I like both styles. Different aspects of the same sport, like in fencing (yeah, I did fence) where there is the sword, rapier and saber, with some details for the best technique.
I think that TTF is easier for the newbies, as you instinctively aim through the fork and references are easy. OTT requires more finesse and makes fork/hand hits easier to happen.
There is a lot of subjective considerations for this preferences. I believe that you can be equally effective in any style with practice.
When I was 9 I was a through the forks kind of kid.
My latest creation, a kind of PVC Starship has green thera band tubes pushed over large blue screws for securing wood to concrete. (Very much a TTF shooter, and boy does it shoot)
However, I have been following some of the OTT threads, and PFS with rounded tops. I am interested, some of you guys get amazing accuracy.
I have not built it yet, but it is germinating in the back of my head.
I'm mainly going with OTT, but not because that's the only and best solution. My reason is mainly originated from building experiences. TTF requires different shape, not much different but in some dimensions. Since I prefer compact frames, low levers, and pocket-ability I usually stay with OTT. However TTF is accurate (or more accurate) and there is a longer band life possibility too.
On the other side, when I close my eyes and think of "The Generic Slingshot" I see a top clamped natural
I find myself shooting TTF most of the time. But it does depend on the slingshot. If it has a hammer grip style or an arm brace, it's going to be OTT. The rest of the slingshot styles I seem to naturally gravitate toward TTF. For me, TTF has been more accurate, and I feel like I can aim my shots a bit better that OTT.
TTF adapts better for rather short draw and fixed anchor, maybe the preferred setup for target shooters, OTT are the best with long powerful draws (not practical for TTF) and can be accurate as well ... I don't believe accuracy is related to TTF or OTT setup, is the shooter what makes the difference ...
Cheers
Arturo
Arturo I'll agree that the shooter makes a big difference.
But speaking for myself, the same shooter with different slingshots has wildly varying results. Quesition, does a really good experienced shooter such as yourself automatically adjust technique if changing between different styles?
In my opinion, the slingshot itself, and the way it is built, rubber attached, does have a big effect. I wonder how much of it is just keeping the rubber out of the way of what is being shot? Those smoothly rounded over the top and Picklefork shooters seem to be doing something right.
One possible advantage for wrist rocket type commercial slingshot using tubes is that the tubes slide over metal arms, fairly well separated from each other. So you don't get bands flopping wildly about in the breeze as the ball goes by.
Makes me wonder if TTF style should actually be fastening the bands on differently so the bands roll smoothly over the fork on the inside instead of trying to go over the top?
Lots of questions, including how much effect different mounting technique's have on accuracy.
Ghosth, I've learned with TTF and I think it's a good school, even many folks keeps with it turning them accuracy masters (as Bill Hayes) but it doesn't mean that TTF are more accurate per se, is just they become excellent shooters that way and didn't developed OTT, that happened to me when I switched to OTT, "OMG this s**t is awfull !" but I was stagnated shooting TTF so I've decided to give a serious try to OTT with long draws from the beginning and again "OMG this s**t is working nice !" and was able to improve my shooting to I believed earlier was unthinkable, I still keep doing different experiments to improve further ... that is what like of slingshots, you never stop learning LOL !
Cheers
Arturo
I think over the top gives us more to chew on in terms of tip design and grip shapes that help thehand cope with and resist a lot of tension. Ball ends, dished ends, cam ends, roller ends high forks low forks wide forks narrow forks and even no forks at all ...for those who like to tinker and learn OTT has a lot to offer and seems to be better suited for long bands. Long bands can fly up and over easier than through a narrow gap to my mind.
That said one of my favorites is a short banded TTF Y. Maybe a little down on power compared to stout OTT shooters but it's a pleasure to use. Although there really is something satisfying about stretching those bands wayyyyyyyy back on an OTT. And then there's the PFS which is a whole differnt animal even though it is technically OTT...but shoot it like a regular wider taller OTT and you will get hurt
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