speargun opinions wanted

[DIVERTOM]

You may also consider a Riffe Competitor 2XS, this 48" gun with three 20 x 9/16
power bands with dynema wishbones and a icepick breakaway tip is a powerful
and accurate gun. The http://www.jupiterdivecenter.com/ carries this gun
at a reasonable price. They will also get you out in the water to try it out.

Diver Tom

 

[Mandy3206]

I can't say anything bad about the JBLs, I've been using them for 25yrs now.

My first gun was a Voit AMF gun, same as JBL but manufactured 25 yrs ago, I used that gun for more than 15 yrs and only replaced tips and a couple of shafts.
I lost that gun due to a break-in to my college apt. (shame it wasn't a big fish). If that gun wasn't stolen, I'd probably still have it!

When I updated about 8yrs ago, I found out that JBL was manufacturing the same guns with a couple of improovements, like the tru-glide, sealed stocks and the carbide reinforced trigger mechanism on the XHD models. One step back, in my opinion is the plastic muzzle over the metal one (probably for boyancy), so I bought one for spare and I still wait for it to break, no sign of failure in the near future.

The plastic muzzle, tend to open when using 3 bands (the outer band comes off the gun when you take a shot), but the fix came with the speargun, a tie wrap around the muzzle in each side between the outer and middle band so the muzzle won't spread and let the band out.

That gun is modified a bit:

Longer butt, 48"long 5/16" dia shaft, 12' shock line, spinner head rockpoint or break away rock point, lanyard, 3 bands 5/8" dia 20" long.

Works great, may not be the best gun out there, but to me is exactly what I need, very little maintenance and catch the big fish too.

 

[Chad Carney]

Chad,

Should we assume you want to hunt only on scuba? There is quite a difference for freediving.

Wood has advantages over metal when it comes to spearguns for either style of hunting, in my opinion. They are quiet, possitively buoyant without plugs, easily sealed with polyurethane, have no corrosion, last for decades and are acceptable of accessories like shaftholders, light holders, etc.

I started with a Voit/Swimmaster (JBL) in the early 70s, and moved to mahogany Aussie Seahornets for decades. Biller sold them for many years, then created their own version called the A.B. Biller Seahornet. Now Spearfishing Specialties has the Aussie guns, and has added features to their models too. These production 48" to 54" guns will shoot very well as freeshaft guns, and ok as line guns, but mostly at moderately close range, (2 strong bands maximum.)

If you want a really fast, long shooting line gun you need to look beyond them.
Custom guns handle this area far better. They also can enhance freeshaft shooting. Since last year I've moved on to Daryl Wong guns from 50" to 57.5", for both freediving and scuba shooting. The enclosed track is Wong's strongest feature. They are amazingly accurate guns and can be customized to your exact need. (You can see the entire line at www.wongspearguns.com )
Obviously this kind of gun will cost substantially more than a production gun.

Which ever way you decide to pursue, you should ask lots of questions from experienced shooters in your area and all across the state. Try to line up a gun demo if possible.

I need to divulge a business connection. I now distribute Wong spears in Florida. As a favor to Daryl Wong I show 3 of my personal guns to his interested customers. There is also a possibility of a demo. (Formerly a 20+ year dealer for Biller & JBL.)

Chad

www.mobilescuba.com
727-423-7775

 

[FL_Chad]

well maybe I should have said a max of 200 dollars. Since I just got into diving, I have already plunked down plenty of cash for my wife and my gear. And between doing all the other stuff that I do, I just wont be diving every weekend (not that I wouldnt like to), so it doesnt make sense to me to spend any more than 200 dollars for a gun.

I actually have it narrowed down to the biller. Now I just am not sure if I should get the Floridian or the regular special (48" for both). My understanding is that the Floridian has a smaller diameter spear which will allow for farther range, but the point is not able to be removed should I want to change it out. I was told the 48 special has a slightly larger diameter spear with a little less range, but you can thread on new points. Also, the Floridian comes with the better bands I believe and a kevlar cord (this doesnt matter to me). They are both around $180 at some on line suppliers. Not sure which to get. Maybe I could get some input on that. Thanks for all the info.

 

[Johnoly]

Honestly, it's not the gun when you are first starting out. It's technique of stalking, shot placement and knowing where to go. By the time you start to be consistent in those area's, you'll be on your 3rd or 4th gun anyways. Concentrate on getting in the water and shooting.

 

[100days-a-year]

Hey Chad,Welcome to the motherboard.This is where a lot of the spearboard guys started along with FS.A lot of familiar faces here on occasion.Lots of resources as well.

 

[Chad Carney]

FL Chad,

You are correct about all of the features on the Biller Floridian except the shaft diameter. It is also 5/16" and comes with a compact slide ring. It is the best choice in the Biller line for long shots, and is commonly chosen by freedivers. They have time between dives to detach the line and pull it through the fish to remove it. The shaft is very strong also because there is no threaded parts and softer stainless steel head connections. The FL gun is a good choice if you plan to add freeshafts as your primary shooting technique for scuba or if you only occasionally target pelagic fish on wrecks.
The standard line rigging is on the other hand more versatile and most of the heads have a means of removal that is far quicker. They can be spun off or broken more easily however.

Good luck, the 48 Biller is a good first choice.

Chad

 

[ckm]

HI, I have the same gun. Your comment about freeshafting is what I'm replying about. How does that work and why do you shoot twice as many fish? And how do you keep from losing the shaft by either missing or having a big, poorly hit fish swim off with it?

By the way, do you use 2 or 3 bands? I just returned from a trip and everyone else was using a 3-band gun for snapper and grouper in the Gulf.

Thanks for your reply.

I have a 48" Spearfishing Specialties gun, it's a very nice workhorse of a gun.

I would personally find out what's available in your area and what shops specialise in spearfishing gear. If you can only get JBL stuff locally, I'd go with that. Getting spare parts and shafts is a very importiant part fo the choice.

I would have a seriously hard time freeshafting a $150 spear.

oh, and you really want to have the option to freeshaft. it's the only way with snappers and groupers. You'll shoot twice as many fish.
Rice

 

[Chad Carney]

ckm,

Freeshafting can speed up your shot tremendously and add accuracy at ranges no line gun can shoot. Reload time can be as fast as 4 or 5 seconds if you have another spear.
Obviously there are places where it's not feasable to shoot freeshaft, such as on oil rigs with no bottom in sight, or bad visibility.
The common thinking that spears will be lost right and left is a misconception by the inexperienced. Good freeshafters bend more spears on big fish than they lose.
It's an technique worth learning if you spearfish for benthic fish.

Chad

 

[ckm]

Thanks Chad for your reply. I'll have to buy me another shaft and give it a try.

ckm,

Freeshafting can speed up your shot tremendously and add accuracy at ranges no line gun can shoot. Reload time can be as fast as 4 or 5 seconds if you have another spear.
Obviously there are places where it's not feasable to shoot freeshaft, such as on oil rigs with no bottom in sight, or bad visibility.
The common thinking that spears will be lost right and left is a misconception by the inexperienced. Good freeshafters bend more spears on big fish than they lose.
It's an technique worth learning if you spearfish for benthic fish.

Chad