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!

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.

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

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


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

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


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.

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


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.   

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


I don't follow. What do you mean? 

   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.

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