Big shot vs air launcher

F

Fatguyclimber

Location
Newark
Hey guys I have brought my question to here because there are a lot of smart and creative climbers on here. So I’m looking to make a air launcher or a big shot for setting my line in a tree. But I’m stuck between which one to choose. For the air launcher I have all the plans drawn up and no the price. But for the big shot I’m not sure what to do yet. I have a cheap sling shot I was thinking of attaching it to a big pole so I can get a big pull back. Or buying the big shot head and putting it on my own pole I don’t know. But my biggest problem and question is performance which one is more accurate and shoots farther? I’ve never used either of them so I need help please and thank you keep up the climbing.
 
If you are strapped for cash, you can make your own big slingshot with the heavy rubber tubing from the exercise gadgets that look like the old jump ropes kids played with. They have a handle on each end that you simply cut off and discard, and you have a piece of the heavy duty tubing about four feet long. I have a Big Shot now but made my own first couple of slingshots this way. Those exercise thingies turn up at garage sales, and places like Value Village and Goodwill stores. It is not a bad job to cobble up an air launcher too, with pipe fittings. The valve is the only part that costs very much. Beware, however; tinkering is a serious addiction!
 
I've used both, effectively. The BS is more dependable, but more accident prone. The air cannon is OK, but more steps are required and the triggers I've seen don't work as well as they should. To get higher than a BS, I suggest a modified crossbow or a modified bow and arrow, w/ fishing line coming off a reel.
 
Burrapeg said:
If you are strapped for cash, you can make your own big slingshot with the heavy rubber tubing from the exercise gadgets that look like the old jump ropes kids played with. They have a handle on each end that you simply cut off and discard, and you have a piece of the heavy duty tubing about four feet long. I have a Big Shot now but made my own first couple of slingshots this way. Those exercise thingies turn up at garage sales, and places like Value Village and Goodwill stores. It is not a bad job to cobble up an air launcher too, with pipe fittings. The valve is the only part that costs very much. Beware, however; tinkering is a serious addiction!
Click to expand...
Dude I just found out how addicting tinkering is. You should make a video on how to make that sling shot and put it on YouTube. You would get a lot of views and subscribers. Especially if you did all how to videos you’d probably end up making some cash. Just a thought thanks for the help
 
John@TreeXP said:
I've used both, effectively. The BS is more dependable, but more accident prone. The air cannon is OK, but more steps are required and the triggers I've seen don't work as well as they should. To get higher than a BS, I suggest a modified crossbow or a modified bow and arrow, w/ fishing line coming off a reel.
Click to expand...
I was also thinking about the lucky launcher. That looks bad ass but can be very pricey. If I make an investment like that I want to be sure that I really need it. I live on the east coast and the biggest trees I’ve seen was a 200 foot poplar but that’s rare. Most of the trees are 70 or 80 footers.
 
John@TreeXP said:
I've used both, effectively. The BS is more dependable, but more accident prone. The air cannon is OK, but more steps are required and the triggers I've seen don't work as well as they should. To get higher than a BS, I suggest a modified crossbow or a modified bow and arrow, w/ fishing line coming off a reel.
Click to expand...
I made my air launcher with a modified sprinkler valve and it is very reliable...
 
I haven't tried a commercial grade slingshot with a bolt tied to fishing line, but that's always a quick and easy and mobile option. I still think the bigshot is perfect for anything up to about 100', maybe more if you crank it.

I like Richard's setup too. I'll probably get one, once I finish burning through the bigshot band I'm now using.
 
John@TreeXP said:
I've used both, effectively. The BS is more dependable, but more accident prone. The air cannon is OK, but more steps are required and the triggers I've seen don't work as well as they should. To get higher than a BS, I suggest a modified crossbow or a modified bow and arrow, w/ fishing line coming off a reel.
Click to expand...


We were getting an easy 160' with @bstewert's compressed air rig.

I've shot 175' with a 4 ounce weight on halibut line from an open-bail (or whatever its called) fishing reel mounted on the BS pole (12', IIRC). Horse panic-snap release for $8.
 
Trigger releases are very nice for high shots. When you have pull really 'hard' for a high shots, it will be wobbly, like trying to hold back a bow that is much too strong for you. The MA allows the 'hard' pull to be easier.

Looks like a nice set-up for $60.
 
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