Slingshot Community

ASK SIMPLESHOT YOUR SLINGSHOT QUESTIONS Ask SimpleShot with Mike Petrouski We sit down with non other than Mike Petruski, a leading figure in the modern slingshot era, to talk about the fundamentals of slingshot shooting. The Essence of Modern Slingshot Shooting with Mike Petruski Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Petruski, often referred to as one of the godfathers of the modern slingshot era. For many, Mike is the face of the East Coast slingshot tournament. Others even draw parallels between him and iconic figures such as the late Blue. Regardless of the titles or comparisons, one thing remains clear: Mike knows how to bring energy and fun to any event. The Basics of Slingshot Shooting When we asked Mike about one of the most fundamental aspects of slingshot shooting, the draw length, he leaned on his extensive background in archery. Drawing directly from the archer's Bible, Mike uses a simple method. "The tip to chest," he explained, "serves as the archer's draw." He transfers this technique to slingshots, making use of an archer's anchor point. This point forms an archer's triangle, spanning from the thumb to the mouth, the eye, and then onto the target. For Mike, his draw length is approximately 27.5 inches, consistent for both his bow and slingshot. Understanding Active Draw Length Diving deeper into the intricacies of the sport, Mike shares his approach to determining active draw length. Instead of getting bogged down in the technicalities like using a specific divisor (4X, 5X, 6X, etc.), Mike goes by instinct. What he looks for is the sensation of tension in his back, often referred to as 'back tension'. This informs him of his optimal full draw. Having shot bows and arrows for over 35 years, Mike has developed a keen sense of his equipment's capabilities. He notes that his band set typically allows for seven to eight shots, attributing this consistent performance to his unique draw style. This approach, according to Mike, results in prolonged band life. Band Life and Forks Condition Mike emphasized that the condition of the forks plays a critical role in band life. He noticed that bands often skid when tied in a particular manner. Even when shooting over the top, band friction can be evident, sometimes leaving marks on the bands. Simplifying the Complex While the technicalities of slingshot shooting might seem daunting at first glance, Mike believes in its inherent simplicity. For beginners, he advises focusing on the fundamentals, much like practicing free throws in basketball. One should pay attention to the anchor points and the band's tension to ensure the projectile is released with force. Mike distinguishes between shooters like Fred, who release almost simultaneously as they draw, and his style, where he touches the anchor and releases the projectile quickly. Mike's love for instinctive shooting becomes apparent as he discusses the sport. He likens it to the innate feel a baseball player has when deciding the force behind a throw. He advocates for maintaining consistent power and rhythm in shooting, which becomes evident when watching him in action. In conclusion, Mike offers a blend of complex insights and simple truths in the world of slingshot shooting. While he can dive deep into the intricacies of the sport, at its core, he sees it as fundamentally straightforward. With years of experience and a passion for the sport, Mike's insights are invaluable for both beginners and seasoned shooters. This season we will be releasing regularly all season long. We have a lot of questions this season and we'll be sending them out each day! Give us a like/rumble if you agree and stay tuned. Lots of slingshot goodness headed your way! Rumble? YouTube? Take your pick. Subscribe to make sure you get ALL the answers this season. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Hit the bell for notifications and you'll know every time we release a new video! 🎉 🔔 SUBSCRIBE YouTube isn't your thing? All good. Subscribe to our rumble and give us a rumble  when you love a question. ➕ ➕ SUBSCRIBE Check out all our questions from all our seasons!

ASK SIMPLESHOT YOUR SLINGSHOT QUESTIONS Ask SimpleShot with Mike Gideon Join us at the Hocking Hill Slingshot Tournament as we chat with expert Mike "Hoggy" Gideon about the nuances of slingshots. Hocking Hill Slingshot Tournament: An Insightful Talk with Mike Gideon Mike Gideon, fondly known as "Hoggy" on slingshot forums, is renowned for his amiable nature and extensive knowledge in the world of slingshots. We had the privilege of catching up with him at the Hocking Hill Slingshot Tournament. Drawing the Right Length One of the frequently asked questions in slingshot forums is about determining the correct draw length. To this, Mike suggests a simple technique: "Hold your slingshot, pull it, then measure." Based on this measurement, divide by four, five, or six to determine your band length. It's essential to note that a larger division number, such as six, will result in increased band life, whereas a smaller one might provide more speed. Choosing the Right Pouch When it comes to pouch size, Mike emphasizes that it's mainly about personal preference. Some people prefer larger pouches, especially if they have big hands, while others might opt for smaller ones. It's essential to test different pouch sizes and find one that feels most comfortable and provides the best shooting experience. Plastic vs. Metal Frames Doug from Charlotte raises an intriguing question about the accuracy of plastic slingshots with bands versus metal frames with tubes, particularly at distances of 10 meters or even 150 yards. Although many believe that bands (or flats) offer more accuracy, Mike candidly admits his preference for tubes. He reiterates, "It's all about personal preference." Safety First: Protecting Young Slingshot Enthusiasts One of the concerns raised by a parent of three budding slingshot enthusiasts was about the safety of the sport, especially after his oldest child hit his thumb with a clay ball. The parent was in search of kid-sized protective gear, especially gloves. Mike's suggestion is straightforward and practical. He recommends a kid's baseball glove or golf glove for protection. He also offers a technique tip: ensuring that the thumb is positioned correctly, preferably to the side, to prevent injury. This technique tip emphasizes the importance of proper training and guidance for young enthusiasts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Closing Thoughts Our conversation with Mike was enlightening, underscoring the significance of personal preference in the world of slingshots. Whether you're choosing a pouch, deciding on a band, or selecting a frame, it's essential to find what works best for you. And, as Mike aptly puts it, "Shoot them straight!" This season we will be releasing regularly all season long. We have a lot of questions this season and we'll be sending them out each day! Give us a like/rumble if you agree and stay tuned. Lots of slingshot goodness headed your way! Rumble? YouTube? Take your pick. Subscribe to make sure you get ALL the answers this season. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Hit the bell for notifications and you'll know every time we release a new video! 🎉 🔔 SUBSCRIBE YouTube isn't your thing? All good. Subscribe to our rumble and give us a rumble  when you love a question. ➕ ➕ SUBSCRIBE Check out all our questions from all our seasons!

ASK SIMPLESHOT YOUR SLINGSHOT QUESTIONS Ask SimpleShot with Bill Steiner In the latest episode of Ask SimpleShot" Bill Steiner, the Godfather of the East Coast slingshot tournament, sheds light on starting your own slingshot tournament. Starting a Slingshot Tournament in Your Area: Insights from Bill Steiner In the latest season of"Ask SimpleShot, we ventured into the community to find out more about starting a slingshot tournament. Our guest, Bill Steiner, often referred to as the "Godfather of the East Coast Slingshot Tournament," shared some valuable insights. Finding Enthusiasts and Setting Up the Tournament If you're passionate about shooting slingshots and are wondering how to gather like-minded individuals for a tournament, Steiner recommends tapping into local sports associations and shooting clubs. These places might already have enthusiasts willing to partake in or learn about slingshot tournaments. In today's digital age, platforms like Facebook can also be handy to connect with local people interested in the sport. While finding participants locally can be challenging, persistence pays off. Tackling Liability Concerns One of the common concerns potential organizers have is the issue of liability. Bill Steiner's solution was to integrate the East Coast Slingshot Tournament under the East Huntingdon Sportsmen's Association. By doing so, the event came under the protective umbrella of the Sportsman's Club, alleviating individual liability concerns. Steiner emphasized that all participants sign a waiver before participating. For those considering starting a tournament, collaborating with a Sportsman's Club or a similar organization might be a solution to liability issues and a way to introduce more people to the sport. Broadening the Scope Recently, the East Huntington Sportsman's Association organized a "Sportsman's Olympics" – a series of events that included rifle shooting, archery, and, interestingly, a slingshot booth. This event introduced around 25 people to slingshots in just one day. So, a potential strategy for promoting slingshots could be by integrating it into broader shooting or sporting events. Determining the Correct Draw Length One of the questions from our audience, Joan from Chesapeake, Virginia, was about determining the right draw length for slingshots. Bill's advice is rooted in personal experience and feel. He prefers the "half butter" (jokingly referred to as margarine) technique. The draw length might vary depending on the distance of the shot. For instance, longer shots might require a tighter pull. Steiner emphasized that it's all about the feel – every slingshot, band set, and pouch is different. The key is to practice and find what feels right. In conclusion, the world of slingshots is filled with enthusiasm and fun, as evident from Bill Steiner's experiences. Whether you're an old hand at it or a newbie, the most crucial aspect is to enjoy the process and the community around it. This season we will be releasing regularly all season long. We have a lot of questions this season and we'll be sending them out each day! Give us a like/rumble if you agree and stay tuned. Lots of slingshot goodness headed your way! Rumble? YouTube? Take your pick. Subscribe to make sure you get ALL the answers this season. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Hit the bell for notifications and you'll know every time we release a new video! 🎉 🔔 SUBSCRIBE YouTube isn't your thing? All good. Subscribe to our rumble and give us a rumble  when you love a question. ➕ ➕ SUBSCRIBE Check out all our questions from all our seasons!

ASK SIMPLESHOT YOUR SLINGSHOT QUESTIONS How to trim Nitro Slingshot Bands? Discover the secrets to selecting the ideal band length for a 30-inch draw in our latest Ask Simple Shot episode. A Guide to Choosing the Right Band Length for Your Slingshot Welcome to the fifth season of "A Simple Shot." In today's edition, we tackle an interesting query from Nicholas in Matthews, North Carolina. Nicholas wants insights on the appropriate Nitro band cut for a 30-inch draw length and whether tapered bands can elevate power and velocity for his 3/8 steel shot. Understanding Nitro Bands and Ammo Size Nicholas mentioned using a 3/8 steel shot with Nitro bands. However, it's essential to understand that the Nitro bands are optimized for larger and heavier projectiles. If you're browsing the Nitro band page, you'd notice that the recommended ammo size is not 3/8. Using a 3/8 is a mismatch because it's significantly smaller than the band's efficient projectile size. Determining the Active Band Length For a 30-inch draw length, the method remains unchanged from other band sets when determining active band length. Generally, you'd divide by four to six. If you're after peak power — albeit, not recommended for a 3/8 — you'd target a 5-inch band length. While these will yield tremendous force, they'd also be very challenging to draw. It means they'll be stout and won't offer a pleasant shooting experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balance, aiming for band lengths between 6 to 7 inches is advisable. This would equate to an elongation of approximately 4.5 to 5 times. Nevertheless, with a 3/8 shot, it still results in a mismatched combination. Choosing the Right Band for Your Ammo If you're set on using 3/8, it's imperative to pair it with a band specifically designed for 3/8 ammo. There's a common misconception that more resistance equates to a swifter shot. However, as we've highlighted in one of our videos, that isn't always the case. Final Thoughts To maximize your slingshot's efficiency, ensure your ammo and band are a perfect match. Either invest in larger ammo suitable for Nitro bands or opt for smaller bands if you're committed to the 3/8 steel shot. Thanks for this insightful question, Nicholas. Always ensure your gear is optimized for the best performance.  Keep those queries coming, and happy shooting! This season we will be releasing regularly all season long. We have a lot of questions this season and we'll be sending them out each day! Give us a like/rumble if you agree and stay tuned. Lots of slingshot goodness headed your way! Rumble? YouTube? Take your pick. Subscribe to make sure you get ALL the answers this season. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Hit the bell for notifications and you'll know every time we release a new video! 🎉 🔔 SUBSCRIBE YouTube isn't your thing? All good. Subscribe to our rumble and give us a rumble  when you love a question. ➕ ➕ SUBSCRIBE Check out all our questions from all our seasons!