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Hello everybody,
I received some "sling mail" from PIAO YU, a very reliable seller at Aliexpress: the "Tianpeng" slingshot, which sports an engraved "piggy" symbol on the rear grip side (scroll down for photos).
Ergonomic handling: the first thing you notice when you pick up the so-called "Tianpeng" slingshot (I purchased mine at PIAO YU, Aliexpress) is that its ergonomic design fits extremely well inside the holding hand (ambidextrous frame), and that it has a fair amount of heft to it. In a sense, the weighty 304 stainless steel forks (magnet tested!) are a combination of the so-called "pinch grip" and "hammer grip", because of the way the rounded rear side of the forks extends into the palm web section of the hand, i.e. the section of the hand between the index finger and thumb knuckles.
This design feature significantly reduces draw weight-induced forces on the index finger and thumb, which is to some extent reminiscent of archery bow grips, where gripping too tightly should be avoided to allow for the natural forward motion of the bow after the release. That said, I would nevertheless recommend a reasonably tight grip with the index finger and thumb on the Tianpeng, as not doing so may result in a slight rotation of the forks immediately after the release - and subsequently less accuracy in the process.
In conjunction with the very low fork height (20 mm measured from the base of the fork center), potential wrist torsion is reduced to an absolute minimum. This is a frame I would say is perfect for target shooting with an emphasis on potentially very tight groups at 10 yards - assuming that you have a well calibrated band set for a flat ammo trajectory. Competition equipment.
Shooting test: based on my initial shooting tests at 8 yards (the usual 10 yard "range" would have endangered my neighbors on the other side of the hedge that day) using 0.55 mm flat bands that came together with the slingshot, and 8 mm steel ammo, a cheekbone (maxillary bone) based anchor point with the thumb knuckle, while shooting sideways, yielded the best results. There were no hand slaps in spite of the fairly stout bands for the 8 mm ammo.
The weight of the forks definitely has an effect on the "recoil" motion of the hand and frame after the release: one can actually retain the sight picture after the release - a testimony of the good stability of the Tianpeng slingshot, which seems to share some of the features seen on the "Heaven Emperor" slingshot - but at a much lower purchasing price. The wood grip itself is quite ergonomic, but could be a shade wider and slightly longer in my opinion i.e. it may therefore not be suitable for larger (wider) hands.
Shooting technique: I found that the included fiber optic sight is best used by placing the red "dot" right next to the intended target, as opposed to placing the dot over the target. The fiber optic sights are very good for aiming, but the setting screws on this unit seem to be dysfunctional: the overall design is not the best I have seen until now. Maybe other fiber optic sight designs are available for this slingshot.
Workmanship: the finish of the metalwork looks like it was sandblasted for a very smooth finish, and there are absolutely no rough edges whatsoever. I did have to remove industrial grime inside the flat band clamp units of the forks using gun cleaning spray (Ballistol) to ensure that the spring supported tightening screws operate flawlessly.
Some of the orange-brown wood staining agent came off the wood grip when I wiped it with a white cotton rag during the cleaning process after it arrived: maybe it camefresh off the assembly line? The metal forks and upper grip edge could have been connected more precisely (there is a visible gap) but this certainly does not affect handling in any way. That said, the slingshot is excellent value for the money paid, no complaints.
Pricing: Various online sellers (some relevant links of reliable sellers below) advertise the "Tianpeng" slingshot, which is available in two different fork prong widths: 20 mm and 23 mm. USD 22 seems to be the sweet spot for this slingshot, but I prefer to pay a little more if it comes from a reputable seller.
My verdict: for those among you seeking a pleasantly weighty and very ergonomic slingshot for accurate paper target work, this may an interesting option to look at. There is a bit of an initial learning curve with the handling of this frame, but you will be astounded by the potential accuracy it is capable of once you do get used to its specific shooting characteristics.
I for my part like it for its original design, weight, and the way draw weight forces are very well distributed inside the slingshot holding hand to minimize muscle fatigue.
Let me know what you think.
Product links:
Piao Yu: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33013619789.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.9.75c81a729fGG6M
Mr. Yang Outdoors supplies store:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000326256939.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.7.4e102c1fecLNZc
I received some "sling mail" from PIAO YU, a very reliable seller at Aliexpress: the "Tianpeng" slingshot, which sports an engraved "piggy" symbol on the rear grip side (scroll down for photos).
Ergonomic handling: the first thing you notice when you pick up the so-called "Tianpeng" slingshot (I purchased mine at PIAO YU, Aliexpress) is that its ergonomic design fits extremely well inside the holding hand (ambidextrous frame), and that it has a fair amount of heft to it. In a sense, the weighty 304 stainless steel forks (magnet tested!) are a combination of the so-called "pinch grip" and "hammer grip", because of the way the rounded rear side of the forks extends into the palm web section of the hand, i.e. the section of the hand between the index finger and thumb knuckles.
This design feature significantly reduces draw weight-induced forces on the index finger and thumb, which is to some extent reminiscent of archery bow grips, where gripping too tightly should be avoided to allow for the natural forward motion of the bow after the release. That said, I would nevertheless recommend a reasonably tight grip with the index finger and thumb on the Tianpeng, as not doing so may result in a slight rotation of the forks immediately after the release - and subsequently less accuracy in the process.
In conjunction with the very low fork height (20 mm measured from the base of the fork center), potential wrist torsion is reduced to an absolute minimum. This is a frame I would say is perfect for target shooting with an emphasis on potentially very tight groups at 10 yards - assuming that you have a well calibrated band set for a flat ammo trajectory. Competition equipment.
Shooting test: based on my initial shooting tests at 8 yards (the usual 10 yard "range" would have endangered my neighbors on the other side of the hedge that day) using 0.55 mm flat bands that came together with the slingshot, and 8 mm steel ammo, a cheekbone (maxillary bone) based anchor point with the thumb knuckle, while shooting sideways, yielded the best results. There were no hand slaps in spite of the fairly stout bands for the 8 mm ammo.
The weight of the forks definitely has an effect on the "recoil" motion of the hand and frame after the release: one can actually retain the sight picture after the release - a testimony of the good stability of the Tianpeng slingshot, which seems to share some of the features seen on the "Heaven Emperor" slingshot - but at a much lower purchasing price. The wood grip itself is quite ergonomic, but could be a shade wider and slightly longer in my opinion i.e. it may therefore not be suitable for larger (wider) hands.
Shooting technique: I found that the included fiber optic sight is best used by placing the red "dot" right next to the intended target, as opposed to placing the dot over the target. The fiber optic sights are very good for aiming, but the setting screws on this unit seem to be dysfunctional: the overall design is not the best I have seen until now. Maybe other fiber optic sight designs are available for this slingshot.
Workmanship: the finish of the metalwork looks like it was sandblasted for a very smooth finish, and there are absolutely no rough edges whatsoever. I did have to remove industrial grime inside the flat band clamp units of the forks using gun cleaning spray (Ballistol) to ensure that the spring supported tightening screws operate flawlessly.
Some of the orange-brown wood staining agent came off the wood grip when I wiped it with a white cotton rag during the cleaning process after it arrived: maybe it camefresh off the assembly line? The metal forks and upper grip edge could have been connected more precisely (there is a visible gap) but this certainly does not affect handling in any way. That said, the slingshot is excellent value for the money paid, no complaints.
Pricing: Various online sellers (some relevant links of reliable sellers below) advertise the "Tianpeng" slingshot, which is available in two different fork prong widths: 20 mm and 23 mm. USD 22 seems to be the sweet spot for this slingshot, but I prefer to pay a little more if it comes from a reputable seller.
My verdict: for those among you seeking a pleasantly weighty and very ergonomic slingshot for accurate paper target work, this may an interesting option to look at. There is a bit of an initial learning curve with the handling of this frame, but you will be astounded by the potential accuracy it is capable of once you do get used to its specific shooting characteristics.
I for my part like it for its original design, weight, and the way draw weight forces are very well distributed inside the slingshot holding hand to minimize muscle fatigue.
Let me know what you think.
Product links:
Piao Yu: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33013619789.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.9.75c81a729fGG6M
Mr. Yang Outdoors supplies store:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000326256939.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.7.4e102c1fecLNZc
