The advantages and disadvantages of making slingshots from various materials
Many friends are confused by the different materials available when choosing a slingshot. Which material is better? Which one is more affordable?
Today, we will provide a brief analysis of the pros and cons of common materials.
metal material
Stainless steel: 304 stainless steel has poor corrosion resistance and is gradually becoming obsolete. 316 and 440c stainless steels have excellent corrosion and heat resistance, making them suitable for outdoor use, but they are heavy and may fatigue over time.
Titanium alloy: TC21 titanium alloy is hard, lightweight, and has excellent overall performance, but its only drawback is its high price.
Aluminum alloy: Lightweight and strong, it is suitable for making bow handles. However, some aluminum alloy slingshots have issues such as a shallow bow hole, so you need to choose carefully. Also, when the bow head hits the bullet, it leaves a bullet hole, so it is recommended to combine an aluminum alloy handle with a stainless steel bow head.
Zinc alloy: It is not recommended for use as it is soft, brittle, and prone to breaking, making it unsafe.
Wood material
Elm, jujube, and Chinese pagoda: The wood is hard and suitable for slingshots that require a certain level of power.
Mulberry and fig: High in oil and tough, these are ideal materials.
Rosewood, rosewood, and yellow rosewood: These have excellent toughness and elasticity, making them suitable for high-quality slingshots, but they require moisture-proofing and anti-splitter treatment.
Birch: Lightweight and easy to work with, suitable for beginners.
Other materials
G10: High strength, rigidity, and toughness allow it to withstand extreme force without deformation or breakage. Lightweight but slightly more expensive.
Polycarbonate: High strength, can withstand external impacts and is resistant to deformation and breakage. Excellent toughness and relatively inexpensive.
ABS resin: Lightweight, portable, and shock-resistant, it's suitable for use in harsh environments like outdoors. Its light weight causes a lot of vibration, which can be uncomfortable to the hand. Compared to slingshots made of other materials, ABS resin is more affordable.