What is Active band length?
To properly tune your bands you must first know your draw length. Once you know your draw length, you may then trim your bands to your active band length.
Your active band length is the length of the bands or tubes from where they attach to the slingshot to the pouch.
This length is determined by dividing your draw length by 5.
Example: If you determine that your draw length is 30″ your active band length is 6″. 30÷5=6 or 6″.
This is the sweet spot for most elastics. If you shorten beyond a factor of 5, you will see an increase in velocity at the expense of shortened bandlife. Likewise, if you increase the active band length, you will se a drop in speed with an increase in band life.
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Dear Nathan
I measured my draw length right excact at 15 cm (6″). But my aiming point is not at the center of target, but it’s below the target. Do you know what excactly happen and how do i correct it, so i can have aiming point at the center of the target.
Note: The target distance is 10 meters away from my shooting spot.
Best Regards,
Foldan
Hello Foldan,
It is not at all uncommon for the aiming point to be above the intended point of impact. There is a trajectory of the shot that must be accounted for, so the aiming point will usually be above the target!
Do you use the same formula to determine band length for all sizes of bands (for example .7mm thick vs. 1.0 mm thick, vs .5 mm thick)?