Speargun: The Top Models Available Today


bandito bonito speargun

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Spearfishing is enjoying increased popularity around the globe and it’s easy to see why. It combines the great outdoors, open water and the thrill of the hunt. It even couples two sports: diving and fishing (or hunting if you prefer). It’s great exercise and often leads to great adventure.

spearfishing

Image from Pixabay

Whether you’re an experienced spearo looking to up your game or a diver wanting to add fishing to your underwater exploits, equipping yourself with the right speargun is critical if you want to get the most out of spearfishing. We’ve complied a list of what we believe are the best models available today. We’ll answer some basic questions about them and provide you with some pros and cons for each one we reviewed. At the end, we’ll give you our top choice for both veteran and beginner spearos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get to our reviews, we’ll answer some common questions about spearfishing and spearguns. If you’re a seasoned spearo, this information probably won’t be new to you but you never know when you might pick up something you can use. For the beginner, there’s a lot to know about the sport and we encourage you to learn as much as you can before you set out on your first hunt, particularly about safety.

What Is Spearfishing?

Around for thousands of years, it started with ancient societies using sharp wooden sticks to fish rivers and lakes. Today, elastic bands and pneumatic power have taken us from sticks to state-of-the-art mechanically propelled spears. But the sport, at its root, is still about getting in the water and hunting for fish in their world. For the beginner, the excitement of fishing a beautiful reef can’t be beat. For the more experienced, the knowledge and skill that need to be developed to be successful is a challenge like no other.

How Do You Spearfish?

There are several ways. Though it can be done from above the water’s surface, spearfishing usually involves either free-diving (diving underwater with no breathing apparatus), snorkeling or scuba diving. For many, free-diving is the purest form of the sport and takes experience to master safely.It also requires a spear. While pole spears are effective and still popular today, we’re here to talk about spearguns. The subtleties of spearfishing with one are what will hook you from the start.

What Is a Speargun and How Does it Work?

It’s an underwater tool designed to launch a spear at a marine animal (usually a fish) or an underwater target for sport. It has three essential part: the barrel, a handle with a triggering mechanism and a spear. They range in length from about 18 inches to about 80 inches and can be made of wood, metal or carbon fiber. The spear is loaded into the barrel and propelled by one of the two power sources, the two common types of spearguns, listed below.

  • Band Spearguns – Made from wood or sealed tubing, they get their power from one of more rubber bands (also called slings) located in the shaft. They offer more versatility, can be less expensive and are the most popular type.
  • Pneumatic Spearguns – Using compressed air for power, they are smaller and lighter than band types making them easy to handle under water.They require pumping in order to load and require more effort to service when issues arise. They also tend to be great for shallow water but tend to lose power as the water gets deeper.

Where Can You Purchase a Speargun?

They’re available at dive shops, many fishing and outdoor retailers, and from online retailers such as Amazon.

Is Fishing with a Speargun Legal?

Yes, but as with any kind of fishing, spearfishing rules and regulations will vary by jurisdiction. You should check with local fishing and wildlife authorities concerning the laws in your area. This is particularly important if you are using scuba gear as rules are usually more stringent for spearfishing using scuba gear.

General Price Range of Spearguns

[amazon fields=”B07NBRYHVJ” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image=”3″]

Image from Amazon

They range in price from under $100 for a beginner’s model to as high as $500 for a professional model. As a rule, elastic band models are less expensive than their pneumatic counterparts. Available features and quality of construction have a lot to do with the price. And though the old adage, “you get what you pay for” applies, you don’t want to pay for more than you need, especially if you’re new to the sport. This is the reason we compiled our list. There is a right model for every level of spearfishing.

How We Reviewed These Spearguns

How We Reviewed These Spearguns

We spent hours putting dozens of spearguns through their paces in different conditions. Through our extensive research, we’ve come up with a list of 8 models we feel give you what you need to succeed at every level of the sport. We’ll provide you with information about important features, give you some pros and cons of each model and talk price and where to buy. We’ll even give you information about manufacturer warranties.

What We Reviewed

  • AB Biller Wood Mahogany Special Speargun
  • JBL 6W44 Woody Sawed Off Magnum Spear Gun
  • Mares Sten Speargun
  • Hammerhead E2 Jurassic Speargun
  • Cressi Power Band Sling Speargun
  • Rob Allen Aluminum Tuna Railgun Speargun
  • Pathos Sniper Roller Spear Gun
  • Omer Cayman Carbon Roller Speargun

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B00WH1GX8S” title=”AB Biller Wood Mahogany Special Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B00WH1GX8S”]

Offering no less than 7 different lengths, this band model is all about versatility. It uses two bands with the ability to add a third for increased power. Made from solid mahogany with stainless steel components, it’s quiet, easy to handle with a single hand and accurate.

Warranty

This product comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Highly customizable 
  • Quality materials and construction
  • Easy to handle underwater
  • For the experienced spearo
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Takes time to master
  • Expensive

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B000KD7DH0″ title=”JBL 6W44 Woody Sawed Off Magnum Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B000KD7DH0″]

Similar in some ways to the AB Biller model above, this is a two-band product finely crafted of solid mahogany with stainless steel components. It comes in only one length (56in), it has a range of 28ft. With its length and power, it’s great for reef or deep water fishing.

Warranty

This product comes with a lifetime warranty on the trigger mechanism. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Quality materials and construction 
  • Long range power
  • Buoyant and strong
  • Easy pull trigger

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not as versatile as the AB Biller model

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B000VLXKC8″ title=”Mares Sten Pneumatic Mini Mini Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B000VLXKC8″]

With a length of around 17 inches, this pneumatic model is ideal for reef fishing and snorkeling. It also has the ability to shoot different spears for different game fish. An ergonomic handle, shock-absorbing technology and easy loading capability make this a great model for beginners, while still being versatile and powerful enough for the more advanced spearo hunting small fish.

Warranty

This product comes with a 2-year limited warranty. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Durable yet lightweight
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Powerful for its size
  • Pump, holster, shock line, and loader all included

Cons

  • Not for deep water
  • Pricy for a smaller model

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B00IEF4MU2″ title=”Hammerhead E2 Jurassic Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B00IEF4MU2″]

This is a single band model that’s a great value for beginners who want to go after larger fish. With just one bad, loading is a breeze and with the ability for added components, it will grow with you as you gain experience. It’s also available in 4 lengths.

Warranty

This product comes with a 2-year limited warranty. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Simple design
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Reasonable price
  • Ability to add components (not included)

Cons

  • Basic; not for experienced spearfishers
  • Less power than other models

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B000KD7DIE” title=”Cressi Power Band Sling Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B000KD7DIE”]

This is a single band model that’s a great value for beginners who want to go after larger fish. With just one bad, loading is a breeze and with the ability for added components, it will grow with you as you gain experience. It’s also available in 4 lengths.

Warranty

This product comes with a 2-year limited warranty. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Simple design
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Reasonable price
  • Ability to add components (not included)

Cons

  • Basic; not for experienced spearfishers
  • Less power than other models

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B00SVHIW0O” title=”Rob Allen Aluminum Tuna Railgun Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B00SVHIW0O”]

This is a band model constructed of aircraft grade aluminum with fiberglass and stainless steel components. It’s very stiff, with little flex for increased accuracy. Superior power make it capable of shooting larger fish. It’s available in 7 different lengths.

Warranty

This product comes with a limited lifetime warranty. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Lightweight but durable construction 
  • Great accuracy and power
  • Easy to handle

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not made of the best materials on our list

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B07645LNVY” title=”Pathos Sniper Roller Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B07645LNVY”]

This is a band model with a twist. It combines traditional band type with a roller band which allows for a further stretch (read: more power). It has mostly aluminum construction and is lightweight and easy to handle. It’s available in 6 lengths.

Warranty

This product comes with a 2-year limited warranty. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Good power
  • Well designed and lightweight
  • For experienced spearos

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Maybe not as accurate as some on our list
  • Chest support tends to detach
  • Not suitable for beginners

ideal dive logo

[amazon link=”B06XGQH3D4″ title=”Omer Cayman Carbon Roller Speargun” /]

[amazon box=”B06XGQH3D4″]

Another roller band model, this one is constructed of carbon fiber. This yields a very rigid yet lightweight product that really packs a punch. It has a patented design to avoid tangled lines when shooting. Easy to handle, it’s a top carbon fiber performer available in 2 lengths.

Warranty

This product comes with a 2-year limited warranty. See manufacturer for complete details.

Pros

  • Carbon fiber construction
  • Lightweight
  • Powerful but easy to handle

Cons

  • Expensive

Comparison Table

Product

Image

Rating

Price

[amazon link=”B00WH1GX8S” title=”AB Biller” /]

[amazon fields=”B00WH1GX8S” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

3.8 out of 5 stars

[amazon fields=”B00WH1GX8S” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B000KD7DH0″ title=”JBL 6W44″ /]

[amazon fields=”B000KD7DH0″ value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

5.0 out of 5 stars

[amazon fields=”B000KD7DH0″ value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B000VLXKC8″ title=”Mares Sten” /]

[amazon fields=”B000VLXKC8″ value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

4.0 out of 5 stars

[amazon fields=”B000VLXKC8″ value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B00IEF4MU2″ title=”Hammerhead E2 Jurassic” /]

[amazon fields=”B00IEF4MU2″ value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

5.0 out of 5 stars

[amazon fields=”B00IEF4MU2″ value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B000KD7DIE” title=”Cressi Power Band Sling” /]

[amazon fields=”B000KD7DIE” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

3.6 out of 5 stars

[amazon fields=”B000KD7DIE” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B00SVHIW0O” title=”Rob Allen” /]

[amazon fields=”B00SVHIW0O” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

4.7 out of 5 stars

[amazon fields=”B00SVHIW0O” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B07645LNVY” title=”Pathos” /]

[amazon fields=”B07645LNVY” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

5.0 out of 5 stars

[amazon fields=”B07645LNVY” value=”button”]

[amazon link=”B06XGQH3D4″ title=”Omer Cayman” /]

[amazon fields=”B06XGQH3D4″ value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]

No Ratings Yet

[amazon fields=”B06XGQH3D4″ value=”button”]

The Verdict

When it comes to the best model for beginners, we’ll go with the Mares Sten Pneumatic. The Sten is a fine pneumatic model, giving you superior performance in a wide variety of spearfishing conditions. It’s reliable and maneuverable: two important qualities for the beginner. The last thing you want is trouble with your equipment underwater. Lastly, though it isn’t the cheapest model on our list, it is one of the best values when you consider all you get for the price.Now, for our top choice for the experienced spearo and probably the best all-around model, we chose the AB Biller Wood Mahogany Special. The craftsmanship, quality of materials and top performance set this model apart from the rest. You just can’t beat its single-piece mahogany construction for durability, noise reduction and buoyancy. With an assortment of lengths, there’s one for every kind of fishing and to top it off, it’s just a beautiful gun to look at. It’ll be a prized part of anyone’s collection.We hope you’ve enjoyed our reviews and learned a thing or two along the way. We wish you safe and happy hunting.is enjoying increased popularity around the globe and it’s easy to see why. It combines the great outdoors, open water and the thrill of the hunt. It even couples two sports: diving and fishing (or hunting if you prefer). It’s great exercise and often leads to great adventure.Whether you’re an experienced spearo looking to up your game or a diver wanting to add fishing to your underwater exploits, equipping yourself with the right speargun is critical if you want to get the most out of spearfishing. We’ve complied a list of what we believe are the best models available today. We’ll answer some basic questions about them and provide you with some pros and cons for each one we reviewed. At the end, we’ll give you our top choice for both veteran and beginner spearos.

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