[Melchior]

There are several types of metal that have a catalytic effect on the degradation of latex. Copper alloys such as brass are an example, but other types of metal harm latex, too.

This slingshot is an example. You can see the darkened spots on the bands, they appeared where they had prolonged contact with the slingshot. I'm not sure, but suspect that the degradation only took place when the metal frame of the slingshot touched another metal slingshot. Contact between two metals with different oxidation potentials is often a cause for corrosion.

 

[peash00ter]

that's really intriguing. does chromium cause this, as most slingshots sold are chrome plated?

 

[Melchior]

I think the chinese slingshots are nickel plated. I'd like to add that the bandset is quite old and still shoots well, this particular slingshot does not do much more than discolor the bands. Still, I prefer a slingshot that doesn't do stuff with my bands.