Pick Slingshot Rubber Band Thickness, Taper & Steel Ball Ammo Expert G

Definitive slingshot band guide with charts: exact thickness picks (0.40–2.00 mm), taper sizes, draw lengths, competition suitability, and safety — for short, mid & butterfly draws.

Most recommended for Olympic/competition Secondary competition pick

This reference maps exact thickness picks (0.40–2.00 mm) across four taper sizes, with style-typical draw lengths, recommended ammo, accuracy %, and competition suitability. It helps you choose the right setup for short pull, mid pull, and butterfly.

Fit matters: Choose bands based on your height, arm length, body weight, and strength. If you fatigue or shake at full draw, drop one thickness.

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How to read the tables

Taper Band Size (mm): Format Pouch × Fork × Length. Example 12 × 20 × 240 = 12 mm (pouch), 20 mm (fork), 240 mm (band length before stretch). Longer lengths suit mid pull & butterfly; shorter lengths suit short pull.
Draw Length (cm): Computed from typical safe stretch:
- Short Pull: 5.0×
- Mid Pull / Light Butterfly: 5.5×
- Butterfly: 6.0×
Accuracy Level (%): Relative to the style’s ideal thickness (Short/Mid ≈ 0.60; Mid/Light-Bfly ≈ 0.65; Butterfly ≈ 0.75).
Row colors: Green = most recommended (Accuracy ≥97% & “Yes”); Orange = secondary (Accuracy 85–96% & “Yes”).

Approximation notice: Accuracy levels and any speed/weight notes are model-based estimates. Verify with your exact latex, cut, pouch, ammo, and climate.

Slingshot Chart — 13×19×170 (Short Pull) Exact Thicknesses 0.40–2.00 mm

Taper Band Size (mm)	Band Thickness (mm)	Ammo Size	Draw Length (cm)	Recommended For	Accuracy Level (%)	Olympic / Competition	Pros	Cons	Caution
13×19×170	0.40	6 mm steel	85.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	77	No	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.45	6 mm steel	85.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	89	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.50	6 mm steel	85.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	98	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.55	7 mm steel	85.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	100	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.60	7 mm steel	85.0	Hobby/Competition Target	98	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.65	8 mm steel	85.0	Hobby/Competition Target	89	Yes	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.70	8 mm steel	85.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	77	No	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.75	9 mm steel	85.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	62	No	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.80	9 mm steel	85.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	54	No	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	0.95	10 mm steel	85.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	1.00	10 mm steel	85.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	1.30	11 mm steel	85.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	1.50	11 mm steel	85.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
13×19×170	2.00	12 mm lead	85.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands

Slingshot Chart — 12×20×200 (Mid-Pull) Exact Thicknesses 0.40–2.00 mm

Taper Band Size (mm)	Band Thickness (mm)	Ammo Size	Draw Length (cm)	Recommended For	Accuracy Level (%)	Olympic / Competition	Pros	Cons	Caution
12×20×200	0.40	6 mm steel	110.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	77	No	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.45	6 mm steel	110.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	89	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.50	6 mm steel	110.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	98	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.55	7 mm steel	110.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	100	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.60	7 mm steel	110.0	Hobby/Competition Target	98	Yes	Fast, Easy draw, High accuracy	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.65	8 mm steel	110.0	Hobby/Competition Target	89	Yes	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.70	8 mm steel	110.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	77	No	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.75	9 mm steel	110.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	62	No	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.80	9 mm steel	110.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	54	No	Balanced power/speed	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	0.95	10 mm steel	110.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	1.00	10 mm steel	110.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	1.30	11 mm steel	110.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	1.50	11 mm steel	110.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×200	2.00	12 mm lead	110.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	High penetration with heavy ammo	Slower with light ammo, Tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands

Slingshot Chart — 12×20×240 (Mid/Light Butterfly) Exact Thicknesses 0.40–2.00 mm

Taper Band Size (mm)	Band Thickness (mm)	Ammo Size	Draw Length (cm)	Recommended For	Accuracy Level (%)	Olympic / Competition	Pros	Cons	Caution
12×20×240	0.40	6 mm steel	132.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	68	No	Fast, Easy draw	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.50	6 mm steel	132.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	92	Yes	Fast, Accurate	Lighter impact	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.55	7 mm steel	132.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	96	Yes	Fast, Accurate	Lower penetration than thicker bands	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.60	7 mm steel	132.0	Hobby/Competition Target	96	Yes	Balanced, Accurate	Some fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.65	8 mm steel	132.0	Hobby/Competition Target	100	Yes	Top accuracy	Moderate fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.70	8 mm steel	132.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	96	Yes	Power/Accuracy balance	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.75	9 mm steel	132.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	92	No	Heavier impact	Fatigue increases	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.80	9 mm steel	132.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	86	No	Momentum with heavier ammo	Slower with light ammo	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	0.95	10 mm steel	132.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	70	No	High penetration	Fatigue, slower with light ammo	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	1.00	10 mm steel	132.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	66	No	Heavier ammo friendly	Not for precision comps	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	1.30	11 mm steel	132.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	58	No	High momentum	Very tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	1.50	11 mm steel	132.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	54	No	Heavy ammo only	Not efficient with light ammo	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×240	2.00	12 mm lead	132.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	Massive momentum	Very tiring, slower FPS	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands

Slingshot Chart — 12×20×260 (Butterfly) Exact Thicknesses 0.40–2.00 mm

Taper Band Size (mm)	Band Thickness (mm)	Ammo Size	Draw Length (cm)	Recommended For	Accuracy Level (%)	Olympic / Competition	Pros	Cons	Caution
12×20×260	0.40	6 mm steel	156.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	62	No	Very fast, easy draw	Low penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.65	8 mm steel	156.0	Hobby/Competition Target	96	Yes	High accuracy for butterfly	Moderate fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.70	8 mm steel	156.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	96	Yes	Balanced accuracy/power	More fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.75	9 mm steel	156.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	100	Yes	Top butterfly accuracy	Fatigue rises	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.80	9 mm steel	156.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	96	Yes	Power with control	Higher fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.95	10 mm steel	156.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	86	No	High penetration	Tiring, slower with light ammo	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	1.00	10 mm steel	156.0	Hobby/Heavy Target & Fish	82	No	Heavy ammo friendly	Not ideal for comps	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	1.30	11 mm steel	156.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	70	No	Momentum, long draw	Very tiring	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	1.50	11 mm steel	156.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	62	No	Heavy ammo only	Not efficient with light ammo	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	2.00	12 mm lead	156.0	Advanced/Butterfly & Heavy Ammo	50	No	Very high momentum	Very tiring, slow FPS	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.45	6 mm steel	156.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	74	No	Fast	Light impact	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.50	6 mm steel	156.0	Kids/Beginner/Target	84	No	Fast, accurate	Lighter impact	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.55	7 mm steel	156.0	Beginner/Target	91	No	Good control	Lower penetration	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands
12×20×260	0.60	7 mm steel	156.0	Hobby/Target	94	No	Balanced	Some fatigue	Stay ≤6× stretch; overpull snaps bands

Safety: Always wear eye protection, inspect bands, avoid sun/heat, store dry, and respect safe stretch (5×–6×). Replace bands at first signs of cracking.

References & Further Reading

*Values are indicative. For competition tuning, verify with a chronograph and your exact latex brand, cut, pouch, ammo, and climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which slingshot band thickness is best for competition accuracy?

Most competitors prefer 0.50–0.65 mm with short or mid pull tapers. In the charts, look for rows where Accuracy ≥97% (green) or 85–96% (orange) and Olympic / Competition = Yes.

Are thicker bands (1.0–2.0 mm) faster?

Not always. Thicker bands raise draw weight but need long draws and heavier ammo to be efficient. With light ammo they often produce lower FPS yet more momentum.

What stretch ratio should I use?

Stay within a safe 5×–6×. Our draw lengths assume Short 5.0×, Short–Mid/Light-Bfly 5.5×, Butterfly 6.0×. Overpull causes early failure.

How do I match ammo to band thickness?

0.40–0.65 mm → 6–8 mm steel; 0.70–0.95 mm → 8–9 mm steel; 1.0–1.5 mm → 10–11 mm steel; 2.0 mm → 12 mm lead (extreme butterfly only).

Short pull vs Mid pull vs Butterfly — what changes?

Longer draws store more energy and support thicker bands & heavier ammo. Short pull favors thinner bands for speed & precision. Butterfly benefits from longer band lengths & thicker bands.

How long do bands last and how to store?

Typical life: 200–500 shots. Store in a cool, dry, airtight bag away from UV. Use silica gel or talc to reduce moisture and sticking.

Do weather and temperature affect performance?

Yes. Cold stiffens latex (slower FPS, harder pull). Heat softens latex (faster FPS but quicker wear). Tune for your climate.

What safety precautions should I follow?

Wear eye protection, inspect bands, never dry-fire, keep others clear, and stay within the safe stretch limits.