Over the past several months, I have been working on integrating my archery knowledge and love of slingshots. One thing that I always paid particular attention to in my archery practice was alignment and the ability to easily “point” the bow. The key elements upon which I focused were few and simple. Keep the arrow close to the hand and keep the wrist stable. In doing so, the best bows were the ones that shot off the shelf with the shelf very low and close to the hand.
Unlike a bow, a slingshot creates tension on one side of the supporting hand- the top. The bands create tension from one spot on the slingshot and cause the wrist to counteract those forces in order to maintain proper form. Whereas the bow creates balanced tension on the hand from the upper and lower limbs concurrently, this is not as much of a problem. The strain that the slingshot bands place on the wrist can cause discomfort in those with joint problems, weakness, or those who shoot very heavy bands. What’s more, the traditional slingshot shape, with the handle being in the same plane as the forks, moves the hand farther away from the bands and pouch, thus requiring compensation to get on target quickly.
The Hare Splitter© from FlippinOut Slingshots has mitigated these two problems: wrist strain and alignment issues! By moving the plane of the handle away from the plane of the forks and towards the shooter, the hand can be held in a neutral position allowing the skeletal structure of the hand, wrist, and forearm to bear the forces of the bands rather than the muscles and tendons as witnessed in a traditional style slingshot.
By reducing wrist strain and bringing the bands into alignment with the natural pointing ability of the hand/eye relationship, The Hare Splitter© by FlippinOut Slingshots is an exceptionally easy to shoot and very ergonomically balanced slingshot.
The Hare Splitter is in the final phases of R&D and will be available very soon at FlippinOut Slingshots. This design and the “inline” and “straight wrist” concept are Patent Pending.
Check out a video review of The “Hare Splitter” here!!
Filed under Slingshots
12 Responses to The “Hare Splitter”- a Design Revolution!
I think you are on to something. Years ago, I made a slingshot of a forked branch that had a forward sweep to the forks and by accident, turned it around before I banded it. I shot with it to test it and learned it was very comfortable. I shot with it as my favorite for several years and even made a second one with thicker palm swells at the time. Wrist strain was minimized and so was the ‘shakiness’ that would interfere with accuracy. Glad you patented it and I wish you luck with it. I do remember shortening the bands to take up the slack of the two inches I lost by it slanting backwards, but also remember after having done that, that it was as powerful and even more accurate than my other sling-shots. Good luck to you. BTW, love the wood grain on your Hare Splitter.
Thank you. It does make it easier to shoot with heavy bands or weak wrists. The design continues to evolve. Stay tuned
Doesn’t Wing shooter on the slingshot forums sell slingshots with the natural wrist concept? If you patent it you’ll drive him out of business.
Yes he does. I already hold a provisional patent on the concept, however Wingshooter’s model does not incorporate the compound handle angle like the Hare Splitter. I have no desire to push anyone out of business, just protect a design that is unique. Besides, Pocket Predator Slingshots are already directly infringing on the provisional patent with the Scorpion design. There is little honor of intellectual property in the world of slingshots.
Great slingshot design! I have been shopping around and I have decided to wait on your Hair Splitter to come out. Please send me and e-mail when the first run is available for purchase. Thanks!
Thank you. I am honing in on the final design and will let you know when it is ready.
I’d be interested in one when you finally get it done
Thank you. It is still in the R&D phase but should be available by early 2012.
Sure looks like a winner,put me down for one when you go into production. Have to start keeping my eye open for naturals that might fit.
Nice going, melvin
Ilove the concept. Please let me know when they are available. Thanks,Gerald.
Really think you are on to something,reminds me of the pliers with the angled handle instead of straight. Sometimes ease of manufacture gets in the way of ease of use.
You are correct. Ease of manufacture is not a trait of the Hare Splitter and thus the reason for the delays.