots in the release cord, etc.
if the cords are made from thin fibers, the swivels can catch on the cord and wear it down. In particular, release cord can catch on the retention cord swivel. Not critical, but may require attention
- recommended for thick cords, where pouch orientation is harder to correct and cord wear matters less
The pouch:
(8oz leather, single piece with cutouts)
- I had the impression that this pouch was not "standard." You can make your own, and I'm sure TechStuf can make a wide variety of pouch designs. For the particular pouch I got, I had to make a couple of further tweaks but overall I was very pleased. Read below for details.
The cords:
(200lb test Dacron)
Zero stretch
very light (easy to carry, clean release)
thin (low air drag)
become fuzzy very quickly, some concerns about wear
flexible/soft - can sometimes tangle or knot, and allows twisting
- good, might need to replace every couple of months
The release knot:
(leather toggle)
smooth surface for easy release that won't abrade the fingers
thick profile makes it easy to hold onto the toggle when slinging high speeds or heavy weights
no clear marking for consistent gripping, but the shape matches the shape of my bent fingers for a more natural consistent positioning
The review:
I spoke with TechStuf about getting one of his grip slings, and he was very helpful. He offered a number of options, on pouch type, sling length, and more. I opted for a basic model.
Originally I had some concerns about the grip size because of my small hands, and he just said "I will send something I'm sure you will enjoy." He couldn't be more right.
I receied the sling just over a week ago, on Thursday. The first things that struck me were the incredibly light weight and small size. I had imagined some thick, unwieldy handle, and was shocked by the diminutive sling (handle and all). My normal sling is paracord sheepshank, which is more voluminous despite its simplicity.
I was impressed that TechStuf had included a spare pair of cords, just in case. That was very thoughtful.
The sling itself is made with a great attention to details, and the workmanship is excellent. All knots are small, tight, melted closed, and sealed with what looks like a bit of superglue.
The ebony grip has a metal grommet that is installed flush with the wood - very solid, and clean, which must have taken some effort given the toughness of the wood.
The pouch is attractively designed, and came joined to the cords via two aesthetically pleasing intertwined loops, down the center of the pouch. (unfortunately, I don't have pictures of the original attachment)
I could not resist temptation, so I tried out the sling that very day.
It is great.My accuracy, without exaggeration, improved
tenfold. Not that it was any good before, but it instantly became less terrible. I do not understand how or why. Sling length was 1/2 inch longer than my old favorite, and everything was thinner and lighter.
The grip fit perfectly; TechStuf had probably made it to size for a custom fit. The folded sling length was good (66cm/26in, as requested). The release cord needs to be slightly shorter because of the way it is gripped, and that difference was just right - the pouch was held even and horizontal.
There were some pouch issues, which I fixed very easily. The pouch ends were pointy and would catch on the cords, resulting in tangles. I cut them to form stub points. Also, the pouch was attached and supported by two intertwined loops running down the middle. Although that looked nice, it had a tendency to overturn the pouch and spill the rock. It also led to pouch inversions, where the pouch would flip inside out. Fortunately, TechStuf included the extra cord, so I was able to rethread the pouch along the edge for more support. It now has one continuous loop along the edge, sewn shut in the middle.
At first, the swivels moved freely and untwisted the cords. After a week of hard slinging, they have lost some of their freedom of motion. Untwisting is somewhat slow. When the cords are twisted, I find it faster to let go of the release cord, shake it loose, and try again.
Still, the swivels are handy when flipping the pouch over, (usually when reloading).
I like how this particular puch design fits with the grip to make storage very easy. I roll the cords around the pouch; the curved grip end fits through the pouch from one side and into the toggle on the other side of the pouch. Pictures might help:
For those who wish to see how the grip works:
This has become my favorite sling, to the exclusion of my older ones.
I highly recommend TechStuf's grips, and his slings, if you ever have the occasion to try one or get one for yourself.
I only added enter a few times to keep the photos under each other, instead of side by side.
Willeke