As noted on the New Products page, the GAT Band appeals to ALL ages of both genders, and some of the applications are depicted in the cartoon below.

Although it has broad appeal to children, it is classified as a sporting goods item and not as a toy because of the higher stored energy in the band when fully stretched, and hence the recommendation that children should be properly supervised while using it. Despite this, even in the extreme case of being hit directly in the eye at close range, it is very unlikely it would result in permanent injury to the eye, as the band is made from a very soft, energy-absorbing material.

If the bands are being used for skirmishing in a paint As per the Firewheel RBG, we are in the business of making life SAFER for children by distracting them away from dangerous activities, and fulfilling the basic need they have to shoot things. The GAT Band has the feel of using a sling shot, but without the associated danger.

The inside of the cardboard header contains some original, and amusing targets to launch at (see below).

The GITD and Fluoro GAT Bands have a maximum range of around 32 meters (105 feet) and make() a high-pitched whistling noise when launched. They can be used much like a Frisbee, launching it to others and catching it, or launching it straight up to catch yourself.

The GAT Band is available in a range of bright Fluoro colours for daytime use, and the glow-in-the-dark version is designed to be used at night, and the darker the location, the better.

We also have an unpigmented version of the GAT Band we call the SKIRMISHER. It is more powerful than the other GAT Bands as the addition of any pigmentation is regarded as an impurity and reduces the physical properties. This is typical for most polymers, and it is a specialised part of the polymer industry to produce “carriers” that will introduce pigments into the polymer, while minimising the impact on their physical properties. These bands have an extended range of around 35 meters (115 feet).

It is intended primarily for outdoors use, but if used inside it is not capable of breaking normal glass windows, or scratching paint.

The best way to launch the band is with your thumb as shown on the pack, but some people will have difficulty doing this because their thumb is too small, or they have double-jointed thumbs, etc, so we have provided a launcher. If you lose the launcher (or need an extra one), you can download instructions on how to make one, and also the instructions on using the launcher (or your thumb) from the Downloads Page.

One of the fascinating things you can do with a GAT Band is weave “string patterns” or “string figures” with it, and when you are using the GITD version in a very dark room it is very eery indeed, as the patterns appear to come from nowhere and hover in mid air. You can find links to download instruction videos and other information for a whole range of these patterns by clicking here .

You can also buy a GAT band from our online store