Speargun ques

[FLsport]

Im new to the sport of spearfishing and would like some advice as far as gun type. I mostly would be fishing off the ponce area where visibility isnt the greatest, with the occasional trip to the keys. Ive been looking at the jbl 50" gun mainly because i like the price, but ive heard alot of people dont like these guns. Im mainly looking for a good solid gun, nothin fancy, but that will last. so any advice that you guys could give would be great.

[stallbaum]

Scuba or free diving? Im assuming scuba.
Billers are great for the price.

[shcubasteve]

I have a 42" Biller and love it. its a little short for me, so it is up for sale.... but over all great gun.

[PrincessSlaya!]

Billers are just that ok for the price. Just my opinion. It's a good gun to start out with. :) That way if you lose it, It doesn't hurt so much. Good luck to you in your new adventure!
There is nothing better than finally hitting a fish you worked to hard at learn how to get!
I prefer the Riffe's. It is all a matter of preference. Which I think you will see as this thread continues. "Happy Hunting!"

[diverlen]

FLsport, don't let anyone kid you about guns. All guns, properly equipped, will bring down fish. I have JBL magnums, Biller LTD teak 54" and a Wong Magnum hybrid 55".
All are excellent weapons and each fitted to do a certain type hunting.
As you gain experience in spearing and see what your buddies use, it will naturally come to you the type of gun that you will want to carry.

[OPIE]

I am partial to the Rob Allen double band 130cm railgun. It is ultra light and much more hydrodynamic than the wood guns (easier to turn). Good range, and acuraccy, though different from the regular guns. Some will disagree, but I find it easier to shoot. It's a great blue water gun.

Negatives: the trigger mechanism and safety are plastic... DO NOT LOAD IT OUT OF THE WATER or you will most likely break something. And first time users tend to have a problem loading them, but once you get it down.. its easy.

[PropMan]

I have used many diferent types of guns ,and I own a JBL 450HD Mag,a
Rob Allen 100, a Spearfishing Specialties med size and my Elephant Gun,
a Steve Alexander. I love em all.If I had to choose one,hands down the
Rob Allen, its the Glock of spear guns ,good luck and happy hunting.

[steveo]

The open muzzle of the JBL makes it a bit easier to reload but it also affects accuracy. The Biller is more accurate, powerful and the trigger mechanism is better. I'd say a 48" gun would be right for the areas you hunt. Go with the 5/8" bands too. Good luck and have fun!

[keysdiver0106]

Get an aluminum railgun about 110cm....you will grow with it more than growing out of it like you would with a biller. I think billers are great for freeshafting but the are less than desireable when set up with a line because of the metal slide ring.

[PropMan]

The open muzzle of the JBL makes it a bit easier to reload but it also affects accuracy. The Biller is more accurate, powerful and the trigger mechanism is better. I'd say a 48" gun would be right for the areas you hunt. Go with the 5/8" bands too. Good luck and have fun!

I have taken more large grouper with my 450HD than any other gun.
it shoots straight and real hard.For the money its a great gun , the other JBL
models ,well , there JBL, middle of the road.

[PropMan]

I have taken more large grouper with my 450HD than any other gun.
it shoots straight and real hard.For the money its a great gun , the other JBL
models ,well , there JBL, middle of the road.

Your rite about the trigger ,it sucks ,and JBL doesnt stand behind it ,ive
sent in 2 , but i still like the way it hits with that 3/8th shaft.Like a
45 slug.

[IRONHEAD]

I also dive ponce alot and I find that an enclosed track gun in the 50 to 60" size working good for me and a few others. I went to freeshafting for awhile but i am back to using a line as i lost too many fish. i wouldnt go with any gun under 48" in this area as you will be presented with large fish and you want to sink a shot for a kill and not be wounding fish.

[TJk]

im new as well and for the money this gun works like a champ
http://www.tarpoondivecenter.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SGN-RNO-48
i havent shot any big fish with it yet but maybe friday i ll have a good post for my gun. i printed the price and took it to divers direct and they matched the price. they charge 300 for that gun

[apnea_beast]

stop by florida freedivers and get a rob allen or an aimrite. whichever feels best in hand.

[deepdestroyer]

I would go with a mid handle gun between 50-55 inches.

[headhunter561]

another vote for Rob Allen. Perfect to start with and progress with. I have a 110 and for about $225 nothing compares. as mentioned its laser accurate, hydrodynamic, has zero recoil, and of high quality materials.

Chest loading was difficult my first time out but by the third dive its faster than hip and very easy. Mike at Florida freedivers hooked me up and lengthened the bands until I got used to loading it, then shortened them later.

[StickODynamite!]

Check out some of FishKillas videos, I believe he shoots a 60" Commercial Rino - Sea Hornet 2 x 5/8" bands, 5/16" shaft. Not the cheapest or prettiest, but he's damn precise with his shooting, judge for yourself.

His videos are worth the download, try the Hell Diver Rodeo 2007 3rd from the top:

http://www.******************.com/showthread.php?t=2487

I shoot a JBL Woody Mag. not fancy but it does well. Recently took off the leash and bumped the bands to 5/8" dia for a little more reach. If I'd seen his movies before hand I'd of waited and gone w/ the SeaHornet which is made in St. Pete, FL.

[FLsport]

thanks for everyones' opinions,i really appreciate it.

i think im probably going to go with a rob allen 110 or 130.

[100days-a-year]

Take into account who gives you advice, where they dive and look at some of the fish they have shot.There is a lot of hype in spearguns SS,Biller,Seahornet have killed more and bigger fish that all other brands combined in the Gulf and ther East Coast.JBL would be next.Take a look at my pic gallery to see what Biller and JBLs can do.
I have friends who have tried the euros for our area and most are shall we say"fragile"
4 bigazzed rednecks bouncing around in 3' chop require a durable gun.

[fishshooter]

if you are new to spearfishing the 110 -130 inch guns are going to be a pain in the butt to load. remember the east coast can have some long periods of low viz. shooting fish under rock ledges is common . when i take new shooters on my boat they get to choose from an assortment of different guns, wood,metal,kevlar,32-54 inches. most end up shooting the 48 inch sea hornet with line shaft and single band. i hunt out of fort pierce inlet on the east coast and tampa on the west coast.

[deepdestroyer]

I agree with the last two guys. Also check ur PM's.

[grouperdude]

110 best all around gun

[clearnhouse]

I'd go with a pole spear... or the jbl 38 special... its not how long your gun is; its how you use it when the times right=) Then again I mostly target grunts and porgies, because groupers are no good to eat. hope this helps

[like-fish]

thanks for the thread. I shopped around and ended up grabbing a Sea Hornet 48" with double bands. $270 out the door at Divers Direct in Orlando. 10% off all spearfishing equipment this month with the coupon form the Divers Direct Calender (you can get the coupon in the store).

Once again spearboard proves an invaluable resource! Thanks for the posts:thumps:

[Matt Gent]

I'll add a few questions here...

-What makes a euro gun a euro gun (other than the obvious, where its made)? Found lots of references but not definition.

-Does the Rob Allen 110 float? Are spare parts readily available? Does it accept a reel without drilling into the body?

-How do the pneumatic guns load?

I freedive, and usually use a polespear or a friend's JBL. Looking for something more durable, repairable, and a bit more range to use in concert with the polespear.

I'm near FLFreedivers, got my fins & mask there, so that's where I'll likely get a gun as well.

[OPIE]

The Rob allen will float up like and SOB. I have some lead weight stuffed in the handle to make it neg. bouyant.

Parts are readily available for them. My trigger mechanism borke recently. FL Freedivers had it working the next day.

I have the 130 and it is more than enough gun. Although I also dive with a
2nd gun (with a powerhead) and a pole spear. If I see hog's or snapper that let me get close I'll usually hit them with the pole spear.