Advice for 1st Speargun

I need some advice about my first speargun. Since it will be my first I'd really like to get one that will be good for hunting in the rocks and still have some range. Something versatile. What size should I get?
Thanks!

I am a big fan of Rob Allen guns. I would target a 70 cm if you are hunting reefs. I have a 90 and that is a nice gun, but a bit large.  If this is your first gun, it is a good gun to use. If you want to spend more money, I like the Riffe's, but I am partial from my old school days to wood guns. RA's are solid, accurate, and not too much $$$. I think there is even a used one being offered in the classified section. 

-Quinn

Hammerhead evolution, in 70-75 cm

I have a Rob Allen 70 and love it.  The Mako is similar, has a better safety which is good to have in kelp or on shore entries.  It is also probably $60 cheaper.

Also search previous threads for lots of info on the topic. 

I have a rob allen 70 and love it  JB

AB Biller 36" with three 5/8" bands. Hasn't failed me since I bought it in 2008.

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to go with 70 or 80 cm. I'll let you know when I pick the exact one.

One thing to note...all sizes are not the same on all guns. If you are going a rail gun (Mako, Hammerhead, or Rob Allen), they are all the same size. Pathos rail guns are going to be a bit different in size.  And then the wood guns (AB Biller, etc) are different as well). Hit me up if I can help you.  I am in Sacramento and went to the Free Dive shop. They are good people and would be worth the call.  In order of preference, I would go Rob Allen, then Mako, then Hammerhead. Honestly the RA will have a better resale value too. If cost is a concern, go look on Spearboard and see what they have in the classifieds as well as our classifieds.  Nothing wrong with a used RA.

-Quinn

I'm a huge fan of Pathos and bleutecs. I have used almost all of the above listed guns plus some except for the Ab Biller. Only guns I still own are Pathos and Bleutec. Pathos are just as durable as RA minus the butt pad. I've been slamming the shaft of my 75, double bands into rocks, lings and cabs with no problems. The line release can be a pain but once you get it down not a problem. The stainless mech in the laser pro versions is killer and haven't had a problem yet. I own a 60, 75, 82, 90 and 100 roller. You have any questions let me know.  May part with my 75 as I have been eyeing the carbon version for awhile now.

Matt

If you are mostly hunting fish that live on the bottom or in rocks you are better off with a sling. Faster and easier, especially in keep forests. Even halibut and ling are no problem for a sling. Open water fish,  calico,  yellow tail, you need a gun. If you are into making gear i can show you a very inexpensive sling design. Under $30 that will kill anything you are brave enough to shoot.

If you are mostly hunting fish that live on the bottom or in rocks you are better off with a sling. Faster and easier, especially in keep forests. Even halibut and ling are no problem for a sling. Open water fish,  calico,  yellow tail, you need a gun. If you are into making gear i can show you a very inexpensive sling design. Under $30 that will kill anything you are brave enough to shoot.

I would like to see!

The only problem I have with a sling is my grip.
After decades of repetitive motion at work it ain't what it used to be.
Much easier to just squeeze a trigger for me.
This is the best deal I could find for a RA Tuna 70:
http://www.bluetunaspearfishing.com/store/rob-allen-aluminum-tuna-railgun-open-or-closed-muzzle-70-80-90-100-110-120-130-140-150.html
So good I ordered one last night. $227 out the door tax and shipping included.

This thread had some interesting perspectives:

http://spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=26467&highlight=speargun+recommendation+NorCal

If you are mostly hunting fish that live on the bottom or in rocks you are better off with a sling. Faster and easier, especially in keep forests. Even halibut and ling are no problem for a sling. Open water fish,  calico,  yellow tail, you need a gun. If you are into making gear i can show you a very inexpensive sling design. Under $30 that will kill anything you are brave enough to shoot.

Yeah, you can take plenty of nice fish with a pole spear for sure.

Just look at the quality of fish Charlie has taken this year with his pole spear:

http://doty.norcalkayakanglers.com/leaderboard/list_by_angler/33

I prefer a gun cuz I'm a wussy and the few times I used a pole spear I sucked. 

Great advice on the RA 70. The Pathos that Matt damanij recommends are meant to be deadly as well.

I've also hunted with an AB Biller 32 and Riffe Comp 00. I only use them for back ups or loaners now...I find the RA is more accurate, has more range, and more penetrating and holding power. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that I can still hole hunt in tight cracks pretty effectively.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

The only problem I have with a sling is my grip.
After decades of repetitive motion at work it ain't what it used to be.
Much easier to just squeeze a trigger for me.
This is the best deal I could find for a RA Tuna 70:
http://www.bluetunaspearfishing.com/store/rob-allen-aluminum-tuna-railgun-open-or-closed-muzzle-70-80-90-100-110-120-130-140-150.html
So good I ordered one last night. $227 out the door tax and shipping included.

I so understand what your saying about grip issues.  I have to use a multiple band gun so I do not overwork my arms and hands.  Slings look like they would go through kelp easier and get in tighter places, but I have to pass.  If only I was younger.  My camera mount is on my RA70.  Still waiting for them to send me money or free gear for all that free advertising.