Hi
 
David thank you very much for your advice. Luckily I took from Bob Perkins only the ratio between atlatl and dart. I thought that he was serious. I am just a beginner and I am lost about this subject.
 
I have a 24'' hardwood stick from a dead and burned wild olive tree that I cut yesterday for making my first atlatl. I don't know if it is right or too short. I have straightened it with heat, that wood is really crooked.
 
Bill tank you very much. I prefer to make my estimations about the lower side. More heavier darts with the same speed means more powerful stroke.
 
I have calculated that a 5 oz. dart at 100 mph. has the same kinetic energy as a 350 grains arrow at 366.6 fps. (if I didn't have a mistake). So the hit of your darts in the target must be really amazing and powerful!
 
How long is your atlatl?
 
I found this two pics from South American atlatls or "estólicas".
 
http://www.profimedia.si/picture/gold-museum-displaying-atlatl/0014982759/
 
http://www.precolumbian-gallery.com/moche-vicus----art/viru-atlatl-204.htm
 
I think that the first (Colombian, Muisca) was not made for use, it is better suited for symbolic purposes.
 
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
 
Greetings.

the average length for atlatls (of most users today) is between 22'' and 26'', but can be much shorter or longer
 
the average dart length is between 5' and 7.5'  
 
the average dart width is 1/2'' at the distal end and 1/4'' at the proximal end
 
the average dart weight is between 3.5oz and 5.5oz
 
the average dart spine weight is anywhere between 5lbs and 15lbs with most in the 6-8lbs range
 

Truly awesome work Paleoarts. Inspirational as well.

 

It works as a counterbalance when the dart loaded onto the atlatl and held horizontally. The point of balance is shifted back to the handle of the atlatl and you can hold it easily without wrist strain, very important when you are waiting for an animal to come into range.