Mersa wrote on Apr 21^st, 2020 at 11:37pm:


I have thrown a 220m throw once, and it was with a 30" sling, and a perfect egg-shaped stone, probably like 80-100g. I had to grunt loud to get it that far. All my other throws were sub-200m.  I'm pretty much in the same boat as you with a 27" sling, probably around 180m max.  Maybe give a slightly longer sling a shot? or is the purpose to do it with your current sling?

There was one user, BrianGrubbs, I think, that launched a 240m throw with a 24" sling, figure 8 style. He had one video of him throwing for distance on YouTube. Dude had an F'n cannon.  Maybe try the figure 8, if you get the lean-back like he did, I bet it's possible.

You can calculate lower bounds for release speed given a known distance thrown.

vel_LB = SQRT(g*dist)

This assumes 45 degree (optimal) release angle and air resistance effects to be negative (no insane headwinds basically).

For a projectile to go 220m it absolutely needs >46m/s or >103mph.

Note that the real speed value for stones is probably a fair bit faster as they are very significantly affected by air resistance. The lower bounds are probably pretty close to the speed that would send a lead glande that distance though.

As far as length goes - my target sling - meant for 20 metres is only 26inches.
I mean yeah I can throw over 150metres with it, but it's an effort and as soon as you feel you're making an effort - you've lost technique.

My standard everyday sling is usually between 32-34 inches. And I'm a short arse
A longer sling (up to a point) and a better technique increases power and reduces arm wear.

just bear in mind that moving forward will actually reduce the overall speed of the missile release as you are Moving into the forward movement.

So keeping your back foot rooted and taking a half step with your front foot, gives you a longer powerstroke while not moving into the direction of the throw and reducing overall velocity.

It's like the pirouette style with a long sling.
Unless you are also whirling the sling round your head at the same time - then you can only spin the sling as fast as you can rotate your body. And unless you are an olympic hammer thrower - that WILL be slower than you can spin the sling round your head while stationary.

The guys in guam have a technique where they continue to spin the sling round their heads while also pirouetting - it's bloody impressive.
Inaccurate as hell - but seriously good for pure distance !

Curious Aardvark wrote on Apr 24^th, 2020 at 9:26am:


This is a common misconception.

Pocket Radar a fun device. I have one. Slinging.org member too, who is an American soldier, has one. I don't remember his name.
Here to slinging, with Pocket Radar:
https://youtu.be/4FgcysbplWA

Oh, dang Timpa! I missed this video somehow. You should put that data into the "Chronographs" thread in "Here be Maths". That is impressive. I'm surprised it picked up a ball bearing, I tried slinging rocks next to it and it didn't pick it up. Maybe I'll have to try again.  Thanks for sharing this!

That timpa pirouette!!! BOOM!!!