The Precision Pro Elite range of competition bands, designed to improve your accuracy, is finally here! This world-class product range is manufactured using a proprietary process and special natural latex compound characteristics formulated for elastic consistency specifically for “kettie” (slingshot/catapult) applications.
 
Precision (i.e. internal mechanical metrics – ballistics [properties and performance]) is 100% calculable/science, the foundation of accuracy (i.e. external ballistics/75% calculable/voodoo) and down-range performance. The dedicated materials used by KETTY for precision (consistent, optimised performance) have been proven superior in precision shooting and demonstrated scientifically from the start to the middle and to the end of band life.
Elastic materials: Characteristics are critical for optimised performance to tune the precision/balance ratio of tension, expansion – acceleration rate for consistent velocity. It is a science that KETTY understands!
Durability: Read – FAQ / Band Set-up: (1) Draws Length (2) Band taper – very important for best performance. These are competition grade bands, designed to provide optimum reliable super consistency from shot 5 to 300 > depending on setup, straight cut (no taper) expect in excess of 500 shots.
 
YELLO: (Pro Elite) Yello 0,45 mm – Schools & Club Class. Length: 1 meter
Application: Ideal for weak (children) draw lengths / strengths – specifically designed – 5m and 10m competition disciplines, 8mm Steel and 8-8.5 Clay ammo pellets.
 
PINK: Pro Elite) – 0,50 mm – Competition Class (natural / pink print). Length: 1 meter
Excellent performer: 8mm Steel and 8-9mm Clay ammo pellets. Great light Adult band, for Standard competition disciplines: 10m, 15m, – limited 20m
 
BLUE: Pro Elite) – 0,55 mm – Competition Class (natural / blue print). Length: 1 meter
Excellent performer: 8mm Steel and 8-9mm Clay ammo pellets, Standard Competition – 10m, 15m, 20m.
 
WHITE: Pro Elite) – 0,60 mm – Competition Class (natural / white print). Length: 1 meter
Excellent performer: 8mm Steel competition (and 9mm Light Hunter), and 9-10 mm Clay ammo pellets, Heavy Competition – 10m, 15m, 20m / Field Target / Light hunter
 
Taper cut: Basic rule is – the more aggressive the taper the more velocity (veracity of the contraction) but the lesser durability (lifespan). Straight cut bands, caveat all – it has the best duration expectancy. You need to find the ideal performance parameters. The taper cuts (angles) guidelines in the table indicate the optimum (most aggressive) cut angles for optimum flatland performance for particular band model.
The Flatband metrics:  The obvious is the geometrics (physical appearance) of the bands itself, on 2 levels (reference Part 2 – KETTY PHDee)   the (A) gauge ((Ai) thickness / (Aii) gauge taper), (B) shape ((Bi) straight, taper) including the length. Of cause the actual material from which the flatbands is manufactured is of critical importance. Read – Ketty PHDee ! www.ketty.co.za
Draw (pull) Length: How long is your draw and how to measure it? There is the scientific method and the field method.
Scientific Method: Take two pieces of string; affix it, each to a post in centre of the band position. Assume your active shooting stance, stake the two pieces of string in your rear hand close to the kettie frame, (I prefer – with close eyes), raise the kettie and hold it out to the shooting position and run your rear hand back tensioning the strings under your thumb (pinch) and settle in the anchor position. Hold the string pinch and measure the length of each string. Use the average length if they differ. Very experience shooters will have no or an insignificant variation, whereas beginners will have greater variation because of their inconsistent form (posture). The importance is, that for various reasons (fatigue, complacency, etc) you will inevitably default to that “hold” (shooting position) in an event.
The Field method is literally a “rough cut” option that I use. It entails the slightly over estimation of the actual cut length. Already fit it with a pouch, and affix it, then pull it to max (comfortable) length, measure (estimate) the (extra) length of pull past the anchor point. Example: 3.5 cm extended pull, thus – 3.5cm divided by 5cm = 0.7 cm to sorter the free draw. It is a simple and easy method –  if you are in a crunch, but not scientifically correct (ideal).      
Basic winning recipe: 18-12  See: KETTY ELITE PRO Bands – 0.45 Yello, 0.50 Pink, 0.55 Blue, 0.60 White
Mistakes: Common errors made with cutting bands – example: (1) 1 side taper. The taper must run in equally on both sides, in other words, both sides (in length) of the band must be of equal length. (2) The cut length – oversize (over reach) the draw length, in other words, the bands are market out (stencilled / patterned) for the free draw length, but the taper is pinned (calculated) to the total length. Thus, especially on very short draws the actual narrow (pouch-) end the band width is actually broader (wider) than intended. (3) Incorrect draw length conversion. The actual draw to stretch equation formula, which determines the actual cut length.
Band Stretch: As a rule of thumb, for performance bands, 4.5 X times stretch is the bottom limit and 5 X times the upper limit. In other words if your draw is 50cm, the free (active) band length is between 10cm (shortest / 5 X) and 11.1cm (longest / 4.5 X). (4) Cant Cutter – when the roller cutter is at an (extreme) angle, it creates uneven edges, that originates tears.