Hello and good day to everyone. I stumbled into this awesome forum after learning how to twist twine into rope, and how to make japanese house-slippers from said rope and old T-shirts.

I had some paracord lying around, and I attempted Mersa's Single Cord Split Pouch tutorial just to see if I could figure it out. it turned out WAY too small for me to properly use, but I am now hooked! I can't wait to try again with the proper amount of cordage, and to try some of the other tutorials! let me know which sling you think a Newbie like me should start with, or just your favorite one to use. I'll post my baby sling and new stuff once I get started  ;D

Welcome from Pennsylvania!  Glad to have you here.

I initially tried braiding when I first started, and those came out pretty well actually.  But a simple leather pouch and paracord are the slings I mainly used when I started slinging regularly.

Welcome aboard from New Jersey.

Where in WA? I grew up in Central WA.

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I am from Grant County in Central WA. I actually attended CWU. You around that area?

Here is my very first sling attempt. My 7 year old daughter can use it, but it is still too short. Does paracord work OK for slings, or should I buy other materials?

Thanks for all the welcome wishes!

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While all the braiding and paracord make really sexy looking slings, it's hard to beat a simple oval or trapezoid leather sling with any old kind of cords -- paracord, braided twine/string/yarn, even leather shoelace. 

This two piece "Aussie" leather pouch is just one step up from a basic flat leather pouch:

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DK Dan wrote on Feb 14^th, 2023 at 3:07pm:

Does paracord work OK for slings, or should I buy other materials?

Ha!  That's a highly debated question.  I think it's completely fine.  And there's lots of options.  You can put single strand cords on a leather (or other material) pouch.  Or there's a number of guys that braid paracord for slings.  Some really nice ones too!

Ultimately, use whatever you want!  :)

Wow that is such a cool sling! I'll probably try another paracord since I have it on hand, but I like the idea of a leather pouch.

I'm curious what the benefit of a split pouch vs a closed pouch. Is there any reason to pick one over the other?

The advantage of that Split is that the pouch is able to adjust readily to the size and shape of the bullet -- small lead gland, golf ball, tennis ball or rocks of various in between size. 

Two flat strip Split pouches like mine above, IMHO, hold ammo more securely than rounded split pouches like some of the braided paracord or Balearic styles.

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@DK Dan, I grew up in the county seat of Grant county! Ephrata! But I live in California now, San Francisco bay area.

I go back occasionally for holidays, etc.

My fav slinging spot is out near Priest Rapids Dam, just below it at "Jackson creek fish camp". The river stones are absolutely perfect, and there is a spot that is 400m across exactly. I always try to visit that spot and sling over the river when I go back (I have yet to accomplish this). Pretty much any spot along the Columbia in that area has excellent sling stones. If you haven't been, I'd recommend, if for nothing else the endless supply of perfect stones!

Hate to derail this conversation about Washington State, but…
Howdy from Texas! ;D

How dare you. We were having a moment. or at least I was.

@IronGoober - That is so Cool! I am a stones throw (ha) away in Moses Lake. I go to Ephrata now and then, as my place of work has a Dental Clinic down there. I'll have to check out Priest Rapids as I get the hang of this slinging thang. My kids also love hiking and fishing, so that will be our destination once the weather warms up!

@NoOneOfConsequence - No apology Needed! Thanks for the welcome! My brother lives in Houston, and I just visited Austin for the first time last year! It was a great time!

What kind of slings do either of Y'all use? I only had paracord lying around the house, and I haven't had a chance to hit the store yet.

I suppose I should explain that derailing conversations is an art form on here.
I was lying when I said I was sorry for doing it 🤣

I use a minimalist paracord-and-leather sling with an asymmetric pouch that is specifically designed for tennis balls.

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Woah! that is a pretty slick sling! I dig the Aesthetic.  :o I feel like life is pretty asymmetrical.

Does the shape on that help with throwing tennis balls specifically? man, Now I want to play Tennis where you serve with a sling.

Ah, good to know that trains don't stay on the proverbial tracks around here. It's a good thing my brain works that way too! :D

I was able to make a functional tennis ball sling from paracord and straps of old t-shirt. It is a pretty rough looking sling, but it works! Me and my daughter sent balls sailing over the house with ease. Can't wait to try this out at an open field area.

Here are my photos. Original sling and tennis ball for size reference

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DK Dan wrote on Feb 17^th, 2023 at 7:20pm:

Woah! that is a pretty slick sling! I dig the Aesthetic.  :o I feel like life is pretty asymmetrical. Does the shape on that help with throwing tennis balls specifically? man, Now I want to play Tennis where you serve with a sling. Ah, good to know that trains don't stay on the proverbial tracks around here. It's a good thing my brain works that way too! :D

It works fairly well with other ammo too.
For example, this guy uses it to great effect with golf balls:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoXSJJPDp5o/?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=

Jagged rocks are not recommended, but smooth stones, balls, and even fruit all work just fine.

The idea behind the asymmetry is that the ammo stays securely in the pouch because of the pocket, but the flat side moves out of the way for a fast, clean release.