Question on first gun

[kamikaze1228]

First off, thank you to everyone who responded to my previous post.

I have done some research on selectectiong a first gun and this is what I've settled on. I'd just like to run it by everyone here. It is for regular fishing in Mass & Rhode Island. Occasional fishing in Florida and Mexico on vacation.

90 cm Rob Allen with 2 RA spears with tahitian shaft...

http://www.norcalfreedive.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=157

Vinyl tag line

http://www.norcalfreedive.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=35

Omer float

http://www.norcalfreedive.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=50

Welcome any comments or suggestions.

Thanks.

[RabiSpear]

You will be very happy with the Railgun. They are amazing guns. Sounds like you have the rigging down. You may not need the OMER float. If you are shooting smaller fish, then you can just get some foam buoys from West Marine. I always suggest Rabitech over RA. However, we are still working on getting US distributers, so the availibity of RA makes them more attractive.

[kamikaze1228]

Are there any opinions specifically re the size of the RA for New England waters (cold, low vis) and occasional FL & Mexico trips? Too small? To large?

Or is 90 cm a good all around compromise. The RA PDF flyer say that 120 is a good compromise but when I spoke to the owner of Norcal he said 120 was much too large New England and I'd be better off with a 70 or 90 cm.

Thanks in advance!

[fishhunta]

Bigger! at least a 110, I and everyone I know shoots a 120 or 130

[RabiSpear]

I have every Rabitech size. My favorite for ground fish is the 110cm. I have wrecked havoc in the gulf and ATL in any vis with it. AJ's, grouper, several cobia, and large Ap's. Not sure exactly how bad the vis is where you are. My low vis gun is a 32 special with a paralyzer tip. It is vicious.

[kamikaze1228]

Rabi, thanks for the response. I'm not looking to buy many guns yet. I'm trying to get one decent gun that would be be a good compromise.

[JCACTION]

Listen if u have settled on a euro gun you really cant go wrong with any of the guns mentioned so far. I would just add this for you to consider.

Omer makes one of the most accurate guns ever made. You normally only have one band and the material used is far superior than most euro gunmakers. The other important aspect is that they consult with the best spearo's in the world to make their guns , the likes of Alberto March and Mark labocetta who currently has 4 world records. They also consult with Berreta gor their ballistic testing and have the capability to test their guns accuracy in higly sophisticated facilities like the Barretta labs. You are going to find that this gun is a lifetime gun which will be a treasure of accuracy and consistency. You cant go wrong with the OMER. If you want info, I have some I can give you but truly, no euro gunmaker takes their production to tests like OMER does, absolutely nobody gets close. Not by a longshot. Mark has participated in all the testing and can give you some incredible insights if you want a BIASED opinon of course. Just remember that most of the times.... "ITS NOT SO MUCH THE ARROW, AS THE INDIAN HIMSELF" Practice, bouyancy to perfection, trim and stalking, when you have this down pat, any gun will likely do!!

[RabiSpear]

True what JC said! I have a 110 carbon OMER that I don't use. PM me if interested.

[frogman]

Kamikaze,
Be careful with the longer railguns (RA or Rabi) because they can cause a lot of "muzzle lift" (upward motion of the muzzle due to overpowering of the wrist). This happens for sizes bigger than 120 especially with hunters who are not used to their awesome power. I believe a 90 would be great for Mass. but if you are going to do all around spearing in Florida get a 120.

RabiDeath,
Why do you think that Rabitech are better than RA's? They are very equivalent guns. I have seen and used both and I think the bonded rail on the Rabitech's looks and feels cheaper than the integrated rail of the Ra's.

JC,
Omer makes great guns but I think that the railguns have more "punching power" when matched size for size. Personal observation.

[JCACTION]

No argument from me about the power of the RA vs the OMER, surely there are thinngs I like about my RA that I wish my OMER master competitor had and vise versa. I love both guns equally and yes, the RA has more punch than the OMER I agree.

The accuracy and the lift is where the OMER comes in. The OMER simply uses less power but is more accurate. I would take less power and more accuracy than more power and less accuracy any day.

Anyway, not all the OMER guns are equal. I am only referring to their best gun. The MASTER COMPETITOR. I would take my RA over any other OMER model.

KAMIKAZE, youre in love with your gun and thats a good thing! If you feel that way about your gun youre bound to kill all kinds of shit with it just from that fact alone!!!

[kamikaze1228]

Originally posted by JCACTION
KAMIKAZE, youre in love with your gun and thats a good thing! If you feel that way about your gun youre bound to kill all kinds of shit with it just from that fact alone!!!


Huh?

[RabiSpear]

Frogman,
Here are some comments from Rabitech on differences:

TECHNO POLYMER RAIL REDUCES NOISE, THEREFORE
QUIETER WHEN FIRED.

TRIGGER MECH IS MADE FROM POLYCARBONATE WHERE THE R/A IS FROM REINFORCED GLASS FILLED NYLON

RABITECHS COME STANDARD WITH MUZZLE BUNGEE, SWIVEL + SNAP CLIP COMBO WHEREAS THE R/A DOESN'T.

DIFFERENT SAFETY MECH CONCEPT.

Also, some RA's come with one or two 16mm, where Rabi is always one 20mm.

None of those are huge factors, but those are the main differences. Also, Rabi comes in Carbon and the base model is less expensive than RA. If I got free stuff from RA, I would use them just as quick! I've only had trouble with muzzle jump from the two 16mm's, not one 20mm (which I prefer on my long gun).

Again, both great, simple, economical guns and fun to use!

[kamikaze1228]

Originally posted by RabiDeath
Also, some RA's come with one or two 16mm, where Rabi is always one 20mm.


Hmmmmm, interesting point. Should I order a RA with one 20mm or 2 x 16mm?

[RabiSpear]

The Gunslinger (NORCAL) guys put two on there. Go with it. Get the gun, it is tough to go wrong. No matter how you get it, you will get used to it and like it the best. Make sure you fire your gun in the pool before you start trying to kill fish. It will help you figure out the nuances of whatever you decide to get.

[Rolo]

Hey I got a RA and I love it (as does my chest). But if you're going to hunt up in RI then this gun (RA 120) is overkill. Stick with the one you bought. I just bought a OMER 82 Excaliber 2000 precisely for conditions similar to yours (But not as cold) it is awesome, easy to load, handle and very accurate. Nailed 2 out of 3 fish last week in 3-5 feet viz.

[frogman]

kamikaze,
You can put 2x16. Definetely much easier to load. I like 1x20 but it is only a matter of personal preference.
Rabi,
intersting points about RA's vs. Rabi's. They are very similar (the muzzle is identical). I always set up my RA guns with bungee and a Rabi snap+SWIVEL. As far as safeties are concerned, it is the first thing I remove when I get a new gun (all seasoned spearos have had their moment when they had the perfect head shot lined up when they realized safety was ON).

[RabiSpear]

First thing I do too!

[kamikaze1228]

Thanks for the input.

I think I'll be placing an order for an RA today. :)