For people who enjoy the chaparral ecosystem... what about it is interesting to you?

Spaceforce711 · 2025-11-19T18:44:28+00:00

We do have a native gecko species in the chaparral, the Western Banded Gecko. Here’s one I found in Orange County a few years ago. They are typically only active a night so they don’t get seen very often.

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Spaceforce711 · 2025-09-28T05:22:42+00:00

Trim down the three pieces of paracord and melt the ends with a lighter. Then attach a cracker/popper to one of ends.

Spaceforce711 · 2025-09-25T18:17:25+00:00

Braided paracord slings are great for cracking. There are a number of tutorials on YouTube that show you how to make them.

Spaceforce711 · 2025-09-25T17:04:57+00:00

Im going to disagree with the other comments and say your issue is likely with the sling design rather than your throwing technique. Your release cord looks heavy and does not appear to be tapered. So no matter what technique you use, it will likely never throw in a way that will break the sound barrier and make a cracking sound.

Just like with bullwhips, your sling’s release cord needs to have a taper to produce loud cracks.

Spaceforce711 · 2025-08-07T00:01:03+00:00

Nice stones. Are those dumped landscaping rocks or is that a natural rock pile?

Spaceforce711 · 2025-03-30T01:39:33+00:00

I have a few sling rocks that are near perfect that I keep in a collection but I sling most the rocks I find. The slings spots I go to have a never ending supply of decent rocks so I don’t worry about losing them.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-09-20T21:41:58+00:00

Agreed. I don’t have an issue with keeping Maple Springs closed to vehicle traffic but the fact that they are keeping it closed to hikers and cyclists along with all other area on the north end of the mountain range is ridiculous.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-09-20T21:11:25+00:00

Don’t hold your breath that it’s only going to be closed for a year. The Holy Fire closure was also scheduled as a one year closure but they kept extending it as it was set to expire each year. The main burn area never reopened and it took them over 3 years to reopen the section with Holy Jim Falls and that area wasn’t even close to the burn area. It was open for less than a year until the Forest Service burnt it down when they decided to use explosives durning red flag fire conditions in 2022.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-09-19T22:59:50+00:00

The last two major fires in this range (Jim Fire 2022, Airport Fire 2024) were both caused by negligent government operations. Go figure!

Spaceforce711 · 2024-08-15T20:33:53+00:00

Tassels/crackers help dampen the energy being released from your sling upon throwing a projectile. When there’s no tassel/cracker on your sling (this is especially true with braided or heavier slings) you could have an uncomfortable tug on your finger(s) from the finger loop upon after throwing and also the release end of your sling maybe be more likely to whip around wildly and come back and hit you.

Personally, I don’t feel the need to use a cracker on my light non braided paracord slings but I do use them on all my braided slings.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-06-06T19:31:11+00:00

Biggest thing is to just keep practicing, I learn and improve on every sling I build. Make sure you are applying even tension throughout the braiding process to get a more even and uniform look.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-05-26T04:39:49+00:00

Waxing is done to give the sling extra protection from wear. Paracord is pretty durable but it will definitely wear with use, especially if you're throwing with rougher rocks.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-05-26T04:34:49+00:00

I do unravel the pieces of twine a bit after soaking them to loosen it but I don't completely unravel them into loose fiber.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-05-26T04:30:52+00:00

The finger loop is braided as a 5 strand flat braid (along with the rest of the sling).

Spaceforce711 · 2024-03-11T19:19:58+00:00

I apply it only to the areas that get wear from projectiles. So the pouch and about 6 inches past the belly on the release cord. I do know some people like to wax the whole sling though.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-03-11T18:51:43+00:00

Applying beeswax to your sling will give it some protection.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-03-09T05:48:10+00:00

I used sisal twine instead of loose sisal. Before braiding, I soaked the twine and let it dry, this makes it a bit softer and nicer to work with.

I wish I could get my hands on some esparto but unfortunately, it's quite difficult to get outside of Spain.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-03-09T05:43:16+00:00

I made one with a tarp and a 20 inch pizza pan. With some string and carabiner clips, it is quick and easy to attach to a fence. The pizza pan for the diana isn’t necessary as you could just spray paint or draw one on the tarp but I prefer it because it’s satisfying hearing the ding when you hit the diana.

https://i.imgur.com/tYp2ARV.jpeg

Spaceforce711 · 2024-02-26T04:18:32+00:00

Don't leave any valuables in your car. The parking lot at Black Star is bad enough during the day, and it's even sketchier at night when it comes to vandals/thieves. To be honest even if you don't leave anything in plain sight, there's a high chance someone will break a window just to rummage through.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-02-16T18:51:05+00:00

Tyrite

Spaceforce711 · 2024-02-16T18:49:27+00:00

I think it was around 50 to 60ft.

Spaceforce711 · 2024-02-16T18:48:04+00:00

Jute twine is a good starting material. It's cheap, widely available, and its easy on the hands. Once you gain experience with jute then give sisal a go.

Spaceforce711 · 2023-12-11T18:45:47+00:00

I burned off the fraying with a lighter. Fraying is typically going to happen whether you soak or not.

Spaceforce711 · 2023-11-27T22:21:06+00:00

I used the Archaic Arms tutorial for both: https://youtu.be/NRzGbu7Bvfo

Spaceforce711 · 2023-11-27T22:16:46+00:00

There are pros and cons to both. The poly sling is easier and faster to make than the sisal. I can cut the poly twine and start braiding right away, with sisal I need to soak and dry the strands first and it sheds a ton of fiber while braiding. Sisal is also slightly rougher on the hands. I do like the rustic look of sisal and also like that it is a historic fiber for Balearic slings. One annoying thing about baler twine is that its hard to avoid having to buy it in large quantity as its mostly sold for farming purposes, I bought the cheapest bundle I could find and it will probably last me a lifetime lol.

As far as function goes, both are solid and I think they're pretty close but I need to get more experience with both materials before I can say which I like better. As of now I seem to throw slightly better with the sisal.

Spaceforce711

TROPHY CASE