"The V" - revolutionary steel slingshot (prototype)

[JoergS]

Hello,

I would like to present my invention that I just completed, with much help from the German co2air.de slingshot enthusiasts.

"The V"

"The V" is a slingshot made of steel and aluminium. The rubber tube sits inside the hollow fork/grip and is in one piece.

Two V-shaped 15mm rectangular steel tubes (inside diameter 12mm) form the fork and the grip of the "V". In the tip of the V, the rubber tube glides over a cylindrical bearing (a roller), so the rubber is self centering. This means that in case your tube rips on the leather side, then all you have to do is to re-tie it. No need to adjust the other side.

On the top side of the fork, the tube glides between two additional rollers, so there is actually little contact between the tube and the metal of the fork/grip.

"The V" is entirely home made.

The construction effectively increases the draw lengths of the weapon, so "The V" is quite powerful. I have measured about 175 fps with 240 grain lead balls. That is about 24 Joules of energy. Not bad for such a compact design.

Anyone may copy "The V" royalty free, but strictly for non-commercial purposes only. Commercial rights are fully reserved.

I do hope you like my design!


Jörg Sprave

Here are some images:

[Flatband]

Very nice Joerg!
Compact and efficient! As a former machinist,I can appreciate the metalworking that went into it. Good luck with the "V"!:) Flatband

[JoergS]

Hello Flatband,

thanks for the positive feedback.

Because of the simple design, it only took me about 8 hours to build The V.

Now I have to polish the weapon, which will probably take much longer...

Regards


Joerg

[chief]

very very nice.

[B.B. Slinger]

Excelent design, I think it has a lot of potential.

[Bugar]

You have a lot of thought in that outfit, very nice, best of luck to you :D

[JoergS]

Thanks for the kind words.

I have some ideas to further streamline "The V" and I will try Teflon (PTFE) rollers to reduce the friction. BTW, that was Arthur's idea. Thanks!

Also, I have tested several different Thera Tube rubbers in The V.

The V is definetely strong enough for the black Thera Tube, but I achieved the best results with the green type. Even the (weaker) red tube works great.

My heaviest projectiles are 300 grain lead balls, but I actually like the 240 grain lead balls with the green or red tube. Easy pull, great speed, very serious energy.

The blue or black tube is ideal for heavy projectiles. The fork of The V is relatively narrow, but due to the "Over The Top" concept (or, better, "Over The Top of the roller" concept), even bulky ammunition does not cause problems. I haven't hit the fork arms in all my tests.

The silver Thera Tube is a little too thick for The V, there is friction inside of the metal tubes. Also, the silver rubber is probably too heavy to pull even for a strong shooter.

[Sneaky]

Really good idea, think it has lots of potential! :)

[don.b]

Damned-nice combination of ideas, not bad execution. I like to do a little metal-work, myself. I have an idea fer a telescoping side collapsing design I might have to prototype someday. It requires mill-work I am not capable of doing, tho'. Fine use of rollers. You really should patent the job, just so some a-hole does'nt clean-up on your nice work.

[JoergS]

You really should patent the job, just so some a-hole does'nt clean-up on your nice work.

Hey, thanks for the feedback. Glad you like the design.

For a patent, it is too late, now that I pre-published the invention here, right?

But also I don't think that I want to invest the money for a patent on a slingshot. I don't believe that there is a big enough market to justify the expenses.

I am currently in negotiations with a manufacturing company that might do a small production run of the "V", in stainless steel and with some optimizations. That is because I have received a number of inquiries, mostly from fellow German slingshot enthusiasts. I don't plan to make a business out of this, so it would be a non-profit project, for the benefit of the community.

I don't have a price yet, so I do not know if or if not a production run will actually happen.

Jörg

[JoergS]

Hello,

I have some news from the "friends and family" production run of the "V".

The first pre-production sample arrived just before the holidays, and even though it was freezing cold in Germany, I tested the weapon extensively.

I introduced some modifications based on the tests, such as heat treated rollers, and added a mounting hole for a wristband.

The catapult is really nice, the CNC machines did a great job. The whole thing is made out of stainless steel.

The only disadvantage is the high price for the limited quantities, a complete "V" costs 55 Euros. This is the manufacturing cost, no profits have been added as this is not a business. Most of the exactly 50 units are pre-sold, there are just a few units left.

I have a few pictures, hope you like them.

Regards


Jörg from Germany

[Skimmer49]

Very nice piece. whats the weight of the SS? Good luck with it!

[rem49]

that look hi tech. now if you could just make the forks foldable! How do the bands fit in? any pics of that?

[JoergS]

I have some drawings in the beginning of the thread, when I first presented my hand made prototype. Just go back a bit and you will see.

The rubber runs through the forks and there is another roller at the "tip" of the V. The rubber tubing is in one piece, which has the great advantage of self centering. When the rubber tears at the pouch, you just re-attach everything and you are back in business in a minute, loosing only a tiny bit of draw length.

I also have a prototype of a folding V, but that design does not allow the tube to run through the forks. It was more an experiment for the ideal fork width.

The V is very portable, as the fork width is narrow. It shoots "Over The Top" of the rollers. A nice side effect is that there is not much rubber "dangling" out of the slingshot as 17 inches of rubber tubing run inside the forks.

[wilbanba]

that is so incredibly cool that my fingers just froze to my keyboard!
very nice work a testament to design - simple and efficient
definately worth a patent before it goes into small production
a clear polycarbonate prototype would be nice since the internal design is what is so revolutionary
might also lower the production cost

[JoergS]

so i understand proper do the bands automatically retract since they are stretched to the bottom of the handle?

Hey, great to hear you like my invention.

Yes, the bands (tubes) retract. This increases the effective draw length as there is no "dead play" in the bands, so the slingshot is significantly more powerful than a common one.

It works a bit like the famous Combow, but it is much more compact. The "V" does not take up any more space in your pocket than a standard, common slingshot.

It's too late for a patent now as you have to file a patent before you publish details. But that's OK, I don't want to make any money with this, it's just a hobby. I actually give the design into public domain, strictly for non-commercial purposes though.

[ssssSnake]

Hello,

I have some news from the "friends and family" production run of the "V".

The first pre-production sample arrived just before the holidays, and even though it was freezing cold in Germany, I tested the weapon extensively.

I introduced some modifications based on the tests, such as heat treated rollers, and added a mounting hole for a wristband.

The catapult is really nice, the CNC machines did a great job. The whole thing is made out of stainless steel.

The only disadvantage is the high price for the limited quantities, a complete "V" costs 55 Euros. This is the manufacturing cost, no profits have been added as this is not a business. Most of the exactly 50 units are pre-sold, there are just a few units left.

I have a few pictures, hope you like them.

Regards


Jörg from Germany

Jorg,

That is absssssssssolutly incredible!!! Any chance you would be ionterested in doing a trade for some of my tradional wood slingshots? I would be glad to ship them to you first.


I ususally ask $48 shipped for one of mine but would be willing to ship two! Yer choice of woods.

THANKS!

sssssssssSnake

[TRUGREEN]

:D That is a cool slingshot that you made! The whole idea of the band being within the slingshot is pure genuis!

[JoergS]

Jorg,
Any chance you would be ionterested in doing a trade for some of my tradional wood slingshots?

Hey Snake,

why not? I love your designs. Will contact you later this week via personal mail for the details.

Regards, Jörg

:D That is a cool slingshot that you made! The whole idea of the band being within the slingshot is pure genuis!


Trugreen,

thanks for the praise, but others had that idea long before me (i.e. the mighty Combow). It's more the simplicity of the design and the compact size that is new.

[wilbanba]

if you get two of the second run from him maybe we can workout something
id like to get one also
i cant afford 96 bucks though... hmmm

[wilbanba]

how many of the second run do you have left? id like to buy one if i can afford it.

[rem49]

Looked back and saw the old pics! WOW! This is amazing. It is almost like reinventing the wheel. Just when you really think there is no improvement for a simple design.... The V. I am very impressed. You should be extremely happy with the outcome! Thanks for sharing it with us, rem

[ssssSnake]

[QUOTE=JoergS;2856]Hey Snake,

why not? I love your designs. Will contact you later this week via personal mail for the details.

Regards, Jörg


WOO HOO!

sssssssssssSounds great Jorg! Send an e-mail to:

newtmaddux1@comcast.net.

I will then sssssssend you some photos of ones I have available and you can pick the ones you like.


THANK YOU!!!

ssssssssssssSnake

[JoergS]

how many of the second run do you have left? id like to buy one if i can afford it.

Actually, we are still talking first prod. run. There probably won't be a second one as this is a lot of work and I don't plan to make any money with the project.

I don't have many left, but I have reserved a few units and some guys probably won't use their reservation.

Seems the "V" will soon be a collector's item!

[wilbanba]

if one of the reserves comes up please put my name on it
just so i know how much would it cost total including shipping to the US?

[JoergS]

Hello,

I do not know about the shipping costs into the US right now, but I have a good friend who lives in Boulder, Colorado - he may do the US shipping for me. So it won't be much.

The complete "V" costs 55 Euros, roughly 90 US dollars now that the dollar is so weak. Your choice of rubber. I use Thera Tube, great results.

yellow = for kids
red = for untrained adults, female shooters
green = for average men
blue = for strong men
Black = Arnold Schwarzenegger

The blue and black rubber will only make sense if you use very heavy projectiles, such as .58 to .75 lead balls.

[the patch]

"Arnold Schwarzenegger" hahahahah nice! that just happens to be me! :cool:

[JoergS]

Hello,

news from my little "friends and family" production run of the V:

The first 10 units arrived, working beautiful.

I have measured as much as 38 Joule with 20mm, 450 grain steel bullets.

Here is a little youtube video, including a slow motion shot (rendered, as I don't own a super slo mo camera).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiXJFAPsi70

Enjoy!

Jörg from Germany

[ssssSnake]

So I tested the "V" with the strongest rubber tube there is, the black Thera Tube. It catapults the 450 grain 20mm steel bullet with a speed of about 54 meters per second, roughly 42 Joules of power.

In the end, the shot smashed the helmet to parts, and a ricochetting bullet had enough power left to smash my window, too...

Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FCxwC-97YQ

Joregs - That isssssss KILLER! Nice job!!!!

ssssssssssSnake

[wilbanba]

that is so cool! i wish i could afford one but alas - recession!

[rem49]

I too saw the video. That was awesome. Too bad about your window though. rem

[JoergS]

Hello,

I carved myself a little grip for the V, in a way that all it takes to convert it back to the original design is exchanging the front plate.

Nice for lightweight practicing!

My woodwork is weak, but still, the grip works nice.

Greetings

Jörg from Germany

[pelleteer]

Looks great, Joerg. :cool: I just discovered your videos the other day on youtube and it encouraged me to check out this forum again (I joined almost a year ago, but had some email troubles that kept my account from being activated). After I saw your vids, I decided to give it one more shot and contacted Trumark directly and we got things straightened out. So, thanks for the vids and for encouraging me to finally get my account here activated (:D). The "V" is one of the most impressive slingshot designs I've ever seen, and the handle is a nice addition. Well done. :cool:

[Zeke G.]

I want one... I sent you a PM.
Best,
Zeke

[Dutch.22]

This is truly an amazing slingshot. I got lots of irons in the fire with acquiring rimfire ammo, getting antique rimfires, and stock piling kodiak pellet...but I have the feeling that I need one of those. I know you said that you were going to try shooting some full sized arrows out of that slingshot...I plan on a few types of ammo for this beast. I have a mould for casting .457 round balls, I am going to shoot some cheap carbon fiber arrows and if they shoot hard enough I will attach some broadheads and try to take a racoon, and finally I need to get a .375 round ball mould. I think a Lee mould is inorder for this slingshot. They are only $18 a piece. I bow hunt. As a result of that I have become pretty doggone stealthy. I walk with the wind to my face and very slowly and very quietly. I do think I could take squirrels with this beast. Headshots all the time like the airguns....nope...but definite bodyshots for sure...

Still very interested...I will send you an email....

Dutch

(Brian Lipsmire)

[Jtslingshoter]

I am jt
i have seen your videos on youtube and i love your slingshots:) i especially love your slingshot VS helmet video. i was also wondering if you sell your magnifacent slingshots.

[Jtslingshoter]

It's a beautiful slingshot. JT

[jburdine]

My "V" arrived today. It has the blue bands. Very solid weight. Great design, but if I may suggest a more substantial lanyard attachment point. I put a paracord wrap on the handle, and left a loop to act as retention and wrist reinforcement. Heavy bands may just be the point of diminishing returns on this slingshot. While I can pull it back to a reasonable draw there is a control problem and a bit of strain in the elbow. I am also concerned about dropping the catipult on firing. There is a small hardpoint with a hole for placing a split ring to allow for a lanyard loop, but it might be less than adequate. I am humbled a bit by the effort to shoot this hunk of engineering. It would be more pleasurable to shoot with lighter bands. I love the idea of a constant loop of elastic running through the handles and that it is self centering. The pouch has a grommet reinforcing the leather. All together I am extremely satisfied with the investment on this very substantial slingshot.

[jburdine]

You can see the hardpoint for attaching the splilt ring for a lanyard on the V. I wrapped the handle to improve the handling a bit and provide a point for a paracord lanyard. The sides of the V slope down making keeping the wrapping in place a challenge. In a way it is a bit like guilding a lilly. Not necessary,but I had the time, and it might embellish the handling a bit.

[JoergS]

Well, the blue bands are indeed tough. I now recommend the red Thera Tube for "normal" people, green for strong men and blue for trained athletes.

I use the even stronger black tube, but then again I am a power lifter and my own body weight is 270 pounds, certainly more than average (even though way too much of that weight is fat).

Red Thera tube can be bought cheaply at ebay.

Regards

Jörg from Germany

[jburdine]

Well, the blue bands are indeed tough. I now recommend the red Thera Tube for "normal" people, green for strong men and blue for trained athletes.

I use the even stronger black tube, but then again I am a power lifter and my own body weight is 270 pounds, certainly more than average (even though way too much of that weight is fat).

Red Thera tube can be bought cheaply at ebay.

Regards

Jörg from Germany
I can pull an 80 pound pull bow without a problem. But the ergonomics with this slingshot is different. I'll try several of the lighter pulls at a later point. Or perhaps keep this the way it is for the workout.

[JoergS]

Your grip modification makes me think that you are holding the "V" differently to me. You can see how I hold it in my videos, thumb and index finger very high on the fork, the other three fingers holding the slingshot very loosely.

The stronger the rubber, the higher the force on the wrist. As the V is not braced (illegal here, and kind of bulky), it really helps to have a high grip as this reduces the leverage on the wrist.

Greetings


Jörg

[jburdine]

Your grip modification makes me think that you are holding the "V" differently to me. You can see how I hold it in my videos, thumb and index finger very high on the fork, the other three fingers holding the slingshot very loosely.

The stronger the rubber, the higher the force on the wrist. As the V is not braced (illegal here, and kind of bulky), it really helps to have a high grip as this reduces the leverage on the wrist.

Greetings


Jörg

It is a learning process to be sure, I do find my thumb and forefinger up high on the forks in order to take up the stress of the draw. The lanyard is more to help retain the stock after firing. it was just a bit slick in the hands. I still find myself with a shorter draw than with my other slingshots. I successfully overdraw with the tapered bands and the Trumark style slingshot. With the V I am more likely to draw only to my jawbone. I really don't care for a wrist brace in any case. I do like a flat trajectory though.

[JoergS]

Well, your draw can be shorter as the V increases your draw lenght already. About 9 inches of "dead rubber" is inside the forks, so you start drawing against the force much sooner than with conventional slings.

But I think if you can only draw the blue tube to your jaw, then you would get better results with a lighter tube. Try the red, it will increase your draw length and also it will be much more precise, as you have better control.

When you have done well with the red, you can try the green which is between the red and the blue.

Greetings, Jörg

[jburdine]

Well, your draw can be shorter as the V increases your draw lenght already. About 9 inches of "dead rubber" is inside the forks, so you start drawing against the force much sooner than with conventional slings.

But I think if you can only draw the blue tube to your jaw, then you would get better results with a lighter tube. Try the red, it will increase your draw length and also it will be much more precise, as you have better control.

When you have done well with the red, you can try the green which is between the red and the blue.

Greetings, Jörg
I was thinking the same thing myself. I'll save those 25mm balls for another time. It was a bit ambitious in any case. Of course they are almost heavy enough to throw without a slingshot.

[jburdine]

I just bought 850 steel balls, chrome plated, on ebay Germany. Each ball is less than 3 cents! .55 caliber, weight is 10 gramms (150 grains).

This is very nice ammo for the red or green tubes, however too light for blue or black tube.

Easy to hold (thicker than lead balls with the same weight), easy to find (shining and magnetic).

The biggest balls I shoot are 20mm, 30 gramms, 450 grains steel balls. I use the black tube and can achieve between 180 and 195 feet per second of speed, about 52 Joules of power.

I suppose it is a common US ailment. If 20mm is good,then 25mm has to be better right? Apparently not. At one inch they are at the limit that you can grasp with bare fingers and a leather pocket. Also they are much too heavy to launch with rubber bands of any kind. They won't be wasted though. A martial arts teacher once told me about carrying a couple of heavy steel bearings in his pocket so that if faced with multiple attackers he could throw one in their face and take them on one at a time. Said that in his mispent youth he used such a thing during a bar brawl that he innocently found himself in. ;-) Should make for interesting practice, though I am too old for such foolishness.

[EndGamE]

Joerg, I love this slingshot. I have an idea for one variant though: a wrist brace like the Trumark WS-1, something welded to the frame of the "V" to make it more stable. Talk about increased power and accuracy!

If you come out with a price, I would love to buy one from you. This is an awesome slingshot.

[JoergS]

Hi Endgame,

a wristbrace would definetely enhance power and accuracy, and it would be very easy to attach one to the V.

Unfortunately, wristbraced slingshots are legally prohibited in Germany (totally illegal), so I can't make one here.

All you would have to do is to remove the frontplate, drill two holes into it, use two screws to mount the brace, and re-assemble the frontplate. But as I said, that is totally forbidden here.

By the way, one thing I love about the "V" is the compact size. You'd loose that advantage with a fixed brace. I have compensated the lack of a brace by training - a strong arm renders the need for a brace obsolete.

Regards


Jörg

[g-force]

Very nice work. The pulley system is a very underused but helpful factor. I have applied this to Stan Wing's slingshot rifle design, and with his permission, and the permission of the maker of the com-bow (since he invented the pulley system) I will sell the over eBay, and eventually I will make a website, some sales of these will be exclusively to members of this site. however, I may have to get one of these, I live in Colorado, so it won't be too hard to get one.