26 replies to this topic

[torsten]

Hello!

Flatband sent me a few big sheets of Natural Latex as a gift quite a while ago.
It was interesting to see, how fast a band from the .03 inch thick latex shoots - in comparison to the TBG band with nearly the same thickness.
I cut out 4 bands (2 short and 2 albatross bands) with 2 exactly the same measurements of both materials and sent a few 11,3mm and 10,0mm steelies over the chrony!
Interesting results: the Latex is faster!
How much? Look here



Thanks for the latex, Gary!!!

Regards
Torsten

Edited by torsten, 20 November 2011 - 04:50 PM.

[RedRubber]

Very Interesting, who handles natural latex?

[Hrawk]

Thanks for the great vid Torsten.

[NaturalFork]

Excellent information!

[Wingshooter]

 RedRubber, on 20 November 2011 - 05:32 PM, said:

Very Interesting, who handles natural latex?

http://slingshotforu...usa-sales-only/

[Charles]

Thanks for the test ... Very interesting.

Cheers ........ Charles

[AaronC]

Thanks for posting that Torsten!

[Bill Hays]

Your findings of 3-5% speed difference is exactly in line with my tests as well. When I tested it using a slingrifle, so the draw was exactly the same as well, the .03 natural color latex shot about 10 fps faster than the Gold Theraband.

[ZDP-189]

I have a bunch of natural latex, but I prefer TBG for other reasons. But yes, if I was trying to build a velocity machine, I'd go for latex.

[RedRubber]

Thanks Wingshooter.

RR

[timdix]

A slick video,bravo T!
It confirms my findings of about a 5% difference.
The tex latex also outlasts TB by a small but hard to quantify amount. It seems to tear more gradually than TB.
Tex latex i suspect is marginally thicker.
If I could I wouldn't use anything else,if only Tex still shipped OS!

[-SRS-45-]

Great vid thanks.

What about the life difference though, anyone have any info on that?

.... (posted the same time as timdix post, cheers bud)

... anyone else have any opinions on life difference
Jim

Edited by -SRS-45-, 21 November 2011 - 05:58 AM.

[Tex-Shooter]

Similar to the results that I got, but it also depends on the manufacturing run as the both rubbers vary from one production run to the next. It also depends on how fresh the rubber is. Both will make excellent band sets. -- Tex

[Dayhiker]

I have been using .040 latex tapered from 3/4" to 1/2" and have fallen in love.

[GreyOwl]

Thanks for sharing your chrony results Torsten.

I've got the same results between TBGold and Latex with full Butterfly.

I prefer to shoot 0.3inch with 9.2 or 12mm steel balls.
I prefer to shoot 0.2inch with 8 or 9.2mm steel balls.

I'm more accurate with Latex bands, either 0.2inch or 0.3inch

 ZDP-189, on 20 November 2011 - 09:30 PM, said:

I have a bunch of natural latex, but I prefer TBG for other reasons. But yes, if I was trying to build a velocity machine, I'd go for latex.

Hello Dan, if you've got some 0.2inch or 0.3inch I'm interested in.

 -SRS-45-, on 21 November 2011 - 05:55 AM, said:

Great vid thanks.

What about the life difference though, anyone have any info on that?

.... (posted the same time as timdix post, cheers bud)

... anyone else have any opinions on life difference
Jim

I noticed that Latex sometimes lasts a bit more, and when I shoot heavier balls.

Edited by GreyOwl, 21 November 2011 - 10:23 AM.

[torsten]

I can`t say what last longer `cause I start to shoot such latex bands since a few weeks only -. and I don`t shoot the golden TB since more than 1 year....

The speed difference: 5% more speed means 10% more energy - maybe interesting for slingshot hunters.

Regards
Torsten

[chicagopsych]

Hey Tex, can you tell us how these compare to the stock bands that come on the Saunders Falcon2? I have one and it easily my strongest slingshot based on the damage it does to my targets.

[torsten]

Now, after a couple of weeks shooting this stuff, I would say that the latex last a bit longer than TBG. Especially in the "high speed" area - with more tapered bands.

Regards
Torsten

[Tex-Shooter]

Well my bands shoot faster than Saunders bands, but don't last as long. Mine also have a top Grain boot leather single pocket pouch instead of a double pocket plastic pouch. The gold Thera-Band will last a little longer when left out in the open because it has a small amount of color and UV protection. Also don't use the gold Thera-band on Saunders as it is harder and some batches will damage fork tips. It is hard to get a good comparison between the two rubbers because of the differences in batches in thickness in both products. All other things being the same pure fresh latex will outperform all compounds, but Thera-Band comes the closest to it. I believe that Torsten has made a good comparison. Thera-Band is also made my Hygenic for rehabilitation purposes. Torsten is a fine shooter and does a lot for the sport. He will be the first to tell you that the faster you shoot, the shorter the band life. -- Tex

Edited by Tex-Shooter, 07 February 2012 - 10:17 AM.

[NaturalFork]

Pure latex seems to have a smoother draw too. Anyone else think that too?

[torsten]

 NaturalFork, on 07 February 2012 - 10:26 AM, said:

Pure latex seems to have a smoother draw too. Anyone else think that too?

Agree!

 Tex-Shooter, on 07 February 2012 - 10:16 AM, said:

... He will be the first to tell you that the faster you shoot, the shorter the band life. -- Tex

That`s sad, but it is true!
(And for me: the faster the shot, the more fun )

Regards
Torsten

[newconvert]

 Dayhiker, on 21 November 2011 - 08:35 AM, said:

I have been using .040 latex tapered from 3/4" to 1/2" and have fallen in love.

i have wondered about the .04 latex, i am interested also, the supply house is not far from me. whats your take?

[Tex-Shooter]

The thicker the latex, the slower it shoots, but the longer it last. It all a compromise! -- Tex

[newconvert]

 Tex-Shooter, on 20 February 2012 - 11:47 AM, said:

The thicker the latex, the slower it shoots, but the longer it last. It all a compromise! -- Tex

answers my questions, thanksTex

[XxDollarBillxX]

so what about band life