Rob Allen

[FreediveNewport]

Just curious as to peoples opinion on ROb Allen guns. It is one gun I have never used but am interested in trying(90cm aluminum). Also any info on the stainless roballen reel?

good hunting
rob
www.hannahgrace.org

[Hamrrhed]

The guns are accurate & reliable albeit some find it hard to load.

Anthony

[ddown]

RA's are solid, well made, accurate guns-excellent value for the money. As has been said many times here, loading is just a matter of technique, once you get that down it is no drama. The reels are good a bit pricey and fragile. But I'm wondering why you would need a reel in new england? Even the biggest stripers don't run in any way that you'd want to deal with hassles of a reel. Good luck and happy hunting

[Hamrrhed]

At times shafts get lodged, in low vis with a slight current I can see where some one would want a reel.

[FreediveNewport]

when you are hunting low vis. sometime less the 3 feet the opportunity doesn't always present itself to getting a solid anchoring shot. big bass will tear a hawiian shaft out fiarly quickly on a bad shot thus the need to work a fish with a reel or break away set up. Just one reason why, there are plenty more. Thanks for the input

[El Cid]

I just got a 110cm RA few months back. It was a pain to load at first, but now that I've figured it out I hardly use any chest padding. On days when I know I'll be shooting alot I put two mousepads in my rash guard. Very accurate and reliable IMO.

[LwrKzUndrH2OHunter]

I love my 110 RA, its silent, powerful, and very easy to handle. I added a clamp-on Omer reel and love it as well. They are great guns and reasonably priced...I say "thumbs up" to RA guns

[Charlie45]

Just curious, why are the Rob Allen guns hard to load?

[El Cid]

I think because they're rear handle, chest-loading guns. Unlike mid-handles or guns with a butt plate to load from the hip or chest, RAs are straight up handle-to-the-sternum which is an uncomfortable feeling and will leave lots of red marks unless you have some padding. My buddy almost busted out his two front teeth the other day when his RA slipped off his chest loaded and poped him in the face. If you look at the Florida Freedivers ad, the gun displayed is an RA if I'm not mistaken. You can see how the rear is kinda pointed and not very ergronomically designed for chests.

[primalpete]

once you have loaded a rob a few times you wont think it is hard at all. If you do u might need to hit up the gym a bit more or just work on your loading technique. I think my 140 rob w/ a 20mm band is easier to load than my rabitech 120 w/ a 20mm band. After loading a 70 and a 90 rob allen i would almost say i prefer to load the longer guns. BTW i dont use a loading pad and i would have to say that those little marks can become big cuts after a few consecutive days of spearing.

[Exos Lucius]

My RA 120cm came with one 20mm rubber that I found almost impossible to load. It was not for lack of muscle power but the wetsuit could not take the pressure of the gun butt and will slip and tear. I replaced with different rubber and it's now working very well. If your loading technique is ok and having problems, it's worth checking the rubber as they are not all the same quality.
Other than that, the gun seems solidly built and accurate. Wish I could get to use it more...
Cheers.

[primalpete]

Rabis are very accurate and made very well. Sucks you cant get yours out more. Mines wet a few times a week.

[Jeff Lown]

I have been using a 140 over the past year when in Florida, a great gun. With one 20mm band they can be tough to load. I got mine with two 16mm bands and I hip load it. One band is better though. You can always get a longer 20mm and customize it to what works for you. Also I have seen extensions for hip loading. I do not remember who sells them. Try Florida Freedivers.
Jeff

[FreediveNewport]

Just bought a 90cm from FlFreedivers. They were very helpful and took the time time answer all of my questions. Anyone looking for a store to do business with would be well served dealing with them.
Rob

[irie 24]

got mine there too, best shop i've done business with yet