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General >> General Slinging Discussion >> Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
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Message started by IronGoober on May 3rd, 2020 at 12:24am

Title: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by IronGoober on May 3rd, 2020 at 12:24am
I was wondering if anyone has experimented with changing where they put the retention cord? I used to have issues with my accuracy if I changed fingers (like ring finger).

I personally always put it on my middle finger. Recently, (actually several years ago now) I changed the loop to be placed on the the middle phalange (between first and second joint of finger) but more toward the first joint  instead of all the way to the back of the finger (where a ring would sit). 

This change improved my consistency, (subjectively, no hard data). It also made it so that if I switch fingers, (but keep the placement the same, i.e. in the middle phalange) I don't seem to notice a difference in my shot placement. I think that it helps because it lengthens the lever arm from the wrist. It seems to add more control. I think it is akin to wrist snap when throwing. Has anyone else noticed anything like this?

I noticed Jaegoor places the retention cord in a similar position after studying some of his videos today. If anyone is struggling with accuracy and puts the retention cord at the back of the finger, this might be something to try.


Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Morphy on May 3rd, 2020 at 3:44pm
I’ve briefly tried what you mentioned but I admit I didn’t give it much of a chance. Might have to revisit it. Are you using a retention loop that tightens on your finger to keep it in that exact spot?

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by IronGoober on May 3rd, 2020 at 9:00pm
I have a sling where I made the loop barely big enough to fit on my finger (on accident), so it is similar to a tightening one. I think I might switch to one that tightens in my future slings.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Mersa on May 3rd, 2020 at 10:03pm
Cinching finger loops are the best

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by NooneOfConsequence on May 5th, 2020 at 12:51am
Yes. It affects the timing. The wider the gap between the retention and release cords is, the faster the ammo exits the pouch after you let go of the release cord. The timing difference will result in a small change in angle in the direction of the swing. It will be more obvious with a horizontal swing (like Byzantine) than vertical (like underhand).

If you consistently miss to one side after multiple throws, sometimes changing fingers is just enough to dial a shot in.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Curious Aardvark on May 5th, 2020 at 8:18am
this is my standard grip


Just how I naturally gripped my slings from the start.
You can adjust the width of grip to match the ammo in your pouch (with a solid pouch you are not limited to ammo size as you are with many split pouches).

I find that cords hanging down parallel to the ends of the pouch give a cleaner, more consistent release - and you should NEVER have the missile hit the release cord.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Bill Skinner on May 5th, 2020 at 10:49am
I have used everything from a wrist loop, (which pinched the nerves in my wrist and was quite painful) to a palm wrap, to almost every finger. 

I really haven't found much of a difference in accuracy.   

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Morphy on May 5th, 2020 at 12:04pm

NooneOfConsequence wrote on May 5th, 2020 at 12:51am:
Yes. It affects the timing. The wider the gap between the retention and release cords is, the faster the ammo exits the pouch after you let go of the release cord. The timing difference will result in a small change in angle in the direction of the swing. It will be more obvious with a horizontal swing (like Byzantine) than vertical (like underhand).

If you consistently miss to one side after multiple throws, sometimes changing fingers is just enough to dial a shot in.



I always liked this idea. It reminds me how you would tune a bow by bringing the gear in line with your point of impact instead of vice versa. Not sure which is better but it’s something I would like to test some day.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Way of the Sling on May 5th, 2020 at 1:59pm
Used to have the finger-loop on the middle phalanx of my middle finger for a long time, but now I have switched to the middle phalanx of my index finger as it feels to me more comfortable and more controllable. I never have the finger-loop to the base of the finger, as it feels less good for accuracy. Generally speaking though, I think something that has a much bigger effect on accuracy are release knots. Considering that all of the best 'shots' (that I have seen anyway) don't use knots, there must be merit to it. I personally can't stand them as I find they prevent a smooth and gradual release.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Slyngorm on May 7th, 2020 at 11:35am
Interesting observation!


NooneOfConsequence wrote on May 5th, 2020 at 12:51am:
The wider the gap between the retention and release cords is, the faster the ammo exits the pouch after you let go of the release cord.


Would it then be even better to place the retention cord on your ring finger?

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Rat Man on May 7th, 2020 at 3:13pm
   I sling with the loop on the base of my ring finger.  I've tried other fingers, combinations of fingers, and a wrist loop.  I find using my ring finger the most comfortable and accurate.  Of course everyone is different.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Slyngorm on May 8th, 2020 at 6:43am
@Curious Aadvark gotta try the bottom grip

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Captain_Twine on May 9th, 2020 at 6:03pm
I started with putting it on my index finger, but then I decided to put it around my middle & ring fingers together. I usually hold the down cord in my fist (lightly, with the knot against my little finger.) I've pretty much stuck with this ever since, though I'm not sure how it affects my accuracy.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Tomas on May 11th, 2020 at 11:44am
Mine rests on the "middle phalanx" of my ring and middle fingers. I use a two finger loop.
When I started slinging I used to place the cord at the base of my fingers but it was always sliding forward to rest in the middle so nowadays I just place it there in happy acceptance:)
As for what finger you use, most of you may not remember Pikaru but he told me what his father told him:
Placing it on your forefinger is more for power and height and distance while traveling down the knuckles makes for a more ground level shot.
I found some truth to this but my fingerloops are for two fingers and I always keep it on the same ones so it's a moot point for me.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Eudave on May 11th, 2020 at 4:05pm
after much practice i have also settled on the middle joint middle finger hold ..i sling underhand .i use a one turn method and as i bring my hand up to release  ago palm up and point at the target withe my middle finger ...For me it works like  a dream   I have Improved my accuracy by 70 percent ....of course that is not saying much.I use a 31 inch sling I am five foot seven tall
it workes like magic for me

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by NooneOfConsequence on May 13th, 2020 at 1:22am

Slyngorm wrote on May 7th, 2020 at 11:35am:
Interesting observation!


NooneOfConsequence wrote on May 5th, 2020 at 12:51am:
The wider the gap between the retention and release cords is, the faster the ammo exits the pouch after you let go of the release cord.


Would it then be even better to place the retention cord on your ring finger?


I wouldn’t say wider is better necessarily. It just changes the timing a tiny bit. Wider spreads will also cause the pouch to roll back and forth during a swing too, so your ammo position in the pouch will change depending on the relative angles of the two cords when you let go.

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Slyngorm on May 23rd, 2020 at 6:17am

NooneOfConsequence wrote on May 13th, 2020 at 1:22am:
I wouldn’t say wider is better necessarily. It just changes the timing a tiny bit. Wider spreads will also cause the pouch to roll back and forth during a swing too, so your ammo position in the pouch will change depending on the relative angles of the two cords when you let go.


So THAT is the weird thing I have felt since I placed the retention on my ring finger  :-?

Title: Re: Retention cord placement - Accuracy improvement?
Post by Jauke on May 24th, 2020 at 4:42am
I'll have to give CA's grip a shot too and see how that works, very interesting
There really are 101 styles how to hold a sling..

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