Atlatl How-To Guide

The atlatl (pronounced: at·latl), also known as "spear thrower" has been said to be one of the first compound weapons used to enhance human power. While the earliest archaeological evidence is 25,000 years old, it is believed that atlatl has been in use for some 40,000 years. The effectiveness of this weapon allowed early humans to hunt Ice Age mega beasts such as the Mammoth and Wooly Rhino. Today, the atlatl is still used for hunting and fishing all over the world. Both the atlatl and dart are flexible springs that store energy. As the arm moves forward both will flex and spring back at the point of release, imparting the maximum amount of power and kinetic energy.