Hey guys,
Did as promised today (Sat. Dec 12th) and tested the new and old Big Shot types. Day was cloudy and cold (38-d) in G’boro, perfect for being outside. Sorry this detail is so long but what it took to describe.
Intent this day was to test 3 Big Shot versions with about 10 shots under equal conditions (target position, stance, shot force and projectile) to measure variances. I even utilized the yet-to-be-released Big Shot laser holder (see attached photo). In the end I am completely satisfied that all things were equal and fairly tested. I approached this project with relative anxiety, nervous that something obvious might have been overlooked in the product development phase of our last pouch upgrade.
To start I had 4 old head types (see attached photo) in addition to latest model (not in lineup). I tested 2 of the 4 pictured (for reason explained later). Listed below are the results of a 2 1/2-hour test where I shot 53 times, all but 9 using a Wichard trigger snap (9 were hand-launched). I felt the snap would minimize user error (and preserve my fingertips).
The target was measured at a respectable 95-ft in a tulip poplar (lirodendron tulipifera), firing in a 2 x 2-ft.window of a crotch (see attached photo). I stood 14-ft from trunk with target crotch pretty much above stump. Using 12-ounce Neo weights I rated each shot on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being misfire and 10 being perfectly within target window. I started with the Big Shot having a SEWN NYLON pouch as discussed earlier in this thread, then V-SHAPED version and finally a CURRENT model right off the shelf. FYI - the orange ribbons on the weights drag the projectile into proper orientation while eliminating need to constantly retrieve throw line. The way I always test.
The bad news for SherrillTree was that 4 out of 4 (12-oz) Neo weights blew seams with sidewalk impact (see attached photo). The good news is they were all early models (removed from stock) that were replaced by Weaver (the mfg). Other bad news was that 2 of these old Big Shot prototypes broke elastic that was apparently dry-rotted.
Honestly, I didn’t think my shooting would be this accurate. After a rough start I hit bulls-eyes or remained within very close range throughout the test. Notice that I shot the new version nearly twice as much as others and came back to SEWN NYLON model once warmed up.
Conclusion; for those who think the new sling is faulty, I am now convinced that either your technique needs review or perhaps the sling is applied crooked on the head. If the sling is crooked please call to let us know, otherwise might I suggest watching to keep your pull coming straight down the pole instead of perhaps toward your body. Mine shot flawlessly without a single flub or odd stray. Hope this helped.
Results - 1-10 scale with 1 being misfire and 10 being perfectly within target window
SEWN NYLON POUCH (available 2003-6, redesigned because pouch depth determined to occasionally deflect projectile) 4, 3, 2, 10, 9, 9, 7 (2-ft left), 9, 7 (1-ft left), 9, 10

V-SHAPED POUCH (available 2006-8, redesigned to shallower pouch) 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 9

CURRENT MODEL (2009) 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, (next 3 shots with 6oz) 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 9, 10, 
10, 10, 10, (started here launching by hand) 9 (left by inches), 8 (left by ft), 8 (left by ft), 9 (left by inches), 1 (flubbed), 9 (inches under), 9 (left by mm), 10, 10

SEWN NYLON POUCH (2nd round) 10, 10, 10, 7 (left 3-ft), 10, 9, 10