Rear-Handle vs Mid-Handle

[Stodelle]

I am in the process of moving to hawaii (Maui). I currently spear in California and have 3 JBL's for the different conditions/water clarity. I have a shorty (about 2'), A Sawed-off Mag w/ reel, and a XHD Magnum for my Bluewater trips. I am contemplating selling all 3 to buy a good "all-around" gun.

In looking at spearguns that people are using in Hawaii, there are many who say go mid-handle, and many who say go rear handle. What are your thoughts on advantages/disadvantages?

The spearos there all say to get one gun, and a pole spear but they all have different ideas on which style/length. I know alot depends on what we'll be hunting, but on my last dive there, we came across several BIG Trevally (Ulua) so I don't want to go too small, but at the same time, I don't want a huge tuna gun that I can't use around the reefs.

HELP!

[Chad Carney]

Stodelle,

I have a rear handle plus Daryl Wong gun now. It has the reach of a rear handle and the band stretch of a midhandle.

Go to www.wongspearguns.com and check them out. E-mail Daryl he'll be glad to give you advice.

Moving to Hawaii, good for you!

Chad

[Kasshia]

The rear handles are easier to aim, the mid-handles track a moving fish better. True mid-handles will have the shaft release mechanism in the rear of the stock, connected to the trigger mechanism with some kind of pushrod like the Riffes and the Wongs. I currently shoot a Riffe Competitior #3X during the day or a Metal Tech #1 for hunting mullet and at night. #1 (11yr. old son) has a Competitior #2. If I buy, as opposed to build, my next gun I'm leaning heavily in favor of a Wong enclosed track rear handle plus Middle Grounds Special with the Alexander muzzle.

[dtour]

Hi I am from hawaii and a good gun size to get is in the 50 inch range (like a riffe comp 3). I own an Omer 75 and a riffe comp 3. I like both guns however all i really need is the riffe. its long enough to get the range that i desire and is still small enough to take with me into holes. My friend and I both shoot comp 3. I have also tried a midhandle riffe look alike. The midhandle is easy to track with however moving a gun quickly isnt always a good thing. sometimes a slow but steady motion is better and more stable. There is one thing that i did not like about the midhandle, that is the fact the gun but is directly in your face. I would recomend getting a rearhandle plus by Daryl Wong. Currently he is the only one that makes guns in this manner.
If you dont have to much cash you could always go Euro. Many people in hawaii have euros or are switching to euros. I on the other hand went the opposite direction and switched to the wood. If you have the money get a wood gun. Either get a riffe or give daryl a call. Both guns are good.
dive safe