JBL vs Ab Biller vs Mako

Hey guys!!!

Looking to get a new gun for christmas...been using the Riffe Mid Handle 44 that I got for $50, and the thing is super cool, has a ton of power, but is hard to use in smaller holes, and is tough to swing around quickly especially when the surge is strong...

Been using the search function here and read some comments that are making me wonder if the Ab Biller (what I thought I wanted) is really what I should get or if I should get a JBL...read the Ab Biller tips are bulky or something??  I liked the way Porky's Ab Biller 32 looked though!!

Price range is under $200.

Was thinking Ab biller 24 or 32....24 sounds like it might be too small and not enough power??

Thinking of maybe the Ab Biller 32 special loaded with the bands for the 24 would give me plenty of power???

http://www.austinsdiving.com/proddetail.php?prod=R41

Saw Tote likes his JBLs:

I love my JBL magnum 38-special. I added a rockpoint spear tip.

http://www.leisurepro.com/prod/JBL4D38NW.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=JBL4D38NW

Check out the reviews:
http://www.leisurepro.com/prod/JBL4D38NW.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=JBL4D38NW

I also use a JBL mini carbine for blues, blacks and perch.

http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/D-6

These two guns cover all my spearfishing on the North Coast.
Guys such as Fuzz and the like would have more info on the subject than a mere mortal such as myself. I don't get out to spearfish even close to as many times as they do. These two guns cover all my bases.
Simple design, built solid, easy to use.

38 is probably longer than what I want since I am looking for a smaller hole gun since so far almost every single fish I have shot has been in a hole, under a rock, or right in front of me....my aim and the usual visibility are gonna keep me doing close quarter hunting I think!!  

Thanks in advance for the help/suggestions/guidance!!
 
Sincerely,

Jim

I'm not an expert by any means but here's my 2 cents.  I've owned and shot JBLs and AB Billers for years.

For the up close shooting you describe almost any gun works fine.  You're not going to notice much difference.  You might want to explore deals for additional makes like Mako and Hammerheads and others.  I love my Rob Allen Railgun but I got it used for only $75 so what's not to love?

Beware about overpowering any gun as it can lead to inaccuracy.  If you want shaft speed, consider a Euro-style gun that uses a thinner shaft.

Let's go shoot some fish!

John

Tell you what Jim....I'll take the midhandle off your hands for $50 and that'll increase your price range to $250 then you can get a better short range gun 

Tell you what Jim....I'll take the midhandle off your hands for $50 and that'll increase your price range to $250 then you can get a better short range gun 

Uuhhmmm...I'll pass on that, but thanks anyway Art!!

 

 

For the up close shooting you describe almost any gun works fine.  You're not going to notice much difference.  You might want to explore deals for additional makes like Mako and Hammerheads and others.  I love my Rob Allen Railgun but I got it used for only $75 so what's not to love?

Beware about overpowering any gun as it can lead to inaccuracy.  If you want shaft speed, consider a Euro-style gun that uses a thinner shaft.

Thanks JZumi...appreciate the info...those Makos and Hammerheads do like sweet!!

Sincerely,

Jim

Between a JBL or an Ab Biller I'd go with the Mako.....and if I were to buy another short gun I'd get another Rob Allen, that thing was nails. 

Jim,

Im upgrading the bands (cheap).. Im no expert by any means, but I was sketched on my purchase too and ended up loving it... Shoots perfectly straight.

Between a JBL or an Ab Biller I'd go with the Mako.....and if I were to buy another short gun I'd get another Rob Allen, that thing was nails. 

Mako guns look pretty sick...

Dumb question...so a 70 cm mako gun is equivalent to a 27.6 inch gun??

http://makospearguns.com/details.php?prodId=32&category=2

The price is actually within my range and they look pretty cool....

I am thinking 70 cm, twin 16mm bands, open muzzle, shark fin tabs on shaft...

Do you guys think this would be a good option for hole hunting/slose range shooting??

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I think you could kill fish with A fucin fork! Dont mess with any high priced guns!

From their chart....


Barrel length = 70cm = 27.50"  


Everything else looks good....I prefer notched to sharkfins but thats just me.

do it jim, i was looking at those too... i wanna check it out!

I like and recomend the Ab biller they are great, light weight, accurate and not that expenisive, I use a 32 inch 2 band gun and it has never failed me. I have taken lings upwards of 20+ pounds on them with no problem.

I think you could kill fish with A fucin fork! Dont mess with any high priced guns!

 

Yeah, since they end up your fork anyway just cut out the middle step!

I have owned 3 Makos and two of my dive buddies use them. They are very accurate and solid. I have a 60 and 90 now. They have both killed rockfish and lings. The 60 is so easy to move around and put into holes. You can try one of mine if you want. I may dive this weekend but not sure.

If you get the JBL make sure you get the new wood Elite with the Kitto trigger. The other trigger mech is not nearly as good. PM me if you want more info.

Use the open muzzle if you are shooting real close so the ling doesn't bust your muzzle off when the shaft doesn't clear the muzzle.

Use the open muzzle if you are shooting real close so the ling doesn't bust your muzzle off when the shaft doesn't clear the muzzle.

Excellent point and good advice !