How long will my bands last?

All bands wear out, tear, and get holes in them with use. Take good care of them for the longest life.

Every bandset will have a different lifespan, influenced by various factors. Some of these variables include:

• Active band length: Stretching your bands beyond their recommended elongation (e.g., exceeding 5x elongation) will significantly reduce their lifespan.
• Draw length: Longer draws put more stress on the bands, which can lead to faster wear.
• Environment: Exposure to UV light, ozone, or petrochemicals accelerates the breakdown of latex. For example, pure latex degrades faster than a specialized formula like SimpleShot Black.
• Material quality: The type of latex or latex blend used in the bands impacts durability.
• Slingshot type: How the bands are attached and the slingshot's design can affect wear.
• Projectile choice: Shooting irregular projectiles, such as stones, can nick or cut bands, shortening their life.
• Technique: Poor shooting technique, such as twisting or misaligning the bands, can lead to premature wear.
• Care and storage: Proper maintenance is critical. Bands that are well cared for last longer.

With so many variables, there’s no set number of shots you can expect from a bandset. However, 300 shots is a good average for flat bands under normal conditions. Some tournament shooters even replace their bands between every round during events like Spanish knockdowns!

Real-World Band Longevity

Bands naturally degrade over time, even if you’re not using them. Latex contains proteins that continuously break down, so it’s inevitable that they’ll wear out eventually. However, you can take steps to prolong their lifespan:

1. Protect them from UV light, chemicals, and ozone: Exposure to sunlight, oils, or chemical-laden environments speeds up degradation.
2. Store them in a cool, dark place: Heat accelerates breakdown. Avoid leaving bands in your car on hot days or near electronics that emit ozone.
3. Handle with care: Avoid overstretching or using sharp, irregular projectiles that could damage the bands.

Think of bands as consumables, much like bullets for a gun. Just as you regularly restock ammunition, you’ll need to replace your bands periodically to keep shooting. Proper care and storage will ensure you get the most out of every set.

To see all of our educational articles, visit SimpleShot Acadamy!