[Archers] Atlatl

[Chip Miles]

This is Discussion points, not me downing anyone.

My only issue is with your descriptions.
As a rules lawyer in another life, "  Atlatls and darts should be constructed
to resemble materials and equipment that existed in-period " This leaves
LOTS of "Wiggle Room". EG: IF I can Find shafts that "Look Like Wood" I'm
good?
Whereas if you reduce it to " Atlatls and darts should be constructed of
materials that existed in-period" it works the other way. EG is this wooden
shaft carved, lathed, or run through a dowel jig.
But, I think you will have fewer folks calling you out on your words with
the latter.

"Darts should be *reasonably straight* with fletches of feathers, paper, or
leather. Points are optional, but if used must be securely fastened to the
dart."
In archery, we rely on straight arrows. In Atlatl the warp can be an
advantage or a disadvantage depending on how you align the dart with the
atlatl. A curved or warped dart can allow the user to "know" their dart
flexion. If flexion occurs it's good to know what direction it's going to
happen. ALL materials have a side that gives more. Knowing this can create
better force application creating a more reliable throw, and Less breakage
overall. Atlatl works a lot like the actions described in archers paradox,
the arrow bends when force is applied. in the example of carbon fiber this
a worry because they are shooting arrows with a lot more force and speed,
and going against the flexion would result in exploding arrows. In the case
of atlatls, there is more force being applied to a greater amount of mass,
So a thrower knowing which way the dart flexes is a good thing.
Now that said, a dart that looks more like a boomerang would be bad and
would cause another set of issues.
A Little is good, a lot is bad.
Points are good, "they extend the life of the dart", they also are a little
weight on the front of the dart.

YIS
Ursus Apicius


On Fri, Oct 26, 2018 at 10:52 AM JAMES FRAILEY <seamusmcray at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Greetings Atlantian Archers. It has come to my attention that there are
> very little guidelines about Atlatl and equipment documented. Also I see
> that there is some marketing of Atlatl equipment from such sources as
> 3-River Archery. (
> https://www.3riversarchery.com/carbon-express-atlatl-kit.html)
>
> My opinion is I am OK with modern material for Atlatls but I am not OK
> with modern materials such as carbon darts. I view this the same way we
> allow modern material for bows and not arrows. My suggestion below for our
> Target Archery Handbook.
>
> "Atlatl
>
> • Inspection of equipment will in general be the same as for archery
> equipment.
>
> • Atlatls and darts should be constructed to resemble materials and
> equipment that existed in-period. Natural materials like wood and bamboo
> are recommended. In the Kingdom of Atlantia, darts cannot be used that are
> made of carbon fiber or any other modern materials.
>
> • Darts should be reasonably straight with fletches of feathers, paper, or
> leather. Points are optional, but if used must be securely fastened to the
> dart.
>
> • The atlatl itself will be smooth and free of cracks, warps, and bends so
> as not to endanger the user or others."
>
> So, since I am not King, Queen or the Earl Marshal I am not the last say
> in this. I welcome all reasonable dialog in regards to crafting guidelines.
> Please contribute especially those with expertise with this equipment.peter
>
> I look forward to some dialog over this matter. Thank you.
>
>
> In service,
>
> Baron Seamus McRay
> Master of the Pelican
> Atlantia Archery DEM
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> Archers at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
> http://seahorse.atlantia.sca.org/listinfo.cgi/archers-atlantia.sca.org
>
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