Equipment Guide

The Cane Dart Experience Editor's Note: The following article comes from the Pennsylvania Atlatl Association newsletter and is one of the finest overall articles on atlatls and darts that I have read. Although it deals mainly with cane darts, everyone should read it to have a better understanding of the relationship between their atlatl and dart and the throwing process. I hope to have some more 'How To' articles in the future. Gary writes: I issue the following   More...

Split-finger or Loop Style Handles Split-finger or loop style grips on atlatls have been determined from archaeological remains, petroglyphs and from the modern remnants of stone-age cultures around the world. They are designed is such a way that - when the atlatlist throws the dart - the motion is led by the palm and fingernails of the hand. Split-finger or loop gripped atlatls can have fingerless dart rests or the dart can rest along the top of the fingers.   More...

Fingerless Atlatls When you hear someone mention that an atlatl is 'fingerless' they are referring to the way that the dart is held in the rest near the handle of the atlatl. Traditional, or historical atlatls were designed in such a way that the dart was held in place with a finger - or thumb and finger - of the hand that gripped the atlatl. Fingerless atlatls are most likely a modern creation. While it   More...

Hammer Grip Atlatl Handles Hammer Grip Atlatl Handles: As the name suggests, a hammer-grip atlatl handle is held much like a hammer. The parts of the hand closest to the spur are the thumb and index finger. The pinky finger is the closest to the end that leads the throw. Traditional atlatls have been unearthed showing both hammer-grip and slit-finger grip (or loop) handles, but it is impossible to say which was the more preferred style among prehistoric   More...