Caring For Your Sling
Slings are subject to natural wear during slinging. This primarily happens in two ways, projectile abrasion and whip-crack fatigue.
Rock abrasion occurs in the release half of the pouch and the first several inches of the release cord as the rock is released from the sling. The abrasive surface of the rock rubs against these areas and can result in significant abrasion damage and it can happen quickly. Left unprotected the first use of slinging with rocks will leave signs of abrasion. The Pan sling goes to great lengths to protect this area and it will outlast unprotected slings. Check out our test video here for a visual:
All slings that are used to throw rocks will eventually wear out through abrasion. Slings should be checked before each use to ensure that rock abrasion has not compromised the safe use of the sling.
Whip-crack fatigue can also quickly wear out a sling. The extreme forces involved in the whip-crack section of the release cord can quickly wear out a sling. This is where a good slinging wax can prolong the life of a sling. Ensuring that the last couple inches of the release cord are newly waxed before each use will make a big difference and staying vigilant here will pay off. At Pan, we have spent a considerable amount of time testing and developing a wax that is specifically made to help protect this area.
Also, the use of a replaceable cracker is a great way to preserve the end of your release cord. The cracker can be an energy sink to take the abuse of this energy rather than the end of the sling. It is similar to how a cracker helps preserve the fall of a bullwhip.
Finally, if you use a leather pouch it will last much longer than a natural or man made braided pouch. But you will need to ensure that the leather is cleaned and conditioned from time to time to prevent dry cracking which can create weaknesses and failure points. Clean the leather with bristle brush and rag. Apply generous amounts of conditioner, wipe clean and reapply. Repeat several times. Also, try to avoid throwing dirty rocks. The Pan sling leather has been through our own drum hot stuffing. This process impregnates the leather with waxes and oils which will impart a long lifespan on the leather. But it will still need periodic reconditioning.
Check your sling often, care for it as you would any other piece of high performance equipment where safety is important and it will work well for you in return.