The Right Rubber Bands

One of the bigger problems with rubber band guns is their ammo.  Provided that a rubber band as a smooth release from a gun, it will leave without much problem.  However, that is where the problems start...

Rubber bands are typically made by extruding tubes of rubber, and slicing the end of the tube off to make each rubber band.  Because of this manufacturing procedure, rubber bands have a rectangular cross section.

(Image copyright 2006 Klahan Discoveries LLC)

Furthermore, most rubber bands have a high width/thickness ratio, making them rather "flat".  In our observations, this flat design catches the air in unpredictable ways resulting in two negative effects:

1. The rubber band decelerates rapidly because the width to mass ratio off, resulting in too much air friction with not enough momentum to carry it for a long distance.
   
2. The rubber band veeres off course erratically, resulting in a severe loss of accuracy.

From observation and testing, the most sensible rubber band for a rubber band gun would minimize this "flatness".  

The Heavy Duty Answer:

A rubber band with sufficient wall thickness, and minimal width would be ideal.  Despite searching high and low, we were not able to find suitable rubber bands, so we worked with a rubber band manufacturer to make a batch of a more ideal band.

4.5" long, 1/8" thick, 1/4" wide, very sturdy.

Here is a picture:

(Rubber band image provided courtesy of Gahooa, LLC)

As it may be apparent from the picture, this rubber band flies very far, very straight, and very hard.  In fact, any doubts about the need for eye protection should be gone by glancing at this picture.

Thanks for reading, and as always, have a great day!