Despite its small size, this catapult feels really comfortable in my large hands. I use 6mm steel balls for target shooting and 'plinking'. and the 1632 bands fire these really flat over 20 metres. Its size makes it very discreet in use and easy to carry. I can thoroughly recommend this as a very capable micro-catapult and very pleasant to use.
This was my first Dankong Slingshot, and I still think it is one of my very best.
I am a flatband shoter, and this slingshot is a perfect plinking slingshot.
I have hit a pinpong ball att 30m whit this slingshot and whit Theraband black I shot saftairguns bullits at sodacans att 20m whit no problem..
(In Swedish)
Detta var min första Dankung slangbella, och är fortfarande en av mina bästa bellor.
Snabbheten att kunna byta band utan verktyg är guld värd.
Storleken och tyngden är perfekt.
Det enda du bör veta är att den inte är gjord för dubbla band.
Men med enkla Theraband är den perfekt, har testat blåa, svarta, silver och guld.
Med blå och svarta Theraband är den helt underbar att skjuta softair kulor.
I vindstilla väder fungerar det utmärkt upp till 20m, men blåser det vill gärna vinden ställa till det efter 10m.
Rekomenderar den stark.
Och med blå och svarta band kan du använda en liten bit 1632 tub för att låsa fast bandet i Bellan.
I was waiting very excited for this new slingshot. When I had it after three weeks in the mailbox and opened the package, I was however a little bit skeptical. The dark warrior is very precise and powerful but it is also very heavy and quite bulky. All my other Dankung slingshots are much more elegant, lighter and much more supple.
This spinners works god.
I shot 8 and 10mm ballbering, and there is only a little dent on the spinner.
This is a fine little plinking toy.
But 3 of them,,,, will last fore a lifetime.
This is my 3:e slingshot from Dankong.
And I just love it.
Shots god and I have no problem to hit my "spinner" att 10 and 15 meter.
This is from now my "everyday carry" slingshot.
Strong and light.
(In Swedish)
Den här bellan är både lätt och stark.
Lite bulkigare vilket ger ett bra grepp.
Priser är lågt och bellan är bra och lättskjuten.
Den får numera hänga med i min ryggsäck eller i jackfickan när jag är ute i skogen.
Jag skjuter inga djur, men gillar att försöka träffa olika föremål, grenar osv, som jag stöter på under mina promenader.
En plinking bella av bra klass.
I use this little rig fore flatbands to.
Works fine.
(In Swedish)
Den här lilla riggen fungerar även för flatband.
Den är liten och smidig, lätt att ta med över helgen till sommarstugan.
Min gamla rig, som jag gjort själv, är betydligt större och klumpigare.
Att knyta loopade tubband är busenkelt med denna rigg.
Klart värd att investera i.
This is the best thing I have seen fore a long time.
I rekomend this item to all flatband shoters.
(In Swedish)
Att kunna skära ut gummiband från Theraband är busenkelt med den här mallen.
Bara att lägga ut och ta rullkniven och skära till.
Det går lätt och blir exakt.
Enda problemet är väll att jag skär ut så många band, fler än jag hinner göra av med.
Men det är ett lyxproblem jag lätt kan leva med.
I have been shooting the amber DK-1632 tubing for a couple of months now and find it to be long lasting and quite versatile. Originally the plan was just to find a sweet BB shooting tube but after some experimenting I found the 1632 capable of shooting everything from .177cal BBs at 5 grains to .44cal lead at 133 grains. It’s all about adjusting the tubing to do what you want.
The 1632 turned out to be a fantastic tube for shooting the light 5-grain (.177cal) BB. A 5 ¾” length with single tubes was found to draw at only 4 pounds at 32" but give enough speed to create some pleasing noise, dents and holes in pop cans at 10-20 yards. This draw weight can be shot all afternoon without fatigue. Most youngsters can even manage this mild weight.
The tiny BB is one of my favourite projectiles but I also enjoy 3/8” steel ammo. The 1632 propels this 54 grain ammo at almost 180 fps when using double tubes cut to an even 6 1/2” length. Perfect for 10m target shooting and plinking! Tests with the red 1632 showed that 200fps is possible with a short 5 1/2" length and my 32" draw. I found this to be about maximum..
The 1632s will even toss a .44cal lead ball with enough smack to drop small-game with appropriate shot placement. At 8 ½ ft-lbs the ball should do considerable damage. The 3/8” lead at 190fps should do the trick too.
My draw length is 32” but sometimes I struggle to get there with the heavier draw weights. The temperature throughout the speed testing was 68-70F. Higher temperatures and longer draw lengths will reward you with even more speed.
Four Tubes Per Side (6 5/8” length – 14 ½ lb draw weight)
3/8” Steel = 200 fps
3/8” Lead = 190 fps
.44cal Lead = 170 fps
--- Red 1632 ---
Double Tubes (5 1/2" length)
.177cal BB (5 gr) - 270 fps
1/4" steel (16 gr) - 256 fps
5/16" steel (32 gr) - 232 fps
3/8" steel (54 gr) - 202 fps
As can be seen above, the 1632 tubes have lots of usefulness.... plinking, target shooting, BB shooting, teaching youngsters, and hunting are some examples. This spaghetti tubing is a lot of fun!
Wow, this red 1632 stuff is zippy and the little DanKung BB pouches are a great match. I tested a set of full doubles rigged with 5 1/2" from frame to pouch. My draw length with these tubes is 32" (580% stretch). This set-up zips .177cal BBs at an impressive 270fps! Light draw weight too.. This rig will be perfect for turning pop cans into cylindrical strainers, although the short double tubes are quite overpowered for the BBs. They shoot fast but I could probably do well with pseudo-tapers instead of full loops.
The speed numbers are almost hard to believe. Each ammo weight was tested about 10 times to give accurate numbers.
.177cal BB (5 gr) - 270 fps
1/4" steel (16 gr) - 256 fps
5/16" steel (32 gr) - 232 fps
3/8" steel (54 gr) - 202 fps
The pic shows the 1632s mounted on my DK Black Palm Thunder. The pouches on the side are holding a .177cal BB and 1/4" steel.
I love this tube.
Shoot 6mm, 8mm and 10mm steel ball.
Easy to draw, hi speed whith 6 and 8mm.
This is my plinking band, perfect fore a long days shooting.
I have one Ergonomic OTT.
I love that slingshot.
Today my new Ergonomic Dancing with Grooves arrived.
I just love my new Slingshot, and my first shot at 10 m was a perfect hit on my 5cm target.
This is a very good slingshot.
(Comments in Swedish)
En riktigt bra och prisvärd slangbella.
Orginalbanden som följer med är både lite för korta och lite för hårda för att passa mig.
Men det tar bara ett par sekunder att byta till lite mjukare och längre band.
Loopade tubband är riktigt bra att skjuta med, även om mitt mesta skytte sker med flattband, så rekomenderar jag verkligen den här slangbellan.
Lagom stor, känns stabil utan att vara klumpig.
Och jag skjuter bra med den, det var lätt att hitta ankarpunkt i ansiktet och riktpunkt ovanpå bellan.
Ett klart prisvärt köp.
En slangbella som kommer att hålla länge, riktigt länge.
I have one Ergonomic OTT.
I love that slingshot.
Today my new Ergonomic Dancing with Grooves arrived.
I just love my new Slingshot, and my first shot at 10 m was a perfect hit on my 5cm target.
This is a very good slingshot.
(Comments in Swedish)
En riktigt bra och prisvärd slangbella.
Orginalbanden som följer med är både lite för korta och lite för hårda för att passa mig.
Men det tar bara ett par sekunder att byta till lite mjukare och längre band.
Loopade tubband är riktigt bra att skjuta med, även om mitt mesta skytte sker med flattband, så rekomenderar jag verkligen den här slangbellan.
Lagom stor, känns stabil utan att vara klumpig.
Och jag skjuter bra med den, det var lätt att hitta ankarpunkt i ansiktet och riktpunkt ovanpå bellan.
Ett klart prisvärt köp.
En slangbella som kommer att hålla länge, riktigt länge.
The name says it all, put in the practice and you'll hardly miss with The King of Aiming, I use looped cocktail bands on mine for greater speed and power, you just cannot go wrong at this price.
hello- i am very disappointed that the convertor i get from you are very thick to the most old sling shot that i buy from you [7]in the psst
i advise to do it much thin
thank you
Bats are beautiful! They are so beautiful that a few of months ago I ordered my third DanKung Bat slingshot. The fork loop design on the Bat is one of the main reasons that I like the frame so much. It just makes sense. The loops are not overly exaggerated and they provide a dished top to keep the tubes from rolling or slipping off during the shot. The bottom corners on the fork rings are well rounded to allow a comfortable thumb placement without annoying points or sharp edges. Finally, the tube slots are positioned at the base of the loop, right at the fork junction, which makes application of rubber fork sleeves a simple task rather than a frustrating burden.
My first Bat frame was the original design with a plain looped handle. The size on this frame is very similar to the small DanKung Palm Thunder. Unfortunately, when wrapped with paracord, the handle width was just a wee bit narrow for comfortable pinky clearance. Tennis racket over-grip worked out fine for a wrap and it provides a slip-free covering. The “Bat-1” design is great for someone looking for a traditional type handle, minimal size and an improved fork tip. The frame is no longer listed in the DK e-catalogue but they might be able to source one out for you, if you had the desire.
My second Bat was the DanKung Bat Metal frame, also known as the “Bat-2”. This second edition has the same fork and same loop tip as the Bat-1 but the handle is quite different. The #2 version has a slightly longer and more contoured handle with barreled sides and a circular pinky hole. Some slingers might call this an upgrade version. I posted a review on this frame a while ago so I won’t go into further detail here.
My latest Bat frame is the new Black Bat. This model has several small differences when compared to the other two. The first obvious difference is the greyish, non-polished metal finish. This is the main reason why I ordered the new frame. The other Bats are comfortable and fine shooters but sometimes, when the sun is shining from a certain angle, I get an annoying glare on the fork tip when aiming. The Black Bat does away with this problem. The lightly textured dark grey surface prevents glare but is smooth enough that it doesn’t cause tube wear. It’s a different look but one that I enjoy. There are several other DK frames that share this same “black” finish. The Black Palm Thunder was my first introduction to this finish process so I was well aware of what I was getting. The grey finish is very durable and doesn’t wear off or take on a shine with heavy use.
The Black Bat basically has the same fork tips as the Bat-1&2 but with a bit more pronounced dishing. The loop holes are slightly more elongated and the ear itself sticks out a fraction more than the other two examples. The differences are very slight.
The fork aiming notches on the “black” frame are a feature not found on my other two Bats. The notches are positioned directly above the fork tips, when the frame is held sideways (ala gangsta style). When at full draw, you will see the notch right between the parallel tubes coming off the fork. The notches work as designed but I wanted something brighter for my aging eyes so I glued short sections of fibre optic rod into the notches. One side has florescent green while the other has orange.
The handle on the new Bat is the common traditional loop style. It’s a comfortable size and it’s wide enough to give ample pinky room when wrapped with paracord. The handle length is a bit longer than the Bat-1, giving an overall frame length that falls between the two other models.
None of the Bats are overly heavy for stainless frames. The Black frame is the heaviest at about 10 grams more than the Bat Metal (Bat-2). The added weight is likely due to the slightly thicker cross section on this frame (0.32” vs 0.30”) .
Measurements
Overall length = 4.78” (121.4 mm)
Width across frame at fork loops = 3.40” (86.4 mm)
Width between forks (at loops) = 1.62” (41.1 mm)
Fork loop outside diameter = 0.89 (22.6 mm)
Width at top of wrapped handle = 0.93” (23.6 mm)
Width on outside of bare handle (at widest) = 1.51” (38.4 mm)
Frame thickness = 0.32” (8.1 mm)
Total weight with tubes = 5.6 oz (160 g)
Metallurgy
Fe = 72.49%
Cr = 15.94%
Ni = 10.40%
Mn = 0.79%
Zr = 0.38%
Fe = iron, Cr = chromium, Ni = nickel, Mn = manganese, Zr = zirconium
The metal composition indicates a 304 stainless steel alloy. The chromium content on my example is about 3% less than the other 304 stainless DK frames that I had tested. The nickel content is approximately 2% higher.
Tubes
The Black Bat is no different than other looped tube frames and will handle all the common skinny Malaysian tubing such as 1632, 2040, 1842, 1745, 2050, etc. The tubes can be shot with single strand, full doubles or a pseudo-taper configuration. My current favourite for the Black Bat is 6 5/8” full double 2040s with a 4-hole hole pouch. With my 32” draw length I’m getting right around 200-205 fps with the premium grade 2040 and 3/8” steel ammo. The thicker Theraband or surgical tubing will also work with the Bat’s oval ring holes.
Overall Opinion
The Black Bat is becoming one of my favourite flat frame slingshots. As mentioned, the fork tips are a welcome characteristic and the unpolished finish is both attractive and functional for high sunlight shooting. The simple fibre optic inserts yield a more visible reference for improved aiming. Overall the frame feels great to hold and my accuracy is right where it should be. I’m happy with it
This slingshot is one of my favorites. I love the ergo curve, it fits perfectly in my hands. The butterfly wing curves allow me to really grip it and aim. Beautiful, compact, unique, and functional. Great design! Highly recommended!
Despite its small size, this catapult feels really comfortable in my large hands. I use 6mm steel balls for target shooting and 'plinking'. and the 1632 bands fire these really flat over 20 metres. Its size makes it very discreet in use and easy to carry. I can thoroughly recommend this as a very capable micro-catapult and very pleasant to use.
This was my first Dankong Slingshot, and I still think it is one of my very best.
I am a flatband shoter, and this slingshot is a perfect plinking slingshot.
I have hit a pinpong ball att 30m whit this slingshot and whit Theraband black I shot saftairguns bullits at sodacans att 20m whit no problem..
(In Swedish)
Detta var min första Dankung slangbella, och är fortfarande en av mina bästa bellor.
Snabbheten att kunna byta band utan verktyg är guld värd.
Storleken och tyngden är perfekt.
Det enda du bör veta är att den inte är gjord för dubbla band.
Men med enkla Theraband är den perfekt, har testat blåa, svarta, silver och guld.
Med blå och svarta Theraband är den helt underbar att skjuta softair kulor.
I vindstilla väder fungerar det utmärkt upp till 20m, men blåser det vill gärna vinden ställa till det efter 10m.
Rekomenderar den stark.
Och med blå och svarta band kan du använda en liten bit 1632 tub för att låsa fast bandet i Bellan.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
I was waiting very excited for this new slingshot. When I had it after three weeks in the mailbox and opened the package, I was however a little bit skeptical. The dark warrior is very precise and powerful but it is also very heavy and quite bulky. All my other Dankung slingshots are much more elegant, lighter and much more supple.
This spinners works god.
I shot 8 and 10mm ballbering, and there is only a little dent on the spinner.
This is a fine little plinking toy.
But 3 of them,,,, will last fore a lifetime.
Best regards
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
This is my 3:e slingshot from Dankong.
And I just love it.
Shots god and I have no problem to hit my "spinner" att 10 and 15 meter.
This is from now my "everyday carry" slingshot.
Strong and light.
(In Swedish)
Den här bellan är både lätt och stark.
Lite bulkigare vilket ger ett bra grepp.
Priser är lågt och bellan är bra och lättskjuten.
Den får numera hänga med i min ryggsäck eller i jackfickan när jag är ute i skogen.
Jag skjuter inga djur, men gillar att försöka träffa olika föremål, grenar osv, som jag stöter på under mina promenader.
En plinking bella av bra klass.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
I use this little rig fore flatbands to.
Works fine.
(In Swedish)
Den här lilla riggen fungerar även för flatband.
Den är liten och smidig, lätt att ta med över helgen till sommarstugan.
Min gamla rig, som jag gjort själv, är betydligt större och klumpigare.
Att knyta loopade tubband är busenkelt med denna rigg.
Klart värd att investera i.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
This is the best thing I have seen fore a long time.
I rekomend this item to all flatband shoters.
(In Swedish)
Att kunna skära ut gummiband från Theraband är busenkelt med den här mallen.
Bara att lägga ut och ta rullkniven och skära till.
Det går lätt och blir exakt.
Enda problemet är väll att jag skär ut så många band, fler än jag hinner göra av med.
Men det är ett lyxproblem jag lätt kan leva med.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
I have been shooting the amber DK-1632 tubing for a couple of months now and find it to be long lasting and quite versatile. Originally the plan was just to find a sweet BB shooting tube but after some experimenting I found the 1632 capable of shooting everything from .177cal BBs at 5 grains to .44cal lead at 133 grains. It’s all about adjusting the tubing to do what you want.
The 1632 turned out to be a fantastic tube for shooting the light 5-grain (.177cal) BB. A 5 ¾” length with single tubes was found to draw at only 4 pounds at 32" but give enough speed to create some pleasing noise, dents and holes in pop cans at 10-20 yards. This draw weight can be shot all afternoon without fatigue. Most youngsters can even manage this mild weight.
The tiny BB is one of my favourite projectiles but I also enjoy 3/8” steel ammo. The 1632 propels this 54 grain ammo at almost 180 fps when using double tubes cut to an even 6 1/2” length. Perfect for 10m target shooting and plinking! Tests with the red 1632 showed that 200fps is possible with a short 5 1/2" length and my 32" draw. I found this to be about maximum..
The 1632s will even toss a .44cal lead ball with enough smack to drop small-game with appropriate shot placement. At 8 ½ ft-lbs the ball should do considerable damage. The 3/8” lead at 190fps should do the trick too.
My draw length is 32” but sometimes I struggle to get there with the heavier draw weights. The temperature throughout the speed testing was 68-70F. Higher temperatures and longer draw lengths will reward you with even more speed.
--- Amber 1632 ---
Single Tubes (5 ¾” length – 4 lb draw weight)
.177 cal BB = 231 fps
¼” Steel = 200 fps
Pseudo Tapers (6” length, 1 ½” loops – 5 lb draw)
.177cal BB = 252 fps
Double Tubes (6 ½” length – 7 ½ lb draw weight)
3/8” Steel = 178 fps
5/16” Steel = 198 fps
¼” Steel = 212 fps
Four Tubes Per Side (6 5/8” length – 14 ½ lb draw weight)
3/8” Steel = 200 fps
3/8” Lead = 190 fps
.44cal Lead = 170 fps
--- Red 1632 ---
Double Tubes (5 1/2" length)
.177cal BB (5 gr) - 270 fps
1/4" steel (16 gr) - 256 fps
5/16" steel (32 gr) - 232 fps
3/8" steel (54 gr) - 202 fps
As can be seen above, the 1632 tubes have lots of usefulness.... plinking, target shooting, BB shooting, teaching youngsters, and hunting are some examples. This spaghetti tubing is a lot of fun!
Wow, this red 1632 stuff is zippy and the little DanKung BB pouches are a great match. I tested a set of full doubles rigged with 5 1/2" from frame to pouch. My draw length with these tubes is 32" (580% stretch). This set-up zips .177cal BBs at an impressive 270fps! Light draw weight too.. This rig will be perfect for turning pop cans into cylindrical strainers, although the short double tubes are quite overpowered for the BBs. They shoot fast but I could probably do well with pseudo-tapers instead of full loops.
The speed numbers are almost hard to believe. Each ammo weight was tested about 10 times to give accurate numbers.
.177cal BB (5 gr) - 270 fps
1/4" steel (16 gr) - 256 fps
5/16" steel (32 gr) - 232 fps
3/8" steel (54 gr) - 202 fps
The pic shows the 1632s mounted on my DK Black Palm Thunder. The pouches on the side are holding a .177cal BB and 1/4" steel.
I love this tube.
Shoot 6mm, 8mm and 10mm steel ball.
Easy to draw, hi speed whith 6 and 8mm.
This is my plinking band, perfect fore a long days shooting.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
This is the tube I use to my Black Widow slingshot from Barnett.
I use it fore target shooting.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Sockholm
Sweden
I have one Ergonomic OTT.
I love that slingshot.
Today my new Ergonomic Dancing with Grooves arrived.
I just love my new Slingshot, and my first shot at 10 m was a perfect hit on my 5cm target.
This is a very good slingshot.
(Comments in Swedish)
En riktigt bra och prisvärd slangbella.
Orginalbanden som följer med är både lite för korta och lite för hårda för att passa mig.
Men det tar bara ett par sekunder att byta till lite mjukare och längre band.
Loopade tubband är riktigt bra att skjuta med, även om mitt mesta skytte sker med flattband, så rekomenderar jag verkligen den här slangbellan.
Lagom stor, känns stabil utan att vara klumpig.
Och jag skjuter bra med den, det var lätt att hitta ankarpunkt i ansiktet och riktpunkt ovanpå bellan.
Ett klart prisvärt köp.
En slangbella som kommer att hålla länge, riktigt länge.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
I have one Ergonomic OTT.
I love that slingshot.
Today my new Ergonomic Dancing with Grooves arrived.
I just love my new Slingshot, and my first shot at 10 m was a perfect hit on my 5cm target.
This is a very good slingshot.
(Comments in Swedish)
En riktigt bra och prisvärd slangbella.
Orginalbanden som följer med är både lite för korta och lite för hårda för att passa mig.
Men det tar bara ett par sekunder att byta till lite mjukare och längre band.
Loopade tubband är riktigt bra att skjuta med, även om mitt mesta skytte sker med flattband, så rekomenderar jag verkligen den här slangbellan.
Lagom stor, känns stabil utan att vara klumpig.
Och jag skjuter bra med den, det var lätt att hitta ankarpunkt i ansiktet och riktpunkt ovanpå bellan.
Ett klart prisvärt köp.
En slangbella som kommer att hålla länge, riktigt länge.
Mvh
Johan Karlsson
Stockholm
Sweden
The name says it all, put in the practice and you'll hardly miss with The King of Aiming, I use looped cocktail bands on mine for greater speed and power, you just cannot go wrong at this price.
You'll enjoy shooting at this ground target, it can also be suspended off of a branch with some paracord for some practice shooting.
HELLO I LIKE THIS ITEM
BUT I ADVISE TO create it from two spareted patrs -in order to take it in a small bag
thank you
hello- i am very disappointed that the convertor i get from you are very thick to the most old sling shot that i buy from you [7]in the psst
i advise to do it much thin
thank you
The Agile Toucan is one of my favorites. Beautiful and durable as always. I love the finger support while gripping. 5/5!
.
DanKung Black Bat Review
- A Tale of Three Bats -
Bats are beautiful! They are so beautiful that a few of months ago I ordered my third DanKung Bat slingshot. The fork loop design on the Bat is one of the main reasons that I like the frame so much. It just makes sense. The loops are not overly exaggerated and they provide a dished top to keep the tubes from rolling or slipping off during the shot. The bottom corners on the fork rings are well rounded to allow a comfortable thumb placement without annoying points or sharp edges. Finally, the tube slots are positioned at the base of the loop, right at the fork junction, which makes application of rubber fork sleeves a simple task rather than a frustrating burden.
My first Bat frame was the original design with a plain looped handle. The size on this frame is very similar to the small DanKung Palm Thunder. Unfortunately, when wrapped with paracord, the handle width was just a wee bit narrow for comfortable pinky clearance. Tennis racket over-grip worked out fine for a wrap and it provides a slip-free covering. The “Bat-1” design is great for someone looking for a traditional type handle, minimal size and an improved fork tip. The frame is no longer listed in the DK e-catalogue but they might be able to source one out for you, if you had the desire.
My second Bat was the DanKung Bat Metal frame, also known as the “Bat-2”. This second edition has the same fork and same loop tip as the Bat-1 but the handle is quite different. The #2 version has a slightly longer and more contoured handle with barreled sides and a circular pinky hole. Some slingers might call this an upgrade version. I posted a review on this frame a while ago so I won’t go into further detail here.
My latest Bat frame is the new Black Bat. This model has several small differences when compared to the other two. The first obvious difference is the greyish, non-polished metal finish. This is the main reason why I ordered the new frame. The other Bats are comfortable and fine shooters but sometimes, when the sun is shining from a certain angle, I get an annoying glare on the fork tip when aiming. The Black Bat does away with this problem. The lightly textured dark grey surface prevents glare but is smooth enough that it doesn’t cause tube wear. It’s a different look but one that I enjoy. There are several other DK frames that share this same “black” finish. The Black Palm Thunder was my first introduction to this finish process so I was well aware of what I was getting. The grey finish is very durable and doesn’t wear off or take on a shine with heavy use.
The Black Bat basically has the same fork tips as the Bat-1&2 but with a bit more pronounced dishing. The loop holes are slightly more elongated and the ear itself sticks out a fraction more than the other two examples. The differences are very slight.
The fork aiming notches on the “black” frame are a feature not found on my other two Bats. The notches are positioned directly above the fork tips, when the frame is held sideways (ala gangsta style). When at full draw, you will see the notch right between the parallel tubes coming off the fork. The notches work as designed but I wanted something brighter for my aging eyes so I glued short sections of fibre optic rod into the notches. One side has florescent green while the other has orange.
The handle on the new Bat is the common traditional loop style. It’s a comfortable size and it’s wide enough to give ample pinky room when wrapped with paracord. The handle length is a bit longer than the Bat-1, giving an overall frame length that falls between the two other models.
None of the Bats are overly heavy for stainless frames. The Black frame is the heaviest at about 10 grams more than the Bat Metal (Bat-2). The added weight is likely due to the slightly thicker cross section on this frame (0.32” vs 0.30”) .
Measurements
Overall length = 4.78” (121.4 mm)
Width across frame at fork loops = 3.40” (86.4 mm)
Width between forks (at loops) = 1.62” (41.1 mm)
Fork loop outside diameter = 0.89 (22.6 mm)
Width at top of wrapped handle = 0.93” (23.6 mm)
Width on outside of bare handle (at widest) = 1.51” (38.4 mm)
Frame thickness = 0.32” (8.1 mm)
Total weight with tubes = 5.6 oz (160 g)
Metallurgy
Fe = 72.49%
Cr = 15.94%
Ni = 10.40%
Mn = 0.79%
Zr = 0.38%
Fe = iron, Cr = chromium, Ni = nickel, Mn = manganese, Zr = zirconium
The metal composition indicates a 304 stainless steel alloy. The chromium content on my example is about 3% less than the other 304 stainless DK frames that I had tested. The nickel content is approximately 2% higher.
Tubes
The Black Bat is no different than other looped tube frames and will handle all the common skinny Malaysian tubing such as 1632, 2040, 1842, 1745, 2050, etc. The tubes can be shot with single strand, full doubles or a pseudo-taper configuration. My current favourite for the Black Bat is 6 5/8” full double 2040s with a 4-hole hole pouch. With my 32” draw length I’m getting right around 200-205 fps with the premium grade 2040 and 3/8” steel ammo. The thicker Theraband or surgical tubing will also work with the Bat’s oval ring holes.
Overall Opinion
The Black Bat is becoming one of my favourite flat frame slingshots. As mentioned, the fork tips are a welcome characteristic and the unpolished finish is both attractive and functional for high sunlight shooting. The simple fibre optic inserts yield a more visible reference for improved aiming. Overall the frame feels great to hold and my accuracy is right where it should be. I’m happy with it
This slingshot is one of my favorites. I love the ergo curve, it fits perfectly in my hands. The butterfly wing curves allow me to really grip it and aim. Beautiful, compact, unique, and functional. Great design! Highly recommended!
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