Came across this little gem when trawling for new slinging vids. These guys have made a mini staff-sling which differs from the normal type in that it is not self-releasing. This gives greater release control and allows a greater arc of travel for the windup. Note how the slinger holds the sling straight down his back as if it was a whip at the beginning. Very neat!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=utYSsJAbXXc

Cool Aussi 8-) 8-) :o

Usually the problem with mini-staff slings is mini-power.  Not so with this manifestation.  I'm very pleased to see something entirely new, at least to me.  Plus this model seems very easy to make.  You need a length of PVC, a drill, a sling, and a screw.  I'm going to have to try this.  I have to wonder how a full sized model using this same technology would work?  

That's really interesting; thanks for sharing it. I'll bet if you used a release like that with a fishing rod as a staff you'd have a very powerful staff sling.

-Timothy Potter

I've often considered that, Timothy, or at least a release something like that with a fishing rod.  With my version the string stays attached to the projectile as you release it.  I always imagined using a 14' UglyStick surf pole with a 4oz bank weight as your projectile... you'd probably sling to France.

Brilliant design!!! I think something like this would be a boon to folks who'd like to take up the sport, but are confined to a wheelchair. It's a simple design and appears to generate real power with practically no effort besides a normal throwing motion. Let's see if we can get the plans for one of these posted on this forum.

Rat Man wrote on Feb 4^th, 2012 at 5:32pm:

you'd probably sling to France.

I don't have any problem to sling to France, even with Tennisball. Is it because I'm really good ? :D

Great video! A stick with a hole drilled through the end would be a more primitive solution. I did wonder if the Baton de Commandment was something like that although they are a lot shorter.

I think I've seen somthing like thos before that was a litte more primitive more like an atlatl/swiss dart that threw rocks. Still tough to beat the original sling in performance though. Even with all of our modern knowledge of physics the hand sling is still really difficult to beat with any kind of hand thrown projectile.

I like it, it looks like a flail but in the form of a ranged weapon. I would have never thought of that. just another thing I'll have to tinker with later I guess