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Reviews > Base Camp Gear > Misc Tools and Toys > Test Report by Brian Hartman

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

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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.

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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

Reviews > Base Camp Gear > Misc Tools and Toys > Test Report by Brian Hartman



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