I thought this was interesting.

"The longest independently authenticated throw of any inert object heavier than air is 385.80 m (1265 ft 9 in), in the case of a lead weight with a long string tail attached, which was thrown by David Engvall at El Mirage, California, USA on 17 October 1993."

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/66321-longest-throw-tail

I've wondered if adding some thread to a lead weight ( a short length) would make it stabilize and go further (in this case it was too long). But it could also make it easier to find when the lead bullet buries itself.  I think it is interesting that he made it to almost 400m, despite being at only 2913ft (888m) in elevation. Lake Baldwin for his sling WR throw was at 6752ft (2058m).  From sea level to 7000ft, you get about a 8% boost in distance using a drag calculator (roughly). I wonder how long the thread on his lead weight was, and if the lead weight was an aerofoil or not?

For reference, he also holds the longest throw with a sling (which was 2 strings with a hook that went into a dart with a slot for the hook).

"The greatest distance achieved in hurling an object from a sling is 477.10m 1565ft 4in, using a 127cm 50in long sling and a 62g 21/4oz dart, achieved by David Engvall at Baldwin Lake, California, USA on 13 Sep 1992."

Since we are asking questions how about a slightly longer sling pouch with a substance added to it to make it slightly tacky to the touch. So it grips the lead projectile slightly and produces a greater spin. (Longer pouch= longer gear effect, more friction grips the lead and produces more spin). More spin and no need for string so less air resistance and longer throw?

Really interesting design. I like it.

What I was describing was just a regular sling with a longer release side on the pouch. With the idea that a longer pouch produces more spin on the projectile. Especially if that pouch is more grippy. This may be a mistaken idea but worth looking into imo.

Interesting thought, you two. Maybe I'll give it a go. Increased time in contact with a wide pouch... That might straighten out some of the wonky throws I get.

Rat Man,  I don't think the tail was to help distance. Clearly 380m is not as far as 470, so I don't think it was to help, it was just to get a record with something that wasn't a sling.

But as far as a very short tail...I think that could help with distance, potentially, because it would stabilize the projectile like feathers on an arrow, or dart. (potentially).  It might actually decrease the maximum distance potential, but it could increase the chances of getting to further distances. For example, most of my throws when I'm throwing 50g stones at 70m/s + go about 250m. But the occasional one will go 350m.  I think with a tail on each projectile, you could consistently get to 300m.  But I'll have to test it first.

Morphy wrote on Jul 30^th, 2023 at 7:34pm:


If there is a disadvantage I've never found it.

Is it known the longest throw in flat land? I've heard of a Balearic slinger who did 300m, but I have no way to check it.

Wow. Then, it's really impressive. It seems impossible to achieve such great distances! Also it's inspiring to keep training