Man, I gotta go slinging.

Let's say you took two stones that are the same size and weight(the size of a plum for example) and shoot one as a lob and the other as a flat trajectory at the same target(30m distance), I bet the zinger hits harder. The only way I see a lob winning is with bigger ammo.
I am certain once you go past forty or fifty meters all your shots will start to have an arc but the flatter arc seems better than a high floater.
So I guess what I am saying is within closer distances a straight shot is almost automatic and greater distances demand a lob. I still think I will always try to throw strong straight shots at targets. Lobbing seems more of a distance thing for me

Masi, You are correct regarding momentum, however while the two sides are no quite as lopsided, I still stand by straight throwing with slightly lighter rocks at a much greater velocity being stronger. The sling is user dependent, and if the slinger is putting more energy into the throw, it should be a stronger throw.



Increasing the angle of a straight (hard) throw for distance doesn't make it lobbing, it is just straight throwing on a different angle (like if you were trying to sling straight at a bird or an enemy soldier on top of a castle). Lobbing is using unnecessarily heavy ammo, aiming high, and throwing with less energy (I'd even say weaker if I wanted to be derogatory, but I won't  ) in order to drop the shot in on the target in a controlled manner.

The historical slingers that utilized 2oz lead glands slinging near 400 yards definitely weren't lobbing, but they did need to increase their straight throwing angle in order to achieve maximum distance.

I would encourage others to sling the same way as it is the most versatile way to sling while maintaining accuracy and great power.

In fact, a good definition of point-blank is the distance at which you can reasonably shoot straight.

Well Thearos, Then I should see some video footage of you slinging at 40,50 60,70+ yards accurately. If indeed 20 yards is so close and unchallenging for you.

"Point blank" usually refers to something being shot at extremely close range.

I understand to technical blah-blah-blah of what the term means, but in general, by most people it describes a very close shot

Your missing the meaning of a straight shot. It is simply a shot in which there is sufficient power to launch the projectile along a flatter trajectory. you cant put a distance to this. I can make a fully powered straight shot at 100 yards, all I would do is increase my angle. everything has a trajectory. This "envelope" you speak of does not exist.

Mr Marauder writes "I can make a fully powered straight shot at 100 yards, all I would do is increase my angle."

and Dan writes "Increasing the angle of a straight (hard) throw for distance doesn't make it lobbing, it is just straight throwing on a different angle"

I assume they sling full-on all the time. But at a distance, those really have become lobs.

Anyways, straight shots (not angled), with full power-- they fly straight for a certain distance (then they drop). 20 m is achievable (even I can do it). So it's the edge of the point-blank envelope.