Band life

[Skimmer49]

how much shooting can be expected out of tube bands and flatbands? does it depend on the length of your draw, weather conditions, weight of ammo etc...? i understand there is different manufacturers and materials and so on but as a rule of thumb, how long will tubes and flats last?

[HuskerBug]

That's a fantastic question!

My guess is; there's a fairly predictable dropoff in velocity after a number of shots. If you shoot enough that age/weathering is not a factor, then band life is going to depend on how much dropoff you're willing to live with.

Mark

[Skimmer49]

i havent really noticed any significant drop-off with the tubes and they DEFINITELY dont last long enough for weathering to become a factor. i have broke two bands in a week. but in the defense for the bands, i shot the last one over a thousand times in two days. is that a decent number for bands?

[rem49]

I agree! Great question! How about it veterans, what would you say? Rem

[SlingArt]

That's a fantastic question!

My guess is; there's a fairly predictable dropoff in velocity after a number of shots. If you shoot enough that age/weathering is not a factor, then band life is going to depend on how much dropoff you're willing to live with.

Mark

a rubber material is 'under stress' whenever it is stretched or compressed... the more you stretch, the more stress it experienced.

just like the rubber suspension bushes in our car. the rubber bush is stretched and compressed all the time when the car it's driven.

thus tube bands or flat bands has a lifecycle factor. i believe better brands like trumark has tested the stretch cycles of their bands could take at max. i believe trumark has such data.

[Flatband]

Great question guys and it's also the one with the most variables, I've had flats last me 800 or more shots,had tubes last more then a 1000,then I've had both break after only 100 or sometimes even less. Without going totally scientific (like I really could!::confused:),thicker the rubber and heavier the ammo,the longer they last. The faster your rubber shoots,the less it will last. The lighter the ammo,the quicker they will wear out.Pouch weight and attachment and prong attachment are also in the mix. It also has to do with the product itself. Sometimes there are voids,cavities,bubbles,thin spots,thick spots,could be old stock,seen too much sun etc. All these things could contribute to reduced life. I probably missed a bunch of things,but that's the jist of it. Hope it helps!:) Flatband

[Skimmer49]

thanks 4 the info guys. i figured it couldnt be nailed down to a specific number. well i guess from what flatband said i have had a good run with the bands i have had! still tons of fun though with no plans of slowing down:D