On Selecting A Speargun

This type of gun question is probably the most contentious topic in all of spearfishing and will continue to rage so as long as there are still fish in the sea. At Sumora, we feel that asking “what is the best gun” is a bit like asking “How long is a piece of string?”

The answer is largely dependent on a number of variables that change according to circumstance: the specie of fish being hunted, the diving conditions (visibility, currents, and size of surf), the location being dived, and the experience of the diver. Accordingly, most experienced divers tend to own a collection of guns to provide them with the optimal tools in all conditions.

Having said this, most divers have a favourite gun that they use 80% of the time. This is especially true for divers operating out of their home water where conditions will be reasonably consistent, and where one gun will suffice for all but exceptional conditions. If you are unsure about selecting a gun, and have inquiries regarding the aspects of particular guns, please let us know.

Whether you are searching for a comfortable handle, a strong bluewater trigger mechanism capable of taking down the largest pelagics, we have the guns for you. 

As a general rule, the Hunter line is the most economical, featuring the Stealth grip and an aluminum integrated railed barrel.  The ultimate in comfort is the Stealth line with a polymer silencer track and a loading butt.  The Apex has a stainless steel trigger mechanism for more a raw "power feel" and performance for bluewater.  The Apex Carbon also features the thickest walled carbon fiber barrel and it is no wonder divers have captured world record fish with it in Florida, Fiji, Japan, Mexico, and South Africa. 

We are very proud of the way the gun performs and strive to only carry the BEST equipment worldwide.  Three of the Top 5 divers at the 2007 Omer Hatteras Tournament are our customers.  And the 2006 Spearfishing National Champions used Sumora Spears and Ritchie Zacker, National Team champion member exclusively used Rabitech railguns.  Our railguns have taken over 10 World records and numerous South African records including: Marlin, Tuna, Jewfish and Groupers. 

We hope that the following table serves as a guide of what guns may be appropriate for your type of diving but if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at any time. 

Measuring Railgun length: **Note, with railgun length, the "length" referred to is the length of the barrel only, and does not include the handle and the muzzle.  For example a "100cm gun" has a barrel length of 39", a muzzle length of 2", and a handle of about 6 inches, making this a 47" gun from butt to muzzle.

Please note that this guide has been compiled based on personal experience and individual preferences may differ. Accordingly this is a guideline only and is not intended to be prescriptive.

 

 

Blue Water Diving

 

Reef Diving

Kelp Diving

Cave/Hole Diving

Viz

50ft+

130 /140cm

Dbl band.

7.9mm Spear

120 – 140cm Dbl band / 120cm – 130cm Single band

60–90cm

60 – 70cm

30–50ft

120–130cm

120–130cm

60– 90cm

60 – 70cm

15–30ft

110–130cm

110–130cm

60– 90cm

60 – 70cm

0-15ft

110cm

80–110cm

60–90cm

60 – 70cm