Flat bands or Tubular bands. Which is better?
simple-shot.com/blogs/news/fl...
When it comes to choosing between flat bands and tubular bands for slingshots, personal preference plays a key role. While tubular bands are familiar to many due to their use in wrist rockets, flat bands offer faster retraction and lighter weight. In terms of performance, flat bands tend to shoot faster compared to tubular bands. However, flat bands may wear out quicker, albeit with similar band life when stretched to their maximum elongation. On the other hand, flat bands allow for infinite customization by cutting tapers and matching them with ammo and draw length. Tubular bands, especially looped tubes, are popular for their power.
Ultimately, the choice between flat bands and tubular bands depends on individual preferences and experimentation. SimpleShot offers slingshots with flat bands as standard, while select models feature looped tubular bands. Both options have their merits, and trying them all is recommended for an enjoyable shooting experience.
Eight years ago, we posted this video. We don't post trick shots and the kind of videos that get loads of views, so for a video like this one to have almost 300,000 views says something. This is a question that many people have.
When it comes to choosing between flat bands and tubular bands for slingshots, beginners often wonder which option is better. The truth is, it all boils down to personal preference. Many people have prior experience with tubular bands on wrist rockets. However, when they switch to a slingshot with flat bands, they notice a significant difference. One of the main advantages of flat bands is their ability to retract rapidly. This is due to reduced internal friction and their lighter weight.
This unique feature makes them highly effective in various applications. Whether it's in fitness training, physical therapy, or even industrial settings, the quick retraction of sheet latex allows for efficient and dynamic movements. In industrial applications, flat latex enables smooth and precise movements, enhancing productivity and accuracy. With its impressive retraction capabilities, flat sheet latex is a versatile and valuable tool for a wide range of purposes.
To illustrate this point, let's consider two slingshots: one equipped with tubular bands and the other with flat bands. Assuming both slingshots have the same draw length and shoot a projectile weighing, let's say, 12 pounds, generally speaking, the setup with flat bands will achieve higher velocity compared to the one with tubular bands . . .
But here's where it gets good.
Flat latex bands are a game-changer in the world of slingshots because of their unique ability to maximize velocity even at a lower draw weight. Modern advanced latex allows shooters to experience an unprecedented level of efficiency and precision because it's not merely about raw power; it's about achieving that power effortlessly.
With flat bands, you get the unique advantage of high-speed performance without the burden of heavy draw weight. It's an incredible combination of lightweight handling and high-speed performance.
Real world example: our 5/16 bandsets require a mere 7 pounds draw weight when tuned to a 5X elongation, but will still chuck steel down range at a speedy 250 feet per second.
In summary, it's the retraction capacity and properties of the band material, not the draw weight, that determines the power of slingshot shots. When choosing between flat and tubular bands, flat bands offer superior performance and customization options, while tubular bands may last longer. However, proper care and use can significantly extend the lifespan of any band, ensuring continuous and enjoyable slingshot shooting sessions.
So again, which should you choose, flat band or tubular slingshot bands? It's really up to you. Try them all. Most of the slingshots that you'll purchase at Simple Shot come with a flat band for the reasons given above. They shoot fast with a low draw weight. And if you are making your own bands, the possibilities are endless with flat sheet latex bands.
Conclusion: Flat bands win.
In almost every category, flat bands are your best bet.
Velocity: Flat bands
Velocity per pound of draw weight: Flat bands
Durability: Tubes
Customization: Flat bands
I've mostly shot flat bands, but recently I picked up a little $10 chinese loop style tubular band slingshot and really like it. It fits easily in my back pocket, feels good in my hand, and the power and accuracy seems comparable to my flat band slingshots. The best part is that the bands are super cheap and take about 2 seconds to swap out. Cutting and customizing my flat bands was fun at first, but after awhile you just want something that's ready to go when you want to shoot without all the hassle.
Do you have a link for the tubular bands and slingshot you bought?
@@MentalMonkey2525 I got it from wish.com, so I don't have a link. However, it looks a lot like this dankung slingshot: www.dankung.com/Gcontent/antelope-stainless-steel-hunting-slingshot_1903?refSrc=1232&nosto=nosto-page-product1 If you go on wish and search slingshot, a bunch of these will come up, or you could just get the more expensive and probably higher quality one from dankung.
@@FryMonkey23 I see. Thanks, lad!
I've been trying to figure out if springyness is better than really strong ones...what does tapering the flat ones do?I've done that to lessen the stiffness of it ..I've made about 6 slingbows and bought ministries and the slingshot with 4 springs w bands. So far my best one was the one from a wrist rocket with arms forward to get more pull. It has a flat exercise band on it and throws arrows hard
This is the best comparative analisys between the two types of bands that I've ever seen! Very well explained and simple! Thanks for it, Nathan! Your friend Raul from Brazil!
One thing that should be mentioned is the effect of cold weather on flats vs tubes. Anything below 60 deg fahrenheit I would choose the tubes especially for hunting.
So well broken down Thanking you simple shot You stay true to your name in so many ways
I've tried a ton of different bands over the years, both flats and tubes. Various cuts of TBG and other exercise type bands, 107 rubber bands, various chained rubber bands, large single tubes and small dankung tubes ( usually two singles per side as opposed to looped ). I have yet to try GZK or gum rubber. But here are my findings so far: For pure speed, it is hard to beat tapered flats. But they don't last nearly long enough for my taste and they are somewhat of a pain to make. Straight flats last longer but not by much, they are slightly easier to make and slightly slower. Then there is pseudo tapered tubes. Almost as fast as tapered flats but harder to make with a life span on par with tapered flats. Not worth the work and short lifespan for me. Some people are pure speed freaks and they shoot nothing but tapered flats. But for me, speed is just one factor to consider. Other factors are ease of construction, manageable draw weight, and longevity. All those factors considered, I found that nothing is better ( for me ) than small doubled dankung tubes. I get good speed / power, they are quick and easy to make ( no roller cutter or mat, just scissors and a ruler ) draw weight is manageable and they last forever for me. I easily get 4 to 5 times the life span over flats.
what about normal tubes?
@@Francois_Dupont Normal tubes last long too, but at the cost of slightly slower speed and slightly higher draw weight than doubled or looped small tubes
@@poekoelan75 so desu ne.
What diameter tubes do you use?
@@jimmynich4791 1842
Very nice fast overview, I'm just starting and this is what I need, a lot of short informative videos before I get into the 30 minute lecture videos lol :) Thanks for posting.
I've only ever shot tube bands until the other day i got some flat bands and I find them more powerful
Thanks Nathan for clearing that up I like both I have three that Iv'e made two with flats one with tube. I can tell the flats were quicker and had more power this just confirms what I thought.
Thanks for posting this. I couldn’t figure out how to attach it to my first handmade slingshot.
Thank you!! That was very helpful exactly what I was wondering lol
Glad it was helpful! Great to hear!
thanks for the info bro
Very nice!
Nicely done!
Urban Hunterz hiim subscribed
Whoops I meant I'm subscribed
CheeseLord you know you can edit comments right?
Thanks!
Thank you. Nice view. Now I need both.lol.
Helpful information..
Glad it was helpful!
Great video
Thank you so much
Tinkering with slingshots the only thing I have found is that the black tubular bands are too stiff for shooting in the cold, and way too hard for shooting paintballs, which I would do when I parked my rig and needed to kill time.
1632 looped tubes should do well.
I made a slingbow using exercise bands I picked up from Academy. It warns not to stretch past double the original length. This is probably dictated by injury liability associated with exercise. One band on each side quickly let gets >40# of pull. Am I using the wrong type of bands? Is there a more efficient way of doing this?
LimitedGunnerGM Could you make a video of your tests with different bands? It would be worth watching. I'll do the same.
Great tip sir, I'm from India need help regarding my primitive style if catapult, sir I use tumbler band two band each side as u showed here in his video and my tube band is bit heavy I use it to get more power for to use bigger stone as ammo like 16 to 18mm size of stone and when I use small stone like 12 to 14mm size of stone so this stone reverse back to me and hit me on my ribe, sir my question is why so happens to my catapult. Plz response
I use zip ties or thin fishing line to tie the tubular bands whats your thoughts in that?
Get a slingshot with fittings for a tubular band. I don't tie my bands down, they use a friction grip. Just push them about half an inch to an inch over the posts and you're good to go. Don't use lube to get them on though they'll slip off and whack you in the face.
Was recently given a Umarex X-shot slingshot with tubes. I like the feel of it, especially the wrist brace, but I'm wondering if it'd be possible or even remotely safe to set it up with flat bands instead? Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance. I do also have a flat band slingshot, but the frame was recently damaged by a fork hit, nicked a small chunk from it.
There are ways to attach flatbands. I would look for videos showing how.
I bought the torque and the scout lt. I’m accurate af with my scout lt and I’ve only got like 4 days experience. The torque is still shipping but should be here soon.
Glad you like the Scout LT. Have fun with the Torque as well!
I know flat bands are the best but I have a boat load of tube rubber and cant make the switch easily. I wish your sling shots would give tubes equal attention. I have trouble tying the tube's to a custom leather pouch or to any pouch. I wish there was an easier way to attach the pouches to my tubes. Wish you would show something about this.
Most our customers use flats for sure. But we have nothing against tubes. :) We tie tubes on to pouches just like flats. kzhead.info/sun/iKWBmrWkn4Z3mqc/bejne.html shows the process.
Where did you get that at what's the email are the phone number of the company where you got that at
Thank you! (:
All I get out of that, is; i sell them both, so I will not give you a conclusion. Well, Joerg Sprave has done so according to speed on flat vs tube. And flatbands is faster then tubes. I've shoot both tubes and flatbands, I make my sets myself and buy both materials by meters online, and I have yet to wear out a tube- set. So it looks like tubes last pretty much longer, because I've broken many flatband-set in the same timeframe. My kids use tubes with sucsess. Butterflystyle bands; tbg 33cm long, tapered 30mm to 10 mm and doble band on each side. Ammo 12mm lead Hammergrip band set; tbg 23 cm long, tapered 35 mm to 25 mm and doble bands each side. Anmo 12 mm lead
Well, we indeed sell them both, so guilty as charged? :)
can you do a video on aiming with tubes
We've got a long list of videos in the queue. We're always glad for the requests though. Thank you!
What is the benefit of the bands that are made up of 6 or even 8 small bands with a bead in the end to attach on the fork of the slingshot?
I believe it allows you to put more pounds of force into a shorter draw length. I found they tend to wear out quickly but I'm also a big fan of tubular bands because of the reduced draw length. For small game especially when you have a dog tubes are quick and effective enough to kill an adult rabbit at a decent distance.
if i place a order from your site tomorrow! how long tell i recived my package? im in Arizona
We are working crazy overtime shipping right now so we can't estimate a for sure date. We are running a few days behind right now (we fulfill orders in the order they were received) because of the holiday rush, but shipping from NC to AZ won't take very long once we send it off!
wheres link to your website?
After shooting both for a while now I have settled on your Dankung looped tubes. I don't have a crono but just eyeballing the speed I have to disagree with the idea that flat bands shoot faster. These looped tubs are now my favorite and i have ordered several from you and I want to order more so I have some saved up.
All things being equal- draw length, draw weight, and projectile- flats are generally faster. No statement was made that flats were faster overall. Looped tubes can be quite fast.
"don't have a chrono" sums it all up. Eyeballing just doesn't work
pleas seur Who are the shops that sell this type of rubber (thera band )
Aymane Soussi.
Thomas Sobieski.
Hi, i'm planning on doing my first natural slingshot and i wanna ask you if i can make the bands with a football ball bladder, is it possible?
Yup
Neither, my family has been using square bands for decades
It took me 3 years to tell you that your comment id funny as fudgie wudgie
This is an underrated comment. 😂😂😂
Mine too😂
I got the Torque it has looped tube bands, I love it btw its my favorite and EDC slingshot now, but I find I aim and shoot better with the looped tube bands, probably because as a kid I learned to use a wrist rocket. I would love to get better on flat bands but with the torque it makes it simple to change out looped tube bands so right no I stick with those.
I am really confused on what size tubes to use with 3/8 size steel balls for ammo... I've researched it and couldn't find an answer... just people explaining how to match flat bands to ammo
1745 I think are the best all round tubes.
Do you have to taper flat bands? How much?
I pick tubes for slingshot
Do you sell 1745 tubes? From 1 to 10 how easy is it to pull?
Sure do. simple-shot.com/vip/dankung-tubular-rubber-bandset-assemblies/ It's hard to say how easy the pull would be for you, not knowing your strength, right? :) If you want to shoot heavier ammo, you'll definitely be looking at a tougher, pull. But the 1745s are manageable. You might consider starting out with flats until you find your sweet spot (flats being so much easier to customize), then trying out the tubes. Good luck and have fun!
I always hear that standard tube such as on a daisy wrist rocket are inaccurate. Is that the case? Can you achieve a high level of accuracy with standard daisy tubes? And how much more powerful are flat-bands?
Yes, you can be accurate with the bigger tubes, but the modern Flat Bands are much easier to achieve that level of accuracy. The power will be determined by the elongation percentage that you use.
where i can find how i measure and cut flat bands for the distance i want and ammo size use.
"Slingshot Channel Forum" join and they have a pdf chart you can downoad
+Thomas Sobieski...... WHERE.. on the forum would I find that "pdf chart", to download ?.... under which link / tab / heading... is it located ? Thanks, I appreciate your reply.
The flat elastic rubber band is best for fast and powerful slingshot
cutting flat bands to make them tapered. wouldnt that be difficult? I think that the cut would need to be nonstop so that the entire edge is smooth and FLAT. I say this because if u end up stopping at any point and do not continue perfectly and exactly where you left off, I think it will easily tear. Is this also the case when you cut your bands for a taper?
Yes, you have to cut one continuous cut or you'll have nicks. And nicks = band failure.
Halo sir,would u pl suggest which flatband viz (.5,6.5 ,or7.00) is suitable for the beginners?
That will depend on the ammo you are shooting.
I have used all band types. I find tubes are way more accurate with large / heavy ammo. Flats are better for smaller light ammo. When I use 8mm steels with tubes I can’t get any accuracy.
Sounds like underpowered flats and overpowered tubes almost certainly. Either too thin or too long. Either will shoot any ammo size very well as long as they are tuned in! But... we all have personal preferences. If tubes work for you, great. Just try flats for fun. There's NO pressure to do any one thing in this sport. have fun and shoot what brings you joy!
thanks for the info! but do you have a stiff neck or something?
How did you know?! 😂
@@simpleshot i am a follower..
I'm slightly confused, what do you mean by "shoot faster"?
i guess he means it's more powerful with the same pull.
higher feet per second (fps) like a pebble flying at 1 feet per second is not going to hit anything at all, not talking about semi-auto or full-auto like from guns.
nice
is there standard size of tube band for slingshot?
No, it will be matched for the ammo size you are shooting.
I have nearly zero experience with tubes because they are just not what I see as a newbie. I see bands, and different slingshots, (I forgot the term, forks ?) and all the forks I've purchased, and that's over a dozen so far, and only one or two are tubes and I never use them. Maybe I need to revisit tubes, because if anything, it will be like discovering a new sport that's a lateral move from bands and it could be more fun ? Only time will tell....
Yes, give tubes a try. We think you need to try them all to see what you like the best for you.
Which bands shoots the hardest between flat and tube bands
The tubes are the harder to draw.
every time shoot tubler band it breaks every 30 shots or so
If I were to shoot 5/8 marbles with looped 1745 how fast would it be
As fast as your mom.
??
Can you use flat bands on a wrist rocket slingshot?
Yes, you can!
Which Best accuracy ? 🤔=
Accuracy is in the shooter, not flat or tube latex. More accurate shooters choose flats, but some great shooters shoot tubes. It's all about the shooter! :)
@@simpleshot OK sir thanks 🤝
Thank you for shaking the band around so much I couldn't actually see it. Very Helpful...
Sorry about that. What are you trying to see specifically?
@@simpleshot how it was strapped to the leather. I am trying to make a slingshot that is capable of withstanding several hundred pounds and I have never built one before. So I was hoping to see an in depth guide of what the specs were. That way I could scale it up to launch a pumpkin about 300ft. I have the bands on order. They are the Gold Theraband in a large roll so I will have extra for practice
If you look up band tying, you can find videos of how it is tied to the pouch. I do not think TBG will be strong enough for pumpkin launching. think you will need something with more resistance.
I’m over here to your right
😂
it depends a lot on the shape of your slingshot.
Flats will almost always out perform tubes except for lifespan.
I've got some expierience with flats an they're great, but there are many kinds of tubes - with different inside and outside diameters and there are also solid tubes without a hole. Which kind has the best speed and power? I don't care about lifetime or other parameters.
Depends what ammo you're shooting. If you're shooting 3/8 steel 1842 or 1745 will do great if you're shooting heavier ammo you'll need more rubber, 2050 or 3060.
use 1632 tube band and grail fork from GZK...still can kill wabbit..i use 7 mm steel ball...wabbit stew...
Accuracy is key!
What kind of rubber is this
This video is showing its age. Dankung bands are no longer available. And all the flatbands and tubes are here: simple-shot.com/accessories/bandsets/ Today's latex shoots MUCH better than the Dankung or flatbands in this video!
Loop tube for playing flat 4 game time or target
You got it!
Gotten 2 packs of flat bands and they break after 2 shots after unpacking😐
Personal preference? Didn't hear much pros for tubular bands.
labyrinthodont 6 they have their place...but most dedicated slingshot shooters prefer flat bands
How do you politely say.. tubular bands if you're too lazy to taper flatbands
Bro, looks like he’s being held hostage
when using 1636-2040 tube band..greater recoil..less accuracy.
That would depend on the shooter and the ammo.
Paul harrel of slingshots
there just simple latex bands I think
steven derushia lol you know nothing
Try with RED inner tube from bicycle (If you can find). The result will be a shock. After, you will not use all these ever!
Red inner tubes are usually made of latex.
I agree and the best slingshot to use IMO is the Joerg Spave slingshot which is also great for flat bands Do not worry to make the slot with a saw to accommodate the looped band, it is very strong The worst for tubular looped bands is the Scout slingshot waste of money I never use it anymore The dankung slingshot is ok but dos not compare with JOERGS great design
I'm quite happy with my Scout and have experimented with TTF setup with Dankung tubes using the Flip Clips. It's cool how easy it is to switch from flats to tubes just to see what you like. For me, I've settled on flats in TTF config.
Do you have an address or phone number where I can get that at
What about square bands
Do you mean the square tubes?
@@simpleshot it’s like solid square elastic very old school I don’t know if they have it in America or if you do what it’s called
Yes, I have seen and used it. I have always heard it referred to as "Square Tubes". They are not very common here and I have only seen them sold from the UK.
@@simpleshot yes I’m from the uk and I’ve seen quite a few people shooting with them on milbros traditionals and gypsy style frames
yes, you got it! That is where we see them as well.
👍👍👍🎣🎣🇧🇷🇧🇷
sir Please give me a barnett rubber bands
Bro my tubaler bands are about to rip 😓
Its ok guys i fixed them
@@marcoskhosho4271 I think what you mean is replace them, also the bands should be (your draw length) / 5
@@MangaGamify I got a whole new slingshot and the old one i didnt replace i just cut them shortet
People these days are vary bias I like all types of slingshot
But I should add that I rig my bands a little differenty. Most people shoot over the top or around the sides. I shoot against the ties, and I found that the small dankungs go forever when rigged this way. I once had a set of 1842s that lasted an entire summer shooting every weekend. The rubber started to slow down noticeably before there were any signs of tearing. That band set was an exception though. But for the most part, I never got close to the life span of the dankungs with any type of flat band that I tried. One more thing before I go. Speed doesn't have anything to do with the band's shape ( flat vs tubular ) . Flats generally shoot faster because they are thinner. Thinner rubber retracts faster. Tubes usually last longer because they are thicker. And also because they have no edges.
Did you use a chronograph for "Speed doesn't have anything to do with the band's shape"? There are already more than a couple videos comparing flatbands taper speeds with a chronograph. Also, taper are not only used for speed but for safety, when it snaps it's most likely nearest the pouch away from you. But that's before you already replaced it.
اريد واحد
Flats are better 😉😂
Oh ok. Used to tubes.
Nope, while hunting, if lube tube fails i just change with new one in 5 sec. Flat bands are too fragile and hard to change
nah they are literally within seconds of each other. depends on your setup and i can put looped tubes or single/double bandsets of flats or tubes in under 5 seconds.
Flat bands are faster and considerably more accurate. They should probably stop making tube bands.
That is not at all true. Accuracy lies with the shooter and tubes can and do shoot as fast as flats. Flats have the advantage of lighter draw for higher speeds. Both options are viable.
How do you politely say.. tubes sell for those lazy enough to cut flats?
is it me, or does this guy kinda look like the late John Ritter? 🤔
JOHN RITTER LIVES!!!!!
u just show your face : (
For me its flat bands!
Where's you're comment?
SlingshotWarrrior wo
Would like to order a SlingshotWarrri from you.Please send me info. Thank you. Jeff Montgomery. North Alabama
Jeff Montgomery Send me a PM and I'll tell you all about it
My tubelar bands never lasts long
Be sure to not use overpowered tubes as that will speed up how soon they break.
2 camera angles but no hairbrush or possibly a barber maybe even?
Who needs a brush when you have a slingshot in your hands! 🤣