So as I was reading the other thread about the trick to a good sling it occurred to me that we tend to be traditionalists in a lot of ways. And this is good. But the danger of that is not being open to new ideas. Tradition is great but tradition and progress have always been at odds with each other.

So this thread is for anyone who feels like trying something that might otherwise be looked down on so we can have the freedom to truly test and not just theorize.

I’m considering making a feather sling. I would like to try different bird species feathers to see if one has the greatest effect like turkey and goose does in Archery. Anyways, please feel free to post any weird ideas here if you wish.

EDIT: Ok, set up a poll for people to judge on. The criteria we are looking for is the person who thinks most outside the box with a design element and also it should at least have a good chance of accomplishing said design purpose. It goes without saying, theories on this thread don’t count. Theory and working prototype to test it qualifies a person as an entry fee. I will make a list on this top post and update as necessary. Thanks to Oxnate for reminding me to add this. 

ALSO there may or may not but definitely is a grand prize that you WILL want. Figured it was time to let the cat out of the bag to get people on the fence motivated. If you can, please take part! I would love this to be the time we truly start throwing out new designs en masse. There is no end of possibilities. I have at least 3 things I’m super excited about but obviously can’t take part on this particular contest. So go for it! :D

JudoP-     #1 Low wind resistance sling that can throw any ammo.

VetRyan- #2 Feather sling with feathers at various angles to test increased control.

Ratman-  #3  side-by-side shotgun sling for reduced projectile spread and ability to throw slugs (🤣) as well as elk shot.

Joe_MeadMaker- #4 Feather sling with vanes at right angles to pouch to test increased control.

Albion Slinger- #5 Skeletal sling that resist cupping.

NoOneOfConsequence - #6 Tassel sling for stealth reduced energy transfer to the release cord.

Jaegoor- #7 Jointed sling for increased durability- led to understanding of Balearic knee

NoOneOfConsequence- #8 Silicone grips on the sling pouch for friction modification.

Zud- #9 Whip Sling for no wind up/easier aiming.

Hmmm... I haven't thought about this that much. Though I have thought about rubber glandes and whether they are safe and aerodynamic. How about a one-piece rubber sling? A stiff rubber that won't stretch. Cast in a mold and mass produced. I wonder how that would perform. What pouch would be most optimal? I doubt a rubber pouch would hold up to rocks. Just spitballing.

I like the idea of modern slings, with hi tech, but in reality so far a simple sling is the best performing.

I really want to try a few crazy designs but I’ve been lacking my motivation lately

Mersa wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 5:31pm:

I like the idea of modern slings, with hi tech, but in reality so far a simple sling is the best performing. I really want to try a few crazy designs but I’ve been lacking my motivation lately

You have reasons. We are here to tempt you back into it.  :D

SerKraus- That's an excellent suggestion. Tough as nails, completely waterproof, low twist potential and recycling doesn't hurt either. Actually to be honest I "really" wish I had one now. It would have to be the right polymer but that's actually an excellent idea.

Morphy wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 6:42pm:

SerKraus- That's an excellent suggestion. Tough as nails, completely waterproof, low twist potential and recycling doesn't hurt either. Actually to be honest I "really" wish I had one now. It would have to be the right polymer but that's actually an excellent idea.

Thanks. I was originally inspired by a Swedish army slingshot design that Timpa showed in a video. The pouch and the bands were one piece. They were shaped like a nice one-piece leather sling would be. If we had the right rubber I'm sure it would work.

https://youtu.be/Bd7nVnIk3TM

I’ve been wondering how well you could sling with a stretchy sling and whether you could possibly do it accurately... as in, a sling where the length changes with the tension so that maybe you get a self- regulating system that throws almost the same with light or heavy ammo.

NooneOfConsequence wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 9:26pm:

I’ve been wondering how well you could sling with a stretchy sling and whether you could possibly do it accurately with the right style and ammo

You can definitely sling with a stretchy sling but from what I've heard, they release very inconsistently. A non-stretchy rubber would be best though.

The thought of a rubber sling reminded me of this: https://www.pixelandtimber.com/modern-throwing-sling-original.  Doesn't look like much is happening with it though.

SerKraus wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 8:31pm:

Morphy wrote on Feb 2nd, 2021 at 6:42pm: SerKraus- That's an excellent suggestion. Tough as nails, completely waterproof, low twist potential and recycling doesn't hurt either. Actually to be honest I "really" wish I had one now. It would have to be the right polymer but that's actually an excellent idea. Thanks. I was originally inspired by a Swedish army slingshot design that Timpa showed in a video. The pouch and the bands were one piece. They were shaped like a nice one-piece leather sling would be. If we had the right rubber I'm sure it would work. https://youtu.be/Bd7nVnIk3TM

Oh yes that's key.

And you know if you did actually make one not only would that type of sling forever bear your name but I suspect whoever makes the most interesting idea for a sling upgrade or even their own design to help the mechanics would like what happens next.  ::)  ;)

joe_meadmaker wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 9:32pm:

The thought of a rubber sling reminded me of this: https://www.pixelandtimber.com/modern-throwing-sling-original.  Doesn't look like much is happening with it though.

Those are the guys who made the Danger Goods slings.

Morphy wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 9:33pm:

...I suspect whoever makes the most interesting idea for a sling upgrade or even their own design to help the mechanics would like what happens next.  ::)  ;)

I don't follow. What do you mean?  :-?

SerKraus wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 9:50pm:

Morphy wrote on Feb 2nd, 2021 at 9:33pm: ...I suspect whoever makes the most interesting idea for a sling upgrade or even their own design to help the mechanics would like what happens next.  ::)  ;) I don't follow. What do you mean?  :-?

Hmm who knows. I say random stuff sometimes. But who knows. Who knows...  :D

   A stretchy sling is a bad idea.  When I was very new to slinging and slinging.org I asked about stretchy or elastic slings.  I was told it was a bad Idea, that it was dangerous, and that there was no advantage to it.  Of course being me I had to try it.  It was a bad idea, it was dangerous, and there was no advantage to it.
    I have designed some unconventional slings but I don't think they'd count as abstract. I've made a couple of side by side two pouch slings that performed very well.  The more consistent the ammo the tighter the shot group.  They can also be used as a single pouch sling to hurl large projectiles like softballs and snowballs.  I've seen over/under two pouch slings made by other members but I don't think they'd work as well.  I don't know this for a fact though since I've never tried one. 
     I've experimented with many other unconventional designs...  skeletonized pouches, many differently shaped pouches, oversized pouches, etc.  but I don't think any would qualify as abstract.

Rat Man wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 10:37pm:

A stretchy sling is a bad idea.  When I was very new to slinging and slinging.org I asked about stretchy or elastic slings.  I was told it was a bad Idea, that it was dangerous, and that there was no advantage to it.  Of course being me I had to try it.  It was a bad idea, it was dangerous, and there was no advantage to it.     I have designed some unconventional slings but I don't think they'd count as abstract. I've made a couple of side by side two pouch slings that performed very well.  The more consistent the ammo the tighter the shot group.  They can also be used as a single pouch sling to hurl large projectiles like softballs and snowballs.  I've seen over/under two pouch slings made by other members but I don't think they'd work as well.  I don't know this for a fact though since I've never tried one.       I've experimented with many other unconventional designs...  skeletonized pouches, many differently shaped pouches, oversized pouches, etc.  but I don't think any would qualify as abstract.

The side by side I think would be in that group. As would Joes shotgun sling and the Red Baron with the three pouches on one sling. There’s tons of ideas, not just multiple pouches or shots. I would love people to post to this thread. I guarantee the more you put into this the more you will get out.

   It's late now but I'll post a picture of one of the side by sides tomorrow. Probably.

I was thinking of a chain mail sling. I got the idea from this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWOQHXFf3Hg
At 3:40 he pulls out a chain mail whip and it looks flexible enough to use as sling material.

It would never break but it would be hard to store. Also you'd have to be careful not to get hit by it after you release the stone. Maybe not the best idea but I found it interesting.

Rat Man wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 11:25pm:

It's late now but I'll post a picture of one of the side by sides tomorrow. Probably.

You really should my friend. Lead the way. We need actual "made" designs. This thread is to promote taking design elements and producing an actual sling to test it. Theories are great of course but ideally people would want to post an actual design they made to show it has potential (or doesn't).

Doesn't matter if it doesn't work like one thought. So long as effort is made to take something from an idea to a finished product. Fails only show us what we need not worry about. In that way they are just as important as successes.

Hope people will take this to heart and give it a try. A little effort can produce unexpected outcomes.

MirkoSling wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2021 at 9:19am:

I was thinking of a chain mail sling. I got the idea from this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWOQHXFf3Hg At 3:40 he pulls out a chain mail whip and it looks flexible enough to use as sling material. It would never break but it would be hard to store. Also you'd have to be careful not to get hit by it after you release the stone. Maybe not the best idea but I found it interesting.

Yeah I definitely wouldn't want to have it swirl around me after each shot. I'd probably use Greek or some other style that won't strike me as often as one like sidearm.

MirkoSling wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2021 at 9:19am:

I was thinking of a chain mail sling. I got the idea from this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWOQHXFf3Hg At 3:40 he pulls out a chain mail whip and it looks flexible enough to use as sling material. It would never break but it would be hard to store. Also you'd have to be careful not to get hit by it after you release the stone. Maybe not the best idea but I found it interesting.

Honestly sounds exactly like something Kick would make lol. On top of that if they closed in on you getting hit by a sling made of chainmail would hurt a lot more than jute.

Here's a new design I'm looking at, not sure if it's abstract exactly, but it's different  :D

The inspiration is partly from Joe Meadmakers signature slings and from a discussion me and Albion slinger were having about a possible 3-split apache sling.

The goal is to make a paracord sling which can handle larger ammo better whilst still being quite efficient for small ammo.

The sling pictured needs a little adjustment before I present the finished article. At present the pouch is totally flat, which doesn't work very well as projectiles sort of sit on the middle cord and flop to one side or other of the pouch. This is easily remedied by using a wider leather cross to bind the cords which will add some element of cupping.

I think it has decent potential, even though it doesn't hold ammo properly at present it is actually quite a safe pouch from some initial testing. Also, if it doesn't work out I can simply cover the cords apache style which I'm sure will.

---

Judo figures you would be the one to get us going here. Thanks man. I do appreciate that.

And see this is what I'm talking about. I've thought many times how I don't like bigger pouches with normal ammo because it seems like too much wind resistance leads to losing excessive efficiency. Never once even considered this type of design. I hope you can get any bugs worked out. But for the purpose of this thread beta test slings are just fine.

Ok I'm going to set a poll and let this thread marinate for awhile. I really hope we get more real world designs made as opposed to theories which for better or worse we are already pretty good at lol. There's so much more to this thread than people understand and this is a good start.  :nana2:

Judo’s sling entry is #1, the next sling will be #2 and so on.

JudoP wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2021 at 9:55am:

The goal is to make a paracord sling which can handle larger ammo better whilst still being quite efficient for small ammo.

My solution to tackling this problem is simple. A long, flat, strip of belt leather for the pouch, and the paracord strings tied to this strip of leather at its ends in such a fashion that the pouch is secured really tight to the cord (so it cannot hinge).

a strip of belt leather that is about 4 cm wide, and quite long, around 20 cm. I find that this pouch is very suitable for a very wide range of stone weights, but also slightly flattened biconicals (because round biconicals and round spheres have a hard time on a flat strip of belt leather.).

The problem with solid pouches and small ammo arrives when the pouch is too wide and encapsules a rough stone. Now a 4 cm strip of belt leather will hardly ever be too wide, yet it's secure enough in my experience to hold rocks well in the 300 g range.

Sometimes  I add a slit in the middle, some times I don't

Here is mine. Got a bunch of my flock feathers. Chickens, guineas, roosters. Might be duck in there. I think it will make the sling faster

---

Well as long as they are all from the right wing

Might be. Not sure. Collected these last year. But the feathers by the release knot are rooster tail feathers. Dont worry we clean em

Morphy wrote on Feb 3^rd, 2021 at 9:29am:

Honestly sounds exactly like something Kick would make lol.

More than once I've considered making a sling like that :D It might not be entirely necessary for flaming ammo but would be the most aesthetic way of doing it. But yeah the thought of getting hit by it has put me off :D

Vet you are sling #2.

Sounds good, hopefully my design takes off

vetryan15 wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 5:32am:

Sounds good, hopefully my design takes off

If  you flap it up and down, it just might ;D

Great looking sling Vet!

Have you tried slinging with it yet? Can you yell if the feathers make a difference in the release?

This looks interesting. Very much looking forward to the results of both slings being tested.

@JudoP - I really like that pouch design.  It won't be able to on the sling I'm currently making (I think I would want to add some strands to the braid for a 3-way spilt, but I'm already passed that point), but I might give it a try on the next one.

Thanks Joe.

Regards to the design I posted. The current version it is not very effective for round/oval ammunition (modified clay ammo as presented here by Jaegoor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duIY6d_iw00) would likely work well. The issue being that the middle arm is too 'high' so round ammo pivots on it either to the left or right side, instead of sitting across all three arms (Even with this the pouch does appear fairly stable though).

The next version I will allow a little cupping so as to accomodate rounded ammunition. There does seem to be an interesting trade off here between increased 'solidness' of the 3 strand pouch and the adaptability of having two strands.

I havent taken it out for a trst run yet. I wil within the next couple days. It should be interesting.  I hope my 1 dog wont attack it as she likes to chase the chickens

JudoP wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 10:58am:

The issue being that the middle arm is too 'high' so round ammo pivots on it either to the left or right side

Noted.  I figure braiding the middle slightly longer than the sides will take care of that.

I am excited though.  I'm pretty good at splitting a herringbone braid into two, then joining it back together.  Splitting into three is going to be completely different.

Okay, so now this is a poll.  Is there a post showing what I'm voting for?

Oxnate wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 11:45am:

Okay, so now this is a poll.  Is there a post showing what I'm voting for?

Why thank you sir.  I added to the original post. Should explain things better.  ;)

SerKraus wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 3:37pm:

Hmmm... I haven't thought about this that much. Though I have thought about rubber glandes and whether they are safe and aerodynamic. How about a one-piece rubber sling? A stiff rubber that won't stretch. Cast in a mold and mass produced. I wonder how that would perform. What pouch would be most optimal? I doubt a rubber pouch would hold up to rocks. Just spitballing.

Any chance of a prototype? Even if you just got a piece of rubber and cut it to shape. Shouldnt be hard and seems like a very good idea.

I guess this isn't all that unconventional but here's an open pouch TS3 or Appu-sling if you wish made of synthetic yarn with Nylon cords.  For some reason the picture doesn't really do it justice.  The colors are much brighter and it's generally a better looking sling.

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And here is one of the Side by Side Two Pouch Slings I made. The pouches are TS5s. The entire sling is Jute. It works very well. As long as you use ammo of the same size, shape, and weight you'll get a good, reasonably tight shot group. A sling like this is also excellent for larger single projectiles.

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Kick wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 2:52am:

Morphy wrote on Feb 3rd, 2021 at 9:29am: Honestly sounds exactly like something Kick would make lol. More than once I've considered making a sling like that :D It might not be entirely necessary for flaming ammo but would be the most aesthetic way of doing it. But yeah the thought of getting hit by it has put me off :D

Oh trust me I bet. You are a great guy Kick but also slightly scary at times.  ;D

Morphy wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 3:03pm:

You are a great guy Kick but also slightly scary at times.

And just like that I have the perfect quote. One of the best compliments I have ever recieved.

Kick wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 3:12pm:

Morphy wrote on Feb 4th, 2021 at 3:03pm: You are a great guy Kick but also slightly scary at times.  And just like that I have the perfect quote. One of the best compliments I have ever recieved.

i got your back lol.  ;)

Ratman, really a brilliant design. If this accomplishes the tight grouping we have all tried to get I would think it should be named after you. I know you have some that are already yours but the Ratman has a nice ring to it and then when slinging gets more and more popular 100 years from now people will wonder why it was named that. Hey you might even get your own religion!

Okay, since my last thought went over well; here's another.

Wouldn't it be better to gather all the sling designs together FIRST and THEN start the poll?

Otherwise you've given an unfair advantage to the first two slings.

Oxnate wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 4:42pm:

Okay, since my last thought went over well; here's another. Wouldn't it be better to gather all the sling designs together FIRST and THEN start the poll? Otherwise you've given an unfair advantage to the first two slings.

Hey now, one good thought is all you get. You met your quota. We can't be improving each post too rapidly or we'll set unrealistic expectations.

@RatMan  I really like that dual pouch design. I might have to try that one out.

Also, the colors on the Appu-sling look great! They may not come through in the image from someone who has seen it in person, but even still it looks really good.

Ill see if I can change the settinga to allow people to change their vote

Ok you can vote multiple people now. Just be patient folks. Take your time in choosing. Once we have ten thats it.

Loving this thread, great for creativity.
I've got a few ideas, but I'll have to make them first...
I think the design Judo and I come up with might also classify.

Archaic Arms wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 5:14pm:

Loving this thread, great for creativity. I've got a few ideas, but I'll have to make them first... I think the design Judo and I come up with might also classify.

Can you elaborate? 

Oxnate wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 4:42pm:

Okay, since my last thought went over well; here's another. Wouldn't it be better to gather all the sling designs together FIRST and THEN start the poll? Otherwise you've given an unfair advantage to the first two slings.

Not sure if youre mad or something man but if you are this is not a thing to be mad about lol. The guy I just took to the hospital whose foot is rotting off because his astonishingly incompetent nurse said it was fine, that dude has a reason. Its hard to tell on the internet so if you arent I apologize but perspective is always good either way. Just saying...

Too much drama here, in  a forum that is about string and a piece of leather.  This is all for fun. We are not defining the future.

Morphy wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 5:57pm:

Oxnate wrote on Feb 4th, 2021 at 4:42pm: Okay, since my last thought went over well; here's another. Wouldn't it be better to gather all the sling designs together FIRST and THEN start the poll? Otherwise you've given an unfair advantage to the first two slings. Not sure if youre mad or something man but if you are this is not a thing to be mad about lol. The guy I just took to the hospital whose foot is rotting off because his astonishingly incompetent nurse said it was fine, that dude has a reason. Its hard to tell on the internet so if you arent I apologize but perspective is always good either way. Just saying...

Um, not sure what made you think I was mad.  I capitalized the two most important words for emphasis, just to make sure the message came through clearly, which doesn't always happen online.

And yeah, tone is always hard to guess from text.    [smiley=cool.gif]

Oxnate wrote on Feb 4^th, 2021 at 7:37pm:

Morphy wrote on Feb 4th, 2021 at 5:57pm: Oxnate wrote on Feb 4th, 2021 at 4:42pm: Okay, since my last thought went over well; here's another. Wouldn't it be better to gather all the sling designs together FIRST and THEN start the poll? Otherwise you've given an unfair advantage to the first two slings. Not sure if youre mad or something man but if you are this is not a thing to be mad about lol. The guy I just took to the hospital whose foot is rotting off because his astonishingly incompetent nurse said it was fine, that dude has a reason. Its hard to tell on the internet so if you arent I apologize but perspective is always good either way. Just saying... Um, not sure what made you think I was mad.  I capitalized the two most important words for emphasis, just to make sure the message came through clearly, which doesn't always happen online. And yeah, tone is always hard to guess from text.    [smiley=cool.gif]

Probably a reflex after yesterdays complete meltdown. Probably

@oxnate the first to post has an advantage anyway. That’s just how our brains work.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchoring

NooneOfConsequence wrote on Feb 5^th, 2021 at 1:02am:

@oxnate the first to post has an advantage anyway. That’s just how our brains work. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchoring

Thank you. I didnt want to say anything for obvious reasons. Time clears many things up.

There are arguments to be made for submissions that happen nearer the end.  As ideas are posted, you can get a grasp of the playing field and know what it will take to make a bigger and badder sling.  Later submission will also be more fresh in the mind, while early posts may have lost their awe.

I'm shooting for slot #7 or #8 myself.  ;)

joe_meadmaker wrote on Feb 5^th, 2021 at 9:48am:

There are arguments to be made for submissions that happen nearer the end.  As ideas are posted, you can get a grasp of the playing field and know what it will take to make a bigger and badder sling.  Later submission will also be more fresh in the mind, while early posts may have lost their awe. I'm shooting for slot #7 or #8 myself.  ;)

See now theres a guy playing chess when we are playing checkers... ;D ;D ;D

HOW CAN THE FEATHER SLING BE FORGOTTEN!!!????

#WeWillNeverForget #FeatherSling

vetryan15 wrote on Feb 5^th, 2021 at 11:12am:

HOW CAN THE FEATHER SLING BE FORGOTTEN!!!????

Uh, I wasn't talking about the feather sling.  Not at all.  ::)  ;D

The feather sling really might have a good property if we were to configure the feathers on the pouch.

If the feathers were all 90 degrees to the retention and release cords the pouch would have a better aerodynamic profile one way than the others 3, this might help like a fin or vane. Helping keeping the sling aligned .

There might be something to it.

Plus it looks primitive as crappity smack

Something like this.  :)

Minus the primitive part.

http://beehatmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/WingedSling.jpg

Excellent Joe. You are submission number 4. Folks the list is filling and prizes are good. So get to it!

Don’t be afraid of looking weird. That’s the whole point of this thread. To stumble on something helpful by trying. NOOC and I have been reading research papers from textile journals and have found some amazing info that could help a lot so even though I’m not in this I sort of am. As is NOOC, unless he decides to post something in which case he literally is. No prizes for me though.  ;D ;D

I was thinking more about it being 90 degrees to the cords but same concept. And I was thinking layered.
Perhaps I should hunt big bird

   I don't know if you'd include this as an abstract design.  This is of course the Paracord version of my Cobra Sling.  Besides a nicely tapered pouch it gives you a weighted pouch so you can shoot even very light projectiles.

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Mersa wrote on Feb 5^th, 2021 at 8:28pm:

Perhaps I should hunt big bird

Not yet.  That will be the next poll when we do abstract targets.  :D

I really like these slings RM. and the dog as well.  :)

Experimental design. Made to Behave like a flat pouch with smooth stones, and avoid cupping.
Waxed hemp.

I shall continue to explore this general design principle, as it is very likely it can be improved.

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WOW that looks so pretty! Awesome job man! You made a weird new design that actually looks beautiful as well!

Kick wrote on Feb 6^th, 2021 at 11:40am:

WOW that looks so pretty! Awesome job man! You made a weird new design that actually looks beautiful as well!

Indeed. His slings look very well-made.

  Not just beautiful but very functional too.  Good job, Albion Slinger!  The dog in the picture is the late Kali Kisses who passed six years ago.
   I had a giant pouch snowball sling;  I think it was a TS11.  I gave it away though, to a member here. I don't even remember who.  Maybe I'll make another one. 

Wow I love the look of that sling , very pretty, well done!!!

Albion Slinger is #5. Beautiful and thoughtful design.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Archaic Arms wrote on Feb 6^th, 2021 at 11:28am:

Experimental design. Made to Behave like a flat pouch with smooth stones, and avoid cupping. Waxed hemp. I shall continue to explore this general design principle, as it is very likely it can be improved.

Looks great. I've never liked flat pouches but this design is pretty good looking.
Enjoy the experimenting.  :)

As luck would have it, the extra weight of the tassel doesn’t seem to disrupt the throw. I present, the tassel sling!

Does it silence the sling at all?

Well more testing is definitely needed, but the tassel acts like an air brake and cuts down on the energy transferred along the release cord, so it should be quieter.

NOOC, i know you have a good camera on hand. Would it able to pick up the subtle details of the air break and tassel movement? If memory serves me right its high speed low res? Is there something you can do  to increase visibility during the throw so we can observe whats really going on? Just curious man. Awesome contribution!

Hmmm... yeah the high speed resolution isn’t great, but it would be interesting to see if the tassel air-brakes like I think it does, and a high speed video would help with that.  I have some ideas for ways to visualize it even at low-resolution. I’ll have to try a few things and get back to you Morphy. 

I made my first sling when I was thirteen. I couldn’t be bothered to buy one and my crafts skills were bad. So what i did was take my old earphones and make a slit in the seal that holds them together. Then using tape I formed a pouch. That was all that was needed. It was quite small but perfect for indoor use. I held the buds between my middle and fore finger and used the other end as my release cord. I’ve still got that sling and it’s in perfect working order. I made a few slots and improvements on the pouch to keep the ammunition in better. At first I used foil balls with tape around them but they were way too light so i couldn’t feel them in the pouch and couldn’t control them. Then I started using little sponge balls which worked best for indoors. I could sling anything smaller than my fist including coins and small torches. I found some really nice glande shaped magnets that I had hanging around which were the best outdoor shaped ammo imaginable. I once tried a rubber pouch as well but didn’t really think much of it. It split quite too easily. You can literally make a sling out of anything but in my opinion the earphone sling is the best option for none-too-crafty beginners who’d can’t (for whatever reason) by a sling. I would also recommend the magnetic glandes which are extremely heavy. Braided slings are the best overall (no denial there).

I built this sling a long time ago.  She doesn't look unusual at all.  But the two joints make it unusual.  I used this sling at a medivial event.  A Pole spoke to me about where I got this sling from.  I built it myself.  He didn't want to believe it.  After a very long conversation, he told me that he had found two similar slings during an excavation in Poland.  This excavation was never published.  He thought someone had given something away.  I am currently researching in Poland.  There are actually a lot of historical slings in the archives.  It will take some time.

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Very beautiful Jaegoor.

Jaegoor wrote on Feb 11^th, 2021 at 5:50am:

I built this sling a long time ago.  She doesn't look unusual at all.  But the two joints make it unusual.  I used this sling at a medivial event.  A Pole spoke to me about where I got this sling from.  I built it myself.  He didn't want to believe it.  After a very long conversation, he told me that he had found two similar slings during an excavation in Poland.  This excavation was never published.  He thought someone had given something away.  I am currently researching in Poland.  There are actually a lot of historical slings in the archives.  It will take some time.

Beautiful work as always Jaegoor! So I guess my main question would be: what effect were you trying to accomplish that the earlier slinger was also trying to do?

What I noticed in previous studies, that there were leather letters that kept tearing.  Always on one side.  I tried to keep the force moving with a joint.  That works pretty well.  However, it shoots up very unusual.  You can't spin.  The shot triggers almost immediately.  At some point I stopped pursuing it.  However, I also came across the joint principle with a Balearic sling.  Just that this joint works like a knee.  I think this is the best principle ever.

Jaegoor wrote on Feb 11^th, 2021 at 11:50am:

What I noticed in previous studies, that there were leather letters that kept tearing.  Always on one side.  I tried to keep the force moving with a joint.  That works pretty well.  However, it shoots up very unusual.  You can't spin.  The shot triggers almost immediately.  At some point I stopped pursuing it.  However, I also came across the joint principle with a Balearic sling.  Just that this joint works like a knee.  I think this is the best principle ever.

Thanks for the info.

Ok so I put you in as #7 Jointed sling for durability which led to discovery of knee. I would call that the exact reason we have this thread. To make discoveries.

Ok then, we have 3 spots left everyone!

That looks very interesting Jaegoor.  I want to try it.  :)

Bumpity bump

Hey... bumping threads without contributing new content is against the new community standards that I made up just now. Since this is your first offense Morphy, you will only be banished for eternity.

NooneOfConsequence wrote on Feb 23^rd, 2021 at 9:35am:

Hey... bumping threads without contributing new content is against the new community standards that I made up just now. Since this is your first offense Morphy, you will only be banished for eternity.

https://i.imgur.com/jHXJIKQ.jpg

Bumperino.

Morphy wrote on Feb 23^rd, 2021 at 11:12am:

NooneOfConsequence wrote on Feb 23rd, 2021 at 9:35am: Hey... bumping threads without contributing new content is against the new community standards that I made up just now. Since this is your first offense Morphy, you will only be banished for eternity. https://i.imgur.com/jHXJIKQ.jpg Bumperino.

I’m going to allow it.

Bumplestiltskin!

So as I mentioned there will be prizes for the winner of this thread. This is my contribution and trust me the others are great as well. The winner will like them all.

https://i.imgur.com/Hm01wz8.jpg

This is essentially a new Malaysian Parang. It’s made in the true style of real parangs with a tapered tang meaning it’s much lighter than you would expect yet outchops any of my other knives of similar dimensions. These are made for heavy work. The handle has the palm swell that is normal to this style which allows you to adopt a lower hold for power or choke up near the blade for control. Really an excellent survival knife, but I have too many so someone else deserves this.

Hopefully we get people posting and voting.

Also there will be a door prize raffle for those who enter. One of the names of all those who have entered this thread will be pulled from a hat and they will recieve a secondary prize. Since the entire point of this thread is to get people making new designs, this prize will probably be pretty good, once I figure out what it is. This includes any slings that are contributed after the 10 sling limit on the poll. All entries will be elligible.

Stay tuned.  ;D ;)

I am not sure we will bet the full 10 slings designs

I went ahead and stickied this post. There’s only been 4 votes. Less votes than sling designs lol. Hopefully we can get more people’s thoughts on this.

Come on people the prizes on this one are too good to let it fall to the wayside!

Not a single video.  I'll try to get one recorded tomorrow.  That should greatly increase my chances!  :D

I will eventually,  the weather is starting to turn for the better. Should be a couple weeks.


Looks like mine wins.

joe_meadmaker wrote on Mar 8^th, 2021 at 7:13pm:

Not a single video.  I'll try to get one recorded tomorrow.  That should greatly increase my chances!  :D

Hell ya! Let’s see what you got!

Vet, I think you might have a good excuse lol. What is there like 10 feet of snow at the moment? When you need a snorkle and a fur coat to go outside, you are welcome to wait lol.

I may actually have a serious entry related to modifying the friction properties of sling pouches.

NooneOfConsequence wrote on Mar 8^th, 2021 at 10:05pm:

I may actually have a serious entry related to modifying the friction properties of sling pouches.

I admit I was hoping you would post it.


Keep in mind everyone posting a video proving that your design works or could work would probably go a long ways towards sticking in people’s minds.

Also I believe you can choose more than one so dont be afraid of making a choice early as it wont affect your ability to choose another later!

I’ve been experimenting with grip patterns and friction modification on a sling pouch. This would be particularly useful with smooth stones, but I need to do a lot more testing before I can draw any real conclusions.

joe_meadmaker wrote on Mar 8^th, 2021 at 7:13pm:

Not a single video.  I'll try to get one recorded tomorrow.  That should greatly increase my chances!  :D

Looking forward to that Joe!

NooneOfConsequence wrote on Mar 9^th, 2021 at 11:59am:

I’ve been experimenting with grip patterns and friction modification on a sling pouch.

Ha!  Makes me think of barrel grooves.  I love it!  :thumb:

Very interested in hearing how that testing goes.

And here we go!  Feather-sided sling in action!

https://youtu.be/d8pHRC1BLdk

Great video. This is why I love this thread. Even the ones that don’t turn out as effective as we might hope for teach us a lot about whats going on.

So two things occurred to me while watching this. One is that on a normal arrow, which is quite light, feathers are able to stabilize it fairly quickly. There is mostly forward motion acting on the projectile and obviously no input from hands like in the sling. Also a sling stone being so heavy would require a pretty big vane to force stabilization on the pouch.

Buuuuutt...what this made me think about is putting vanes on steel darts. Forget the Kestros. It’s way over complicated. Just get a normal sling with rebar or large bolts that are grinded down to a point. Then attach leather or synthetic vanes on them. They would fly like an arrow but hit like a Mac truck.

Imagine mechanical broadheads on a 5-7 ounce, 4 inch, 1 inch diameter steel bolt. There is nothing on Earth that could live through that. It would blast a massive hole through a deer thats for sure. So long as the person was a really good slinger and powerful. But my goodness...what a hit that would be.

Great video joe!!

There's some mead up for grabs in the Trash Sling Challenge, and one here as well.  In addition to the awesome prize put up by Morphy, the winner will also be getting a bottle of mead made from goldenrod honey.

https://beehatmead.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GoldenrodMead.jpg

Told you all this one was worth participating in.  ;)

A little more than a week left. Get your votes in and get your contributions in. The winner becomes the First Annual Winner of the Abstract Design Contest.

Looks like i will be doing my video with turkey throw this week

Ok..........
I'm back, sorry, my brain went on abstract holiday, those elephants on stilts and melting cloxks, whew !

So, my entry for the abstract sling contest is as follows; I propose a hybrid called either the whing or slip.

A design like a whip, e.g. short handle attached to a tapering cord but with a pouch to contain the projectile.

I then kew.

Cheers

Zud.

xud9a - call me zud 👍 wrote on Mar 13^th, 2021 at 8:39am:

Ok.......... I'm back, sorry, my brain went on abstract holiday, those elephants on stilts and melting cloxks, whew ! So, my entry for the abstract sling contest is as follows; I propose a hybrid called either the whing or slip. A design like a whip, e.g. short handle attached to a tapering cord but with a pouch to contain the projectile. I then kew. Cheers Zud.

Pics or it didn’t happen ... but that sounds a lot like a Balearic sling or Practical Paracord’s Smiling Sling to me. They basically have a whip for a release cord.

xud9a - call me zud 👍 wrote on Mar 13^th, 2021 at 8:39am:

Ok.......... I'm back, sorry, my brain went on abstract holiday, those elephants on stilts and melting cloxks, whew ! So, my entry for the abstract sling contest is as follows; I propose a hybrid called either the whing or slip. A design like a whip, e.g. short handle attached to a tapering cord but with a pouch to contain the projectile. I then kew. Cheers Zud.

Great idea. I did something similar with the Semisling. The retention “cord” is a stick with a Y at the end.  Worked great but I love my normal sling too much.

The good thing about having at least part of a handle is you can throw instantly.

But! That being said in the Abstract Design contest you have to have a prototype with pics at least. You should make one Zud. Its a great idea.

As I say, the elephants on stilts got in the way but it is a first thought and the prototype will be started tonight.

If I have any sookcess photo ( undersized as usual) will be posted .

Cheers.

Interesting idea for a sling that tapers over the entire length.  If it has a handle, how do you envision the release cord will be held?  Just under a finger that lifts to release?

@Joe_M
Just stopped for a coffee break, having wiped away the froth, towelled down the sweat and dripped soap in my eyes to stop them stinging I have a handle, man it's awesome. You should see this handle, it's so ultimately expresses the concept of handle I'm not sure I can handle it ! Which leaves me with a problem......
The release mechanism is an extended, offset, 3d printed franniztan secured with a coach dowel.
However the trigger is too sensitive so I have got to stop shouting at it if I hope to get it to respond.
Any ideas welcome. 
Zud.

xud9a - call me zud 👍 wrote on Mar 13^th, 2021 at 5:22pm:

@Joe_M Just stopped for a coffee break, having wiped away the froth, towelled down the sweat and dripped soap in my eyes to stop them stinging I have a handle, man it's awesome. You should see this handle, it's so ultimately expresses the concept of handle I'm not sure I can handle it ! Which leaves me with a problem...... The release mechanism is an extended, offset, 3d printed franniztan secured with a coach dowel. However the trigger is too sensitive so I have got to stop shouting at it if I hope to get it to respond. Any ideas welcome.  Zud.

I would very much appreciate if this sling could in turn sling a little slinger.

Or even sling a little song for me 🤪

Working prototype 8.7% complete.

99% perspiration, 1% inspiration.

Though breathing in a little more often may help  !

Most of my friends like to help me , they say I'm so special I have special needs    ;D ;D ::)

Prototype no.1 now at 35-47% complete.

Materials sourced in a hedge bottom near Burton on Trent with glue and paracord.

Construction photographs taken, and will be shared on completion of prototype   🎉👍

Very interesting happenings here. Can someone please post a list of whose sling design is what number? It is a bit difficult to see. I think that I will have a think about an abstract design... ;)

Willem208 wrote on Mar 17^th, 2021 at 9:52am:

Very interesting happenings here. Can someone please post a list of whose sling design is what number? It is a bit difficult to see. I think that I will have a think about an abstract design... ;)

Check the first post.   :D

I have to say Im surprised that so few have voted. But I guess every contest has to start somewhere and these are certainly humble beginnings.

I win

vetryan15 wrote on Mar 17^th, 2021 at 3:44pm:

I win

Ryan...I just dont know what to say man. But still two days left lol.

Reporting back on the silicone experiments...

I saw a small effect overall, but I still cannot draw a lot of comprehensive conclusions yet about silicone as a friction modifier. I would say that may be more significant as a stiffness modification to a sling or cords. I did collect some A/B data comparing a couple of different treated slings, and the stiffness seems to be more significant than the friction changes. I will need to work on figuring out how to isolate the two effects better though.

The (officially named by my intelligent and gorgeous granddaughter)  SLIP lives ! Despite 2 days out, knocked sideways by corvid jab I have glued and braided, screwed and hammered, sewed and stitched and have a working prototype which will be photographed for position number 9 in the poll. Hold your vote if not already cast please let :) ;) :D ;D

Well I know this is rather late but I have an idea...
I would like to call it the Acorn Sling, a sling for lightweight projectiles. My thinking is making a sling with a good cupped pouch, kindoff apache style, and sewing in a little weight. Simply put, a weighted pouch to make the sling easier to control with lightweight projectiles.
Sadly I'm very busy currently with matric and other work etc so I can't make it currently but I would love to experiment in the near future.
And if you want feel free to experiment with this idea.
;)

Thank you for your forebearance.
The SLIP.

Those are 26 of your earth inches.

---

Trigger.

---

Pouch

---

Release tab and the large messy knot is required.

---

I think its closed now

Loaded and cocked.

Er.

---

It actually works ! I have dry fired it and it feels good. The handle will be shortened  and the next iteration will be fully braided.
I will do my best to post a picture of it being slung before the deadline.
However, my entry.
Please vote for it as I believe it genuinely fills the criteria of being unique and having potential.
Cheers,
Zud.👍

@vetryan,
No sour grapes m8. Poll closes automatically. Countdown timer at top says 2hours 37mins to go as of NOW !
Cheers
Zud👍

Zud thats brilliant!!!!

I will add it to the list but I think Vet has this one. I really believe thats too big for just a few posts. Do you feel like making its own thread explaining that? We get so many people who throw out random ideas with little follw up as real life responsibilities take over. But damn man you came through. Awesome.

I really want to see that thing in action. Looks amazing :D

What, How and benefits.
The slip is a hybrid SLing and whIP.
It is designed to reduce effort, learn easily and not requiring rotation is quick to use.

The slip is held over the shoulder with the thumb in or on the tab pulling the knot against the vee.
Load the projectile.
Cast forward like a fishing cast and release.
Benefits, light, easy, cheap, quick.
Cheers,
Zud👍

Zud you got my vote easily man.

@kick, as soon as I learnvideo skills it will be shown  👍👍🎉🎉

Woo woo 👍👍👍😈

xud9a - call me zud 👍 wrote on Mar 20^th, 2021 at 9:47am:

Woo woo 👍👍👍😈

Right now you have my mind but with a video you will have my heart too.  ;)  :-*

Looks awesome Zud!!

A real unicorn

I need to see it in action

My thoughts without using it.
“Rotor styles not parallel to the “staff” will result in little to no benefit in power or accuracy however shots taken with a parallel power stroke to the staff will increase power and potentially accuracy”

I accidentally voted 10, so my vote is 9

xud9a - call me zud 👍 wrote on Mar 20^th, 2021 at 8:44am:

@vetryan, No sour grapes m8. Poll closes automatically. Countdown timer at top says 2hours 37mins to go as of NOW ! Cheers Zud👍

Dont be jealous of my 30+ years of slinging experience and designing.

Morphy,
  I do expect ALL the prizes since i won

A 4 way tie with 3 votes each  equals one slurp and a quarter parang each. Where is Solomon and his wisdom when we need him.

R.O.N.

Cheers,
Zud👍

Previously mentioned granddaughter (as beautiful as I am ugly) turned photographer.

I humbly submit the following photogravures.

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Only had time for half a dozen throws. Used 70gram juggling balls. Result was 30 metre throws with much less effort than  a seat belt sling.

With refinements, shorter handle, grip handle, improved retention mechanism I think this could have legs.
Cheers
Zud👍

It's something in between my semisling and a one handed staff sling. Are you going with Whip Sling or something else?

You blew my mind with this one man. So rare to see someone randomly mention something and then bring it to completion. Tell the grand daughter shes got real potential as a photographer!

Nice idea and execution Zud!  As others have mentioned, I also hope there's a video of that thing in action on the horizon.

One another note, what's the thought on the poll?  Should a new poll be created with just the highest scoring ideas, and we vote again?

joe_meadmaker wrote on Mar 20^th, 2021 at 7:35pm:

Nice idea and execution Zud!  As others have mentioned, I also hope there's a video of that thing in action on the horizon. One another note, what's the thought on the poll?  Should a new poll be created with just the highest scoring ideas, and we vote again?

Yes. So the timeline I guess was to get the entries in but now that we have a 4 way tie (mersa meant to choose #9 instead of #10). It seems we need to have another poll. This time it will be blind and only go on for a few days.

Thanks to everyone who took part!

Another abstract sling with the same goal of handling light/rough ammo and large smooth ammo. It's a sort of modifiable paracord apache sling. Basically it has 4 strands and the outer ones are connected with a leather pouch with the inner ones freely floating. When the pouch is opened these float outwards from the pouch but when it is closed on a projectile they come in line. You can either push them to the sides to make a traditional type apache set up or put them in the middle to form a more supported flat pouch.

I've played around with a few projectiles in the pouch and it does have really good retention in both modes. The intention is that using the flat supported mode will give a cleaner release and more stability on poor/uneven ammo whilst the traditional setup will give a bit more grip and adaptability on smoother/heavier ammo. Unsure whether there will be any difference in practice but either way it could be a decent design for a lightweight easy to make apache.

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Now that is what I call innovation! Great job!

That's awesome! :D

Very nice as always JudoP. I look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2022’s contest of Sling Genius Champions.

Love the concept.
Well done Judo!

Did some throwing with it yesterday and it does indeed work pretty well, I was mainly using the multi-strand supported mode with bad ammo which it handled nicely. I do wonder if perhaps the mid cords coming out of contact with the pouch once it starts opening defeats the purpose of them though.
Either way I will need a lot more shooting with different ammo types to determine the performance of each mode and whether it outperforms my current favourite paracord based slings (aussie pouch, seatbelt and peruvian style with paracord attachment). It seems pretty up there though the latter two in that list have the advantage of being water/weatherproof (a great advantage in the UK!) and the peruvian having easily replaceable cords which has been handy before.

SerKraus wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2021 at 3:37pm:

How about a one-piece rubber sling? A stiff rubber that won't stretch. Cast in a mold and mass produced. I wonder how that would perform. What pouch would be most optimal? I doubt a rubber pouch would hold up to rocks. Just spitballing.

I had the idea before of 3d printing a rubber sling. My 3d printer is much too small, but you can get a flexible material to print with, and it should work the same as what you suggested. Also, a new printer I saw come out has a conveyor belt as a print surface, so it can make something infinitely long, perfect for making any length of sling you like.