Choosing Your Spearfishing Gear

The range of spearguns available on the market, along with the various options, can turn your purchase into a real puzzle. Additionally, manufacturers continuously introduce new technologies that, while aiming to simplify the user experience during underwater hunting sessions, complicate the selection of the ideal speargun. This guide aims to provide all the necessary tools for purchasing your speargun.

Among the types of spearguns, including band-powered, pneumatic, and roller spearguns, it can be challenging to navigate your options. Here’s how to guide your choice.

Three Key Selection Criteria

The choice of speargun depends on three main criteria: size, budget, and the type of fishing intended.

A beginner should consider a “versatile” speargun with a length between 75 and 90 cm.

Remember: the longer the speargun, the less maneuverable it is.

Your budget will determine the options you can add to your speargun, which may be more or less necessary for beginners. Adding a shaft guide to your speargun enhances accuracy. You can also choose between an open or closed muzzle; a closed muzzle is recommended for beginners. Additionally, you can select between a round or oval barrel, the latter referred to as “cuttlefish.” An oval barrel provides better stability and reduces water resistance.

The type of fishing will also influence your speargun choice. “Versatile” spearguns allow for the use of the four main fishing techniques: ambush, stalking, hole hunting, and free diving. There are also specific models for certain fishing types: 50 cm spearguns, known as “hole hunters,” are suitable only for hole hunting. For stalking, a speargun between 90 and 110 cm is preferred. Conversely, very long spearguns, over 110 cm, are primarily designed for ambush fishing.

Choosing a Barrel

There are four types of barrels: aluminum, carbon, wood, and hybrid barrels combining wood and carbon.

• Aluminum is cost-effective and lightweight. However, its lightness can compromise durability, as it may “bend” under excessive band pressure.
• Carbon is very lightweight, enhancing the maneuverability of the speargun. It is highly durable and does not bend.
• Wooden barrels offer good buoyancy and longevity. They are ideal for spearguns equipped with multiple bands, as they absorb recoil. However, they can reduce mobility due to their bulk.

Regarding barrel diameter, a 25 mm tube offers lightness and maneuverability, while a 28 mm tube provides rigidity and balance.

Choosing Shafts

The length of shafts ranges from 90 to 170 cm. Generally, to determine the shaft size, take the barrel length and add 40 cm.

Additionally, more power in the speargun generally means a larger shaft diameter. For beginners, a diameter between 6 and 7 mm is typical.

Choosing Bands

The length of bands will depend on the speargun’s length. While there are formulas to determine the ideal band length, standard sizes work for most users.

For a 90 cm speargun, for instance, bands with a diameter of 16 mm and a length of 22 cm are recommended.

The diameter of the bands varies based on the fish size or shaft diameter. An 18 mm diameter provides an excellent balance of power and precision. To increase the power of a speargun, one can opt for shorter bands (by 1-2 cm) or install double bands while increasing the shaft diameter.

Choosing the Handle

The choice of handle is primarily a matter of personal preference. It is essential to feel comfortable with it, ensuring it is ergonomic. Like the bands and barrels, there are standards that can accommodate most enthusiasts. IMPORTANT! Always try the handle with gloves for optimal comfort during your fishing.

Choosing the Reel

The reel on a speargun serves two main purposes: it can be used to work the fish by hand and bring it aboard, and it helps to mark the path back to the surface to recover the fish. Some fish tire easily, making it easier to bring them back to the reel.

Reels come in various lengths, ranging from 20 to 70-80 meters.

For beginners, it is advisable to set the reel with slight tension.