Toggle diameter and material suguestions

[mrjaw14]

Do you guys find that a particular diameter toggle is too small or too large? is there an advantage to a 3/8" toggle vs a 1/4" diameter toggle, specifically does it contribute to the size of the knot that the sling attaches to, or does a smaller toggle make the MSH harder to remove?

I have some al tubing at the house that's probably a hair over 1/4" in diameter. I've heard people mentioning al arrow shafts that seem a little bigger, but not much. I had considered using some light-weight carabiners on the minor axis as a toggle and then puting the leads for the whoopie through the gate as a precaution in case the whoopie slipped off the knot. Sounds like biners would add unnecessary weight though...hence the toggle was born.

Also, assuming you make your own, what are you using for toggles? What have you learned in using them other than Shug's famous slow motion whoopie goes over the knot...not the toggle!

[Bubba]

The toggles need to be strong enough to resist compression. I have even seen someone use a pen before (obviously not recommended). Smaller diametres work fine. As with any toggles, always check them before you get in. Besides compression, its handy to have a toggle that slides out of the hitch easily. I have seen people use carabiners as you are thinking of using. I don't mind toggles but prefer other options. Consider Dutchware's Dutch buckles or Bloomgorge's Elephant trunks. Of course for the lightest possible option use trail sticks you find at camp.

[wiscoman]

I made my own out of 1/2" aluminium tubing I found for $3 at a hardware store. Most people don't use that large of diameter, but i find for me that it makes the knot larger and the whoopy stays on it really well. My cousin tried the aluminium arrow shafts and ended up with what I have. He was not comfortable with the small knot. Just my 2 cents.

[Boston]

I have aluminum toggles from AHE. I think they're arrow shafts but not sure. They're probably 10-12mm O.D. (<= 1/2")

[Shug]

Mine is a 7-11 aluminum Slurpee straw about 2 1/2" long.
It was a gift from LostCause. All I have ever used as a toggle.
Purdy to look at. Slides out of the MS easily.
Shug

[pumkinpete]

carbon arrows work great for me. I get them from the archery shop from there scrap bucket.

[bowl-maker]

I use 30.-06 shell casings and love them...super strong, just the right diameter, slide smoothly out of the knot

[Spurr]

1/2" aluminum for me keeps the knot a bit larger and works well for me..

[Higbean]

I use 30.-06 shell casings and love them...super strong, just the right diameter, slide smoothly out of the knot

Might want to switch to .270 just because it's superior in every way!

[MissileMan]

I happened to have a couple of cheap aluminum iPad styluses. They have worked just fine. (Bought some < $2 ones from Amazon once.)