I am trying to decide between two 53" JBL spearguns. I have used the 38 Special offshore here and it tends to bounce the spear off of anything further away than a few feet.
For that reason I have been looking at guns with 5/8" powerbands. The Woody Elite 53" has two bands and the aluminum Magnum XHD 53" has three bands. I like the idea of the three band model but I don’t know if a 53" gun can accurately use that much power. Also the Elite Woody series looks like a very durable gun. Anybody have any input?
Get the woody! Aluminum guns a WAY to loud not to be used only in the water coulomb. Also, they bend catastrophically, so it just CAN’T last as long.
2 5/8" bands or 3 9/16" bands is like asking yourself, do I want to take time loading three bands instead of 2 for 10% less power anyway. The only reason to get a three band gun is if you can’t pull back the 5/8" bands. If your in the market, and plan on fishing around here, don’t waste your time with an intro gun like a JBL, get the Ocean Rhino by spearfishing specialties. The trigger is better and WAY more reliable, there are some cool add ons like kill spikes and spare shaft holders that are easy to install, it comes standard with a speed load line kit (WAAAAAAAYYYY better than rope and a bungee like JBL, and its covered in rhino liner like a truck bed, so the gun doesn’t take such a beating. Just my two cents…
I am with Vic on this. I got a “starter” gun that I used twice, then got the Rhino and it is all I have used since. More power, more reliable, easier to load with gloves.
I agree as well. Wooden guns are definately quieter than the aluminum and I think tougher as well, just think about bi-metalic corrosion and saltwater environment. I have never owned an aluminum, but I don’t plan on it either so I am a little biased. Pulling back 2 5/8’s is way faster than three 9/16’s. I am probably going to get a larger gun soon, stepping up from the 48, but I think I am going to skip the 53/54 inch range and grab a 60.
The Ocean Rhino is a nice gun sure but it also is twice as expensive as the ones I was looking at. I went ahead and got the aluminum XHD with more power. Sure it is louder and not as nice looking as a wood gun, but it should get the job done. If it wears out in a few years, no biggie. I will know what I like by then and buy a real nice gun.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
I got a 53" 3 band JBL woody from leisure pro for like right at $200 I Like the gun, quiet, easy to load, lot of power… I’m still new into spearing too and didn’t want to spend several hundred on a gun, I wasn’t sure I was going to use. There are lots of diver/spear friendly people on here and now I have my own boat so I use it alot.
“The Wet Dream”
20’ Pioneer 197
150hp Suzuki 4-Stroke
I got the gun and three 5/8" bands means tons of power. Does anyone know the draw-strength of a big 5/8" band vs the normal 9/16" bands? It feels like twice as much but maybe that is just because they are all new.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.
SC medic, next time it slicks up if were in town lets dive together, I dive a 197 pioneer frequently (they make great dive boats when organized well), it would be fun to take them both out and put down a few lobster.
-vic
RU from the dive shop in mt P? I think I’ve seen pics with you on Under Contract… Yea I Love diving any chance I get, weather’s getting a little chilly but I’m still game!
“The Wet Dream”
20’ Pioneer 197
150hp Suzuki 4-Stroke
Thats me, the name is Victor. I run Lowcountry Scuba (used to work for Tommy from ACDC). Yeah, I dive with Zach a bunch, keep me on your list for if the weather looks better and you need/have a ride, we’ll get out there!
As soon as it gets calm enough to go I am headed out there. Do ya’ll dive year round? Most of my buddies quit in November so its hard to find people that want to get in the water. I then end up diving solo which is not highly recommended. Maybe there will be a few days before Christmas we can get out there.