Replace Sling on Big Shot Launcher

[Bart_]

Worth the effort at the outset if it rewards you for years to come.

As to underneath, if a strap let go or you got a "catch" that flung the bag back at you - even with protective glasses I wouldn't want it in my face. FWIW my straps always fail at the head end before the pouch end. Food for thought.

It didn't take long for me to take a liking to the rifle-style hair trigger archery release. I started out manual slingshot.

 

[Winchman]

I've been hesitant to try the archery release because I'm afraid of accidentally hitting the trigger while putting tension on the bungee. Has this ever happened to you? Do you do anything special to keep it from happening?

 

[climbingmonkey24]

So I've utilized both a trigger and non-trigger function of the Big Shot. Currently not using any trigger. Have only used a trigger a handful of times, not sure how much I like it compared to just pulling back the sling and taking aim. I suppose it's good if you think you have steadier aim being able to hold Big Shot pole with two hands versus one hand on pole and one on sling, etc.

 

[moss]

So I've utilized both a trigger and non-trigger function of the Big Shot. Currently not using any trigger. Have only used a trigger a handful of times, not sure how much I like it compared to just pulling back the sling and taking aim. I suppose it's good if you think you have steadier aim being able to hold Big Shot pole with two hands versus one hand on pole and one on sling, etc.

Ha! 2011, no eye PPE, otherwise this is my body position using a slingshot w/10' pole, I can hit a pretty tight target at height with the steadiness achieved. If you can get the targets you want without a trigger/hold-down then no need to change, right?

-AJ

 

[moss]

So I've utilized both a trigger and non-trigger function of the Big Shot. Currently not using any trigger. Have only used a trigger a handful of times, not sure how much I like it compared to just pulling back the sling and taking aim. I suppose it's good if you think you have steadier aim being able to hold Big Shot pole with two hands versus one hand on pole and one on sling, etc.

Ha! 2011, no eye PPE, otherwise this is my body position using a slingshot w/10' pole, I can hit a pretty tight target at height with the steadiness achieved. If you can get the targets you want without a trigger/hold-down then no need to change, right?

-AJ

 

[moss]

For anyone using a trigger on their sling shot, have you noticed a decrease in shot strength proportional to the time the tubing has been under tension?

Absolutely! Especially the cooler the weather. After I pull down the pouch I fire fairly quickly. I figure out where I'm shooting from and exactly what I'm aiming for before stretching the slings so it's just "pull and shoot", no futzing around allowed.

In warm to hot weather not as much of an issue but still, why stretch the slings and then hang out? Not a time for chit-chat or check your text messages ;-)
-AJ

 

[MikoDel]

Follow-up: Changed my sling rubber today. All of your advice was spot on. I measured the new rubbers before I started; they were pretty even. No need to cut any off. Getting the old tubing off was, MUCH to my surprise, by far the hardest part. Alcohol and water mixture helped the new tubes slide on in about 2 mins. Literally, 2 mins and I had it done. I've kept alcohol and water in my truck in an old soap pump bottle for years now. It's a quick & EZ handwashing whenever you feel all grungy. I squirted a few pumps into the tubing, then wetted the metal. Suckers went RIGHT on.

Cuttng the old tubing off took at least 10 mins of careful slit... slit... slit... slit w/a razor knife. That stuff is TOUGH!! No WAY was that gonna give way, even as cracked as it looked. That old tubing would have been good & safe until well into next summer, IMHO. But the thought of it snapping back into my eyes was too much stress, LOL!

When you remove the old tubing, just take your time. Don't give in to the temptation of cutting hard. Cut easy, over and over and over in the same 6" slit. Once you get it to break and pull back, do the next 6" and so on. I got mine off with only the slightest scratch on the metal, cause I took my time. Sometimes I had to reverse the knife and hold the dull back of the razor against the metal, pry underneath the rubber and cut upward to break and split. Like I said, that rubber is tough. My BigShot is prolly 10 years old and the rubber, although it looked like azz, definitely had mucho integrity on the inside.

 

[theatertech87]

For anyone using a trigger on their sling shot, have you noticed a decrease in shot strength proportional to the time the tubing has been under tension?

I haven't noticed a huge difference in length of time under tension, but I have noticed it after several shots. Almost like there is a warm up period for the tubing. More noticeable on cold days, but it seems to throw a bit further (or at least drop a bit less) every shot for the first half dozen shots or so, and then it stabilizes.

I also shoot mine way differently with a trigger vs without. Without I use the standard braced against the ground method. With the trigger, I brace the bottom of the pole against my shoulder and site down the tubbing as though it's a gun sight. I also hold the bigshot rotated 90 degrees to the left from what standard would be (it helps with the siting and keeping the throwline from getting tangled) works a treat

 

[MikoDel]

New installation shoots straight. Much harder to pull back, kinda hurts my fingers a little to hold and release. Much stronger now, and no need to pull back nearly as far as with the old stuff. If stretched 2/3rds down the pole the new tubing can sling a 12oz throwbag 65-70 ft easy