THE POCKET SHOT
TEST SERIES BY BRIAN HARTMAN
INITIAL REPORT October 20, 2017
TESTER INFORMATION
NAME:
|
Brian Hartman
|
EMAIL:
|
bhart1426ATyahooDOT com |
AGE:
|
49
|
LOCATION:
|
Central
Indiana |
GENDER:
|
M
|
HEIGHT:
|
5' 9" (1.75
m) |
WEIGHT:
|
150 lb (68.00
kg) |
I have been backpacking for over
20 years throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and most recently in Western USA. In
addition to backpacking I enjoy family camping with my wife and kids and being
outdoors in general. I would describe myself as a mid weight backpacker. I use
fairly light weight equipment and gear but still like to bring more than the
bare essentials with me while on the trail.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION &
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Pocket Shot LLC Year of Manufacture:
2017 Manufacturer's Website: http://www.thepocketshot.com/ MSRP:
US $25.00 Listed Weight: NA Measured Weight: 2oz (57g) Available
Colors: Black, Orange
Other details: Dimensions when pouch is stowed:
2.38 in diameter x 2.3 in length (60 mm x 58 mm) Dimensions when ready for
use: 2.38 in diameter x 5 in length (70 mm x 127 mm)
Description: The
Pocket Shot is a circular slingshot that shoots up to 350 fps (107 mps). In
terms of size it is smaller than a normal slingshot and has the added benefit of
being able to store ammo right inside of itself.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
I was very impressed upon first
seeing the Pocket Shot. I had no idea this product was on the market until I
looked into it. The Pocket Shot puts a new twist on traditional slingshots,
which date back to the late 1800's after the invention of vulcanized rubber. Of
course, instead of using a forked tree branch and inner tube tire for
construction, the Pocket Shot uses a high impact polycarbonate base, locking
ring and latex pouch. The inventive design results in a 'slingshot' that shoots
faster, and is smaller and lighter than anything else I've seen on the market
today. In addition, the Pocket Shot stores its ammo right inside the pouch,
with a cap threading over the locking ring to keep it secure. What more to
like!
The Pocket Shot arrived with a black pouch pre-attached and ready
for use. The black pouch is what the manufacturer refers to as their standard
latex pouch, capable of sending projectiles at speeds up to 300 fps (91.4 mps),
with a pull of 24 lbs (10.8 kg). Stored inside the standard pouch was Pocket
Shot's Pro pouch, which is blue in color and capable of reaching speeds up to
350 fps (107 mps). Per the manufacturer, the blue pouch has more snap but is
less durable. The pouches are easily swapped by simply unscrewing the locking
cap, slipping the black pouch off the base, and sliding the blue pouch on.
Per Pocket Shot, the average life of a pouch is between 200 and 400
shots. Life depends on the type of ammo used and how long and hard one pulls
back before each shot. New pouches are available for sale on the manufacturer's
website along with ammunition and various other accessories. Speaking of
ammunition, recommendations include 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8 inch (6.4, 7.9, and 9.5
mm) steel ball bearings, as well as marbles, lead, paintballs, smooth river
rocks and various other items. Ammo under 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) and BBs are not
recommended.
The fit and finish of the Pocket Shot was excellent and it
appeared to be very well made. My only concern was what might happen if one of
the steel balls hit the base ring by accident. After studying the Power Shot, I
shot all of the orange colored 10mm (0.39 in) ABS plastic balls and then quickly
retreated to my house where I jumped on the internet to order more ammo because
I could quickly see this becoming additive.
SUMMARY
The Pocket Shot is one cool
slingshot. It is small, lightweight and has built-in storage for ammunition and
extra pouches.
This concludes my Initial Report of the Pocket Shot
slingshot. Thanks to Pocket Shot LLC for providing this item for testing and to
BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to participate in this test.
This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org
Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
Read more gear reviews by Brian Hartman
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