I get asked this question all the time. There is a lot to the question, and sometimes the answers I give surprises people. So here, I’ll do my best to go over what sling you should get and why.

Are you just getting started?

If you are just getting started, I have one suggestion. However, I also want to point out some slings that could be traps for the unsuspecting starter.

The Standard Sling is what I tell everyone to start with. So why is this the best sling to begin with? Because it is exceptionally reliable and holds the common-sized stones that you would find anywhere from the beach to the trail. 

This is because it has a comfortable finger loop that breaks in to be really soft. In addition, the pouch can support a variety of stone diameters, so you don’t have to find specifically sized stones to throw. Lastly, it is priced in an excellent range for the quality you are getting.

The trap slings I see people get are the EDC and the Light. These are great slings but not actually made for beginners. The tough spot is that these slings are cheaper than my other slings. So that makes them pretty enticing for the unsuspecting beginner. What makes them less beginner-friendly is the thin sides of the split pouch pocket. The problem this can cause is that they can slip around rocks. If they are too small or too smooth. 

These slings are made for the advanced slinger. I love using these slings. They are easy to throw in a pocket and have on a hike. And I know what kind of rocks will work with them. Once they break-in, they are also really comfortable. Lastly, having a sling that looks so minimal and still can throw so far adds to the enjoyment.

Do you want something historically accurate?

The slings in this category: the Ma’a, Balearic, and Shepard sling. They all come from a specific world area and are based on historical records.

The Ma’a is styled off of the traditional Hawian sling. However, it also fits the style of many other pacific island slings. 

The Balearic sling is also based on a historical design. The best slingers in history used a sling in this style. I offer it in 2 thicknesses. It is more historically accurate if you get the 25 strand sling. It is also more visible while giving demonstrations. The 10 strand sling is better if you are looking for an everyday sling. This size is great as a hiking sling. 

The Shepard sling is designed off of historical paintings depicting David from the biblical story of David vs. Goliath. That sling from the depictions tends to look thick and have a full pouch. I chose to weave it instead of using a leather pouch because shepherds tended to weave their slings from wool. So a woven pouch would make more sense. However, I do weave it out of jute for practical reasons. It is a lot easier for me to get jute, making the sling more affordable.

Have you been slinging for a long time?

For those that have been slinging for a long time, I often ask what kind of sling gap are they looking to fill. If it is a new primary sling, then the Elite is the way to go. It is reliable, well-made, and has the extra craftsmanship that someone throwing for a while is looking for. On the other hand, I suggest the Light if they are looking for a new pocket sling. That is the “day pack” of slings, in my opinion. It gets the job done, is reliable, and can be put anywhere. Finally, the EDC fills that slot if they are looking for a slim and compact sling that can be taken anywhere. It is super small and can be easily worn as a bracelet. 

All these slings make for great additions to someone’s collection of slings. 

Do you throw only modern objects?

I have two slings made with modern items in mind and one sling that works excellent anyway. 

The Full Pouch sling is excellent for throwing tennis balls for your dog or just in general. The pouch is practically the size of a tennis ball, and it holds it really well. 

The Golfball sling was designed for exactly its name. It holds a golf ball really well and can also hold rocks. I made the Golfball sling and don’t suggest the Ma’a instead because of the release cord. The release cord on the Ma’a is the old school or traditional long-handle release cord. That is fine if you want a historical sling or like that style. But I find it harder to use right out the box. The golf ball sling has equal release and tension cords. This makes it easier for a newer slinger to pick up the sling and throw. 

The last sling that is surprisingly good is the Balearic sling. Both the 10 and 25 strand slings work really well with tennis balls. They will not throw slick objects as well, though. So it can not throw a golf ball, and I would even hesitate to throw a lacrosse ball with it. The slick factory surface can slide right through the pouch and come out the middle at any time in the throw.

Hopefully, this helped you if you were on the fence about what sling to get. Of course, you can definitely start with any sling and make it work for you. But for those that are still green to the sport and hobby of slinging, this should be an excellent start for you. I am always open to answering questions about slings. I am also always working on and adding to my shop, so there might be more slings when you read this. So definitely ask me about those if you are interested.

Till next time,

Sling on