How Dangerous is a Slingshot?

Mike Shake・2 minutes read

The individual tested four different slingshots of varying prices and designs, with the rifle-like slingshot being the fastest but least accurate, while the basic slingshot with steel balls proved to be the most powerful. Accuracy and power varied among the slingshots tested, with the basic slingshot being the fastest and most powerful, despite some issues with accuracy and gelatin penetration.

Insights

  • The first slingshot purchased for $20 on Amazon showcased remarkable speed, measuring 96.4 m/s, faster than a 9mm bullet, and displayed impressive accuracy, scoring eight points out of five shots at a 50m distance.
  • The third slingshot, priced at $120, while slower in speed tests, demonstrated higher accuracy compared to other slingshots, showcasing the importance of premium build quality and adjustable sights for improved precision in shooting.

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Recent questions

  • What were the results of the slingshot speed tests?

    The first slingshot reached a speed of 96.4 m/s, faster than a 9mm bullet. The second slingshot achieved a speed of 118.7 m/s with the blue band. The third slingshot had a speed of 91.5 m/s with red bands and 82 m/s with steel balls.

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Summary

00:00

Slingshot Testing: Speed, Power, Accuracy

  • The individual decided to test the danger level of slingshots by purchasing four different types, ranging from basic to professional, including a rifle-like slingshot.
  • The first slingshot, bought for $20 on Amazon, was set up by placing rubber bands in the gaps after unscrewing screws, and steel balls were used instead of clay balls.
  • To use the slingshot accurately, the individual learned to keep it vertical, grip the ball with knuckles, align feet and both sides of the slingshot with the target, and practice to improve aim.
  • The speed of the first slingshot was measured at 96.4 m/s using a chronograph, faster than a 9mm bullet, and the accuracy was tested at 50m distance, scoring eight points out of five shots.
  • The power test involved smashing targets and measuring how far the steel ball penetrated a block of ballistic gelatin, reaching 2.4 cm into it.
  • The second slingshot, called the pocket shot, was compact and came with different bands for power variation, achieving a speed of 118.7 m/s with the blue band.
  • The pocket shot lacked accuracy as it required intuitive shooting, resulting in missed shots during the accuracy test.
  • The power test of the pocket shot showed it was powerful, with the steel balls easily smashing targets and causing accidental self-harm.
  • The penetration test into the ballistic gelatin showed the steel ball from the pocket shot went 3.1 cm deep, making it less accurate but more powerful than the first slingshot.
  • The third slingshot, priced at $120, had a premium build with adjustable sights and durable tubes for bands, but it was slower in speed tests and more accurate in accuracy tests compared to the previous slingshots.

14:28

High-speed clay ball shatters; slingshot excels

  • Red bands caused clay balls to shatter due to high tension, leading to a speed of 91.5 m/s; steel balls, heavier but slower, achieved 82 m/s compared to clay balls at 97 m/s.
  • Flat bands were too soft at 70, prompting continued use of red tubes for shooting; accuracy test revealed scope adjustment challenges, necessitating the use of an old laser for improved accuracy.
  • Despite initial scope issues, laser adjustment with help achieved high accuracy; standing test was close to hitting bush, while crouching test resulted in a perfect score due to smaller target size.
  • Weakened tubes affected speed, hindering gelatin damage; final test with slingshot number one reached 105 m/s, proving to be the fastest and most powerful option, with steel balls failing to penetrate gelatin effectively.
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