I made this in about 5 minutes. This is as complex as I can go, I don't have the appropiate tools for making the beautifull atlatls some of you make. It's just a broomstick with a screw in it.

Rockman, that will absolutely work. atlatls are simple by definition, much like slings. most of the technology involved with atlatls is in the darts anyway. they are the things you don't want to skimp on.

Well since our two resident experts have already answered your question all I have to say is good idea I may finally try out the atlatl with your design Rockman.

Thanks for your answers, I really appreciate it.
Is bamboo ok for a dart? I also have access to long, cylindrical wooden sticks, the type architects use for their scale models.

anything long enough, strong enough, and flexible enough can be used for darts. like David said check the spine by pressing them down on a bathroom scale. 5 to 7 lbs is perfect but i have some 6' ash darts that spine out at 13 lbs and they fly fine. 6' is a good average dart length, especially for beginners, but shorter or longer darts will work. fletching helps with stability and accuracy but isn't absolutely needed. the Australians don't use fletching on thiers. the general rule is, the shorter the dart the more need of fletching, the longer the dart the less need. on points, they aren't absolutely required either, depending on the dart material. obviously, if you're using bamboo or river cane, you'll need to put in a foreshaft of some kind but these can be simple hardwood sharpened to a point. same with solid wood darts. just sharpen the end and you're good to go.

Chris

great idea with the key, Kjev!