7 Best Slingshots for Beginners

Slingshots are known as fun toys for kids, but many would be surprised to know slingshots have various other applications, too, like self-defense and even hunting. The good news is that there are slingshots for every skill level.

In this article, I’ll be detailing what slingshots are the best for novices, including recommended products from Amazon, as well as some essential information you should know when getting into the slingshot world. 

1. SimpleShot The Scout Hunting Slingshot

The Scout is one of the most simple and classic slingshots to start with. 

Crafted with polycarbonate construction, this slingshot is light yet still highly durable. Although it uses flat latex bands by default, the Scout can be outfitted with rubber tubing or other types of elastic. 

This makes it a versatile and easy choice for anyone learning how slingshots work or for those eager to experiment with how different types of elastics affect shooting. 

There aren’t any fancy sights or anything to distract you, just a simple and accurate slingshot.

2. SimpleShot Axiom Ocularis Hunting Slingshot

Besides the exotic name, the Axiom Ocularis’s claim to fame is that it has won more slingshot tournaments than any other slingshot. But is it suitable for beginners too, you may wonder? 

Absolutely!

The Ocularis is a standard forked design with injection-molded plastic construction. This makes it easy to carry and shoot, especially with the cordage-wrapped handle. In addition, you can change out the default flat bands with tubes or looped tubes as desired to change up your shooting style.

For anyone wanting a simple slingshot or something to learn small game hunting, the Ocularis is a solid choice.

Related Ammo For Hunting | By Type Of Game.

3. Daisy B52 Slingshot

Known for their BB guns, Daisy also makes a mean slingshot! 

The bright B52 slingshot uses surgical-grade tubing to provide maximum shooting power for taking down small game animals or just pinging cans in the backyard.

The B52 uses stainless steel construction and feels solid but also folds up for compact carrying. 

Flexible wrist support helps ease any strain on your hands and wrists from shooting. Overall, it’s a nice slingshot to start with if you want a little power.

4. Beeman Marksman Laserhawk Folding Slingshot

With a tempered steel body that features wide forks and rubber tubing, the Beeman Marksman is a great choice for anyone going camping or hunting. In addition, the unique wide forks reduce the strain on the tubing, giving it a longer effective lifespan than other slingshots.

The tubing grants enough power to take down birds and small game, and the whole slingshot folds down small enough to comfortably tote around in a pocket.

5. SimpleShot Torque Slingshot

The compact Torque slingshot is made of ultra-durable black polycarbonate, plus it looks pretty fashionable too! This slingshot features looped tube bands by default that can be switched out for flat or other bands.

What sets the Torque apart is that it can be configured for left-hand or right-hand shooting, or even side shooting if desired. The comfortable handle makes it a breeze to accurately aim with as well!

6. Basune Solid Wooden Slingshot

My personal favorite. The Basune slingshot is beautifully crafted, with a solid handle that’s easy for children or adults to grip comfortably. It uses flat bands accompanied by a faux-leather pouch that’s handy for storing extra ammo, making it faster and easier to shoot in succession, if not capable of as much power as some of the metal slingshots above.

Some user reviews have noted that the bands are a little flimsy for what they are, but it helps that the slingshot comes with an extra in case the first fails. So for a novice or child’s first slingshot, you can’t go wrong with this one.

7. YuXing 009U Outdoor Hunting Slingshot Kit

This versatile slingshot is made of nylon composite for durability, with both flat bands and rubber tubing included so you can switch them out at will. Although this slingshot isn’t anything fancy, it’s great for practicing your hand-eye coordination and getting used to slingshots in general.

If you’re not concerned with fancy aesthetics and just want something that shoots straight, this is a perfect choice. As the name indicates, it’s powerful enough to hunt small animals when camping or hunting.

What To Look for in a Slingshot

There are various characteristics you need to consider when looking at slingshots. These are heavily dependent on you — what you’ll be using the slingshot for, the size, strength, and dexterity of your hands, price range, and longevity. Let’s look at a few of the most important things to look for in a slingshot.

Find a Handle That Comfortable

The slingshot handle is of paramount importance because you can’t shoot either a squirrel or a can if you can’t hold onto the slingshot! You’ll need to find a slingshot with a grip that fits your hands — smaller hands call for smaller slingshots and vice versa. 

Finding a slingshot with a handle that fits your hand will reduce hand and wrist discomfort and muscle fatigue when shooting for extended periods of time. Luckily, most slingshots specifically designed for hunting have ergonomically designed grips for optimal comfort.

The material is also relevant here because stainless steel grips will be more slippery in the hot outdoors versus, say, wood. Also worth thinking about is how you hold the slingshot — the traditional hammer grip for a regular forked slingshot. But if you want to hold your slingshot at an atypical angle, you may wish to search for a grip that’s more ergonomic.

Flat Bands Are Easier To Draw for Beginners

You can’t overlook the type of band your slingshot has because the elastic properties of the band are what’s sending your ammo flying at your target.

The two most common band types are rubber tubing and flat band, and each has its pros and cons. They include:

• Rubber tubing: Rubber tubing is much more durable and powerful than flat bands but is somewhat harder to draw quickly and accurately. Many hunting slingshots use rubber tubing for their increased power, which makes hunting birds and small game easier.
• Flat bands: They wear out faster than rubber tubing but are far easier to draw quickly and accurately. They’re preferred for self-defense slingshots because of their ease of use and speed, not to mention relative accuracy.

Frame Material Will Affect Longevity

The three most common materials used to make slingshots are wood, plastic, and metal. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, and most people will find they develop a preferred type of slingshot.

• Wood is what classic forked Y slingshots are almost always made out of. It can hold up well over time with care. The main problem with wood slingshots is that they deteriorate quickly when used in wet conditions like snow or rain.
• Plastic slingshots are typically inexpensive because they’re cheap to manufacture. While the cheapest plastic slingshots have questionable durability, some newer variants use fiberglass or nylon in their construction to boost sturdiness. They’re also very light compared to wood or metal, making them easy to carry.
• Metal slingshots vary between heavy and light depending on whether stainless steel or aluminum is used in the frame. They last the longest out of all slingshots. Most metal hunting slingshots will have foam or nylon handles, but these are typically the most expensive slingshots you can buy.

For more, don’t miss How Fast Does a Slingshot Shoot? | 3 Key Factors.