i used everything about the same. Thats what i love about zelda games, they make you use everything about the same amount in order the go through the game
It is a classic nintendo technique in Zelda and its always a way of knowing if you cant get past a duengeon or reach a certain ledge and none of your current items do the job you are missing something.
i use bow and arrows the most. I probably use the sling shot the least. But in terms of a useful weapon (no offence to sling shot) it was the statue rod thing.