Is there an optimal material to make Balearic slings out of? Strictly with performance in mind. Historical accuracy is super cool too but I’m thinking about what makes the sling work the best.
Gotta be extremely light, extremely small, and not stretchy at all.
And the best working sling is not a balearic sling, as you need to use multiple strands. It's going to be a long, single-strand cord going to a pouch just big enough to cradle the exact ammo you're throwing.
That is of course if you're definition of "Best" is "Fastest throwing."
Like many questions in life, the answer to your "What's the best" is "It depends"
This all seems a bit fancy to me, I just used jute twine when I made mine. Our ancestors didn't have paracord and they could do way better than anyone today.
We have had great results with handwoven Alpaca in our slings, Alpaca fibers are naturally longer, so they are very resistant and light (usually they don't go above 50 grams), Alpaca is also naturally resistant to water.
Dyneema or the upcoming material vectron.
Gotta be extremely light, extremely small, and not stretchy at all.
And the best working sling is not a balearic sling, as you need to use multiple strands. It's going to be a long, single-strand cord going to a pouch just big enough to cradle the exact ammo you're throwing.
That is of course if you're definition of "Best" is "Fastest throwing."
Like many questions in life, the answer to your "What's the best" is "It depends"
What is best?
To defeat your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their women!
But in all seriousness, you have a correct answer to the question.
Well said Conan
Youth: "What is it that a man may call the greatest things in life?"
Cohen the Barbarian: "Hot water, good dentishtry and shoft lavatory paper."
I find gutted parachord and some good hard-ish leather get me some good velocity
I've got some 3mm spectra cord, never thought to use it. Will give it a shot.
It works well! Has a good snap with it.
IMO
Lowest weight + zero stretch + floppy & slippery -> Dyneema
Light weight + zero stretch + good handling & grip -> Vectran. Looks kind of natural coloured too, not that chemical yellow like kevlar etc
This all seems a bit fancy to me, I just used jute twine when I made mine. Our ancestors didn't have paracord and they could do way better than anyone today.
ive seen guys get really good ones from polypropylene or Dyneema
also saw a guy make one from dacron
We have had great results with handwoven Alpaca in our slings, Alpaca fibers are naturally longer, so they are very resistant and light (usually they don't go above 50 grams), Alpaca is also naturally resistant to water.