Slings

Jamie Innes - 25-6-05

Don't have a sling eh? Should you get one? The number one reason why people don't use a sling on thier paintball marker is they don't have a need, or see a need for one. But for a certain type of baller (could be anyone by the way), a sling is a pretty handy accessory to have. The traditional interpretation is that you only use a sling on either a rifle, or an extremely heavy firearm. This is true for the most part. Carrying systems for smaller arms do exist aswell as big or heavy ones. (I say "arms" because sling systems for firearms and paintball markers are more or less one and the same)

SINGLE POINT SLINGS

A single point sling attaches to one part of your marker. usually this is at the rear, along your stock, or behind the bolt. A good example is the D-ring at the rear of the Tippmann A-5. Often a player will use a single point sling to carry the marker under the arm, or around the neck.

DOUBLE POINT SLINGS

Double points attach to two parts of your marker, up the front, usually near the tip of the barrel or somewhere around the foregrip, and at the rear, usually on or around the stock. Don't get too bogged down with the right and wrong ways to attach a 2-point sling, because in fact they can attach a number of ways. However most made-for-paintball slings will come with velcro straps or other similar attachment, because most markers don't have built in places to attach a sling.
Double points are usually a single strap (usually it's an adjustable loop) which allows you to sling the marker over your shoulders, either in a carrying fashion, or in a weight bearing fashion.

TRIPLE POINT SLINGS

Triple points are basically the same as double points, except there is a strap going along the length of the marker as well. So the 3 "points" are the stock, the barrel, and your neck. These are generally the most elaborate slings available, and can be extremely useful, or extremely worthless depending on what your needs are.

INTEGRATED SLINGS

An integrated sling is a loose concept, the idea being to make the sling a part of your carrying equipment, rather than just an accessory to your marker. The most noteworthy example is the integrated sling system on Cops911 vests. The integrated sling on these vests attaches atop both shoulders via a plastic quick-release buckle. The two 'straps" then attach to the marker the way a 2-point sling would. The upside to an integrated sling is it's very comfortable to have "hanging" off you for long periods of time (more comfortable than an ordinary sling), the downside is that these slings make it difficult to shoot your marker with your off-hand, and are fiddly to attach/detach from your marker or vest/carrying equipment.

DO I NEED A SLING?

Most people don't. Because slings are traditionally used by soldiers, not paintballers.
Firearms in general are heavier than paintball markers, and unlike a paintballer, a solider will be carrying his weapon around with him all day, every day. However, there are a couple of things that are telltale signs you ought to get a sling for your paintball marker...

* You play, either frequently, or occasionally, LONG games. If you play a long game, which obviously includes scenarios, then a sling can be a great asset. Why? because in a long game you won't necessarily be moving, shooting or communicating all the time, there will be times you are not doing these things, such as waiting for a mission to start or setting an ambush. A sling allows you to put the weight of your marker on your neck & shoulders, giving your hands and arms a rest.

* Your marker is heavy, if you have something like this, then regardless of how long or short your game is, your arms will become tired sooner or later. And when the critical moment comes to raise your marker and shoot... you want your arms to be rested, rather than aching and sore.

Additionally, it can be a great help when the time comes to reload. For example, reloading without a sling means you have to hold the marker in one hand, the pod in the other. Great if you're playing speedball and are going to "ditch" your pods as you go. Not so great in the bush, when you're going to have to reach back and put the empty pod back in your harness. And as we all know, pods can sometimes be a nuisance to get back in, so having two hands available for that task, is better than one.

Slings are one of those accessories where most people are strictly for or against. And it is certainly influenced by what kind of game you play. If you've gone through everything I've outlined above... and thought that a sling could be a handy addition to your gear, then I highly reccomend one.

Credits
Single point sling, Thanks to Weedwacker