AB Biller Teak Speargun Review

For those learning how to spearfish, AB Biller is a brand you’ll likely come across again and again. And once you start asking around, you’ll quickly learn that the AB Biller Teak Speargun is a decent buy as a first speargun. Made in America, it’s a powerful speargun that’s easy to use, and will help you catch more fish on every dive. Click here to get your hands on the AB Biller Teak speargun.

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AB Biller Teak Speargun: Reviewed for 2023

Today I’m covering a tried-and-true weapon for underwater hunting – the AB Biller Teak Speargun. It’s from a brand that you’ll find all over the world, with a solid and reliable design that’s got the buoyancy just right, sits nicely in the water, and is deadly accurate.

In our buyers guide to the best spearguns on the market, the AB Biller Teak speargun performed relatively well against more expensive options and is overall a decent buy.

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Why Get the AB Biller Teak Speargun?

Most of us who have been spearfishing for a while will have used an AB Biller speargun.

Even though this particular model isn’t top-shelf, it’s an affordable wooden speargun that’ll get you off to a flying start. Because most people don’t want to spend several hundred dollars on spearguns, at least not yet. And for the price tag, the AB Biller Teak speargun is probably the best value-for-money you’ll find in a wooden gun.

It gives you a reliable wooden teak barrel to absorb any firing noise and recoil, with a track cut into the top that lends more accuracy to your shots. This is quite a good speargun for chasing smaller to mid-sized fish from the shore or along the reef. And then you’ve got the beautiful teak barrel. But, of course, AB Biller does have cheaper options in padauk and mahogany. Giving you virtually the same speargun as the handle, trigger and rest of the tech is the same. The critical difference is in the wood you find in the barrel.

This is why you should buy this speargun:

• Premium teak barrel stock absorbs up to 80% of recoil
• Fits three 16mm powerbands for more power and range
• Pistol grip design alongside a nice, neutral buoyancy
• Reliable stainless-steel trigger mechanism that won’t fail
• Longer loading butt to counteract the weight of the tip
• High quality speargun you can use to catch more fish

 

What type of spearfishing is it good for?

For this review of the AB Biller Teak speargun, I was testing out their 42″ model. Which for those on the metric system is about 107cm long.

At this size, I wouldn’t use this speargun for deep-water spearfishing. But it is the right kind of size for spearfishing from the shore. For example, exploring the reefs, structures and the caves that sit just a few hundred yards from the water’s edge around my local headland.

Compared to the sleek “euro” design AB Biller produce “American” style spearguns. That means bigger, bulkier and a lot sturdier. So if you’re a thrill-seeker chasing fish in the shallow wash or trying to hit the type of fish that like hiding under overhangs or in caves, trust that this speargun will take a beating. The 5/16 shaft (that’s 8mm) is perhaps even slightly too thick, but in the hands of a beginner, it also means you won’t need to worry about bending it.

Suppose you are spearfishing in close range, perhaps in shallow reefs or caves. In that case, AB Biller do make shorter versions of the teak speargun, down to 24″ (61cm). So you can choose the right size because often a shorter speargun is what you need to poke around in these tighter spots. For me though, the AB Biller Teak speargun at 42″ was just about long enough. Any longer, and it starts getting tough for a beginner to load, but it does have enough length to give you a decent stretch in the bands and plenty of power.

How it feels to use the AB Biller Teak Speargun…

When I reviewed the AB Biller Teak speargun, I put their whole range of wooden barrels to the test. First, getting the 42″ mahogany, padauk and teak spearguns together, so I’d be able to give you my candid thoughts on the three. And also, I was kind of curious to see just how big of a difference the barrel stock made with all else the same.

In the end, though, the AB Biller Teak speargun won out. You’re going to struggle to find a better wood to use underwater than teak. Being naturally water-resistant means it won’t warp, which sets teak apart from almost every other wood. Plus, the buoyancy is spot on.

When you’re shooting with a speargun that has the buoyancy right, it sits flat in the water itself. So you’re not straining your wrist or death-gripping the handle to keep your speargun level. It just kind of does it itself. Once you pull the trigger, the shaft runs along a slight groove cut into the top of the barrel, lending more accuracy to your shots. The thicker shaft means you don’t need to give it a second thought before you fire, as it’ll take a beating while still staying incredibly straight. It’s quick to reload and an excellent buy for your first wood speargun.

My favourite part of the AB Biller Teak Speargun

Now I’ve got a particular fondness for the big, bulky “American” style spearguns, so the thicker shaft was something I’d gotten used to many years ago. The first speargun I ever bought was an American style. Plus, you can remove the tip to sharpen it or replace it entirely. This is a big win for beginners who may miss shots while learning.

In my case, learning to spearfish in the rocky waters of my hometown meant that I would often hit hard, immovable objects instead of my target fish. With a thick shaft like this, instead of damaging the entire thing, all I needed to do was replace the tip. It screws on and off and was much cheaper than replacing damaged shafts as I learnt how to spearfish.

Any downsides?

The biggest downside you’ll experience with the AB Biller Teak speargun is the shooting speed. Now I’ve got more experience, especially with the lighter, euro-style spearguns – these bigger billers do shoot slower. That’s the issue with a thick, sturdy shaft. It’s much heavier in the water. So you lose out on range and power. For a speargun over 100cm in length, I was surprised to see how much difference that made in my shots. I needed to get closer to my target fish to ensure I would land a kill shot.

Changes I’d make to the AB Biller Teak speargun?

Once you get the AB Biller Teak speargun home, I’d recommend you consider shortening the bands. This is to offset the heavier shaft. By shortening the powerbands, you’ll get more power in each shot. But, of course, this will make it more challenging to load. Because you’ll need to stretch the bands further, to get more power and range as you shoot.

For more power, you could also add a third 14mm band because there’s space for it in the muzzle. The only thing you need to be careful of is the shaft whip. The power improves once you overload a speargun, but only to a point. Do it too much, and the shaft will “whip” as it releases, and it’ll lose accuracy. You don’t want that. So don’t shorten your bands too much initially. It’s better to cut these shorter a second or third time until it feels right.

 

 

Breakdown of the AB Biller Teak Speargun

General Specs:

• Open muzzle design allows up to three 16mm powerbands to be fitted
• Impressive teak barrel with perfect buoyancy and water resistance
• Comes with a 5/16 (8mm) stainless-steel shaft with a screw-on rockpoint tip
• Stock speargun has two 14mm powerbands to boost range and power
• Silent safety trigger has a patented design for simple, one-handed use
• Heavy-duty stainless steel trigger mech for a reliable and accurate shot
• Tough plastic pistol grip with protective finger cover that you can hang onto

 

The handle & trigger mechanism

The modified pistol grip has an extended cover to protect your hands on the AB Biller Teak speargun. Cast from an incredibly heavy-duty plastic polymer, I like there’s a slot for your fingers to go into as it makes it easy to control the speargun in rough water. And when I’m in the shallows, I like to hunt in the 2 or 3 feet of water you find in the wash. Because there are no finger grooves, even my wife liked how this speargun felt, but it is a little too straight. When your arm’s at full extension, it’s not as comfortable as it could be.

Probably the biggest win for this speargun is AB Biller’s stainless-steel trigger mech. It’s built tough and gives a smooth trigger press that helps you make consistent, accurate shots. When I researched what other people think of AB Biller, some complaints were raised about misfires, but unfortunately, I couldn’t replicate this. Using thick 16mm bands (across their stainless steel, teak, padauk and mahogany spearguns), none seemed to have that issue in the trigger. So it’s most likely AB Biller’s already fixed the component that was causing the problem.

The barrel & muzzle

In this range of spearguns from AB Biller, the barrels are made from three different types of wood. The teak is the most premium and comes in a lovely shade of light brown that’s been hand-finished with linseed oil for a perfect shine. Handcrafted from a single piece of wood, there’s a groove running along the top, much like a shallow rail. Adding accuracy to your shots, the heavy wooden barrel naturally absorbs the noise and recoil every time you fire the weapon.

Personally, I think the AB Biller teak speargun is perfectly balanced. Holding it with one arm outstretched in the water, it naturally sits level, so you’re not having to battle against a heavy speargun tip as you do with other brands.

Looking at AB Biller’s muzzle design, there are two guiding tabs on either side to keep the shaft flying straight. Now, they’ll call this an “open” muzzle because technically – well, it is. But to me, it feels more like a closed muzzle with a top that’s just been cut open. Regardless of the name, it does give an excellent line of sight straight down the shaft, so you can really hone in on your target fish before pulling the trigger.

The spear and tip

The AB Biller Teak speargun comes stock with a spring-steel shaft, a heavy-duty 5/16 diameter spear that we all know as an 8mm. Built from stainless steel that’s been forged using a U.S. Navy-developed technique (heat-treated to Rockwell 44C), it’s a solid and durable shaft that’ll continue to fly straight and true for years – no matter what you’re up against. It’s a beast, a speargun that’ll catch you fish after fish.

To cap off the 8mm shaft is the screw-on rockpoint tip. I do like American spearguns because of the interchangeability you get in the tips. Swapping these out if you’re chasing a different target fish or your original spear tip gets damaged. On the AB Biller teak speargun, the double-barb tip it comes with is perfect for smaller reef fish. The barbs are held in place with a locking ring, so they don’t rattle or alarm your target before you shoot. This disengages as the shaft passes through the fish, letting the barbs spring open and trapping your catch on the spear.

The powerbands

The AB Biller Teak speargun comes with two 14mm powerbands to counteract the heavy 8mm shaft. Shooting this without modification underwater gives a decent range, though I’d recommend adding a third powerband. There’s plenty of space in the muzzle, or you could even upgrade to two 16mm bands. I think it’s needed because when I compare this to my Rob Allen, Riffe or other go-to spearguns, the range of the AB Biller Teak speargun leaves a bit to be desired. The easy fix is to first shorten the stock bands it comes with, and when you’re looking for more power – that’s when you upgrade.

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Price of the AB Biller Teak Speargun

What you’ll pay for a speargun from AB Biller differs based on the length and what the barrel’s made of. The AB Biller Teak speargun is the most expensive in this range because teak’s probably the best wood you could use for a speargun. It has all the qualities you want. Padauk would take second place, and the mahogany is the cheapest.

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The Bottom Line: AB Biller Teak Speargun

If you want to get started and learn to spearfish, the AB Biller teak speargun is one of the best entry-level options on the market. It’s an affordable wooden speargun produced by a reliable American company. I’ve caught plenty of fish with this particular speargun, and there are ways to dial up the range and add more power to your shots with more bands.

For beginner spearfishing, the AB Biller Teak Speargun is a good choice.

Remember, all my comments above are based on a hands-on review of the 42″ (107cm) model. I have (on an earlier dive a few months ago) put a smaller 36″ AB Biller Teak speargun through the works. It was one I borrowed from a friend. You see, I’d heard that the thick 8mm shafts AB Biller use kill the range on a shorter speargun, and I wanted to test it for myself. It’s true. These smaller spearguns don’t give as much range as they should. Personally, I’d consider only the 42″ and longer from AB Biller if you don’t want any issues with your speargun’s size and power.

So, what else are you waiting for?

Click here to get your hands on the AB Biller Teak speargun. You’ll be happy you did.

Why an AB Biller Speargun?

AB Biller is one of the leading spearfishing companies in America.

You’ll find AB Biller products worldwide, yet these are built and manufactured in the U.S.A. The whole focus behind AB Biller is performance. They’ve created and customised spearguns for many U.S. National and State Spearfishing Champs, and the innovations they’re making showcase the brand’s desire to evolve. You’ve got tracks to reduce noise, unique pistol-grip handles, and they use high-quality materials to ensure your speargun will perform no matter what situation you find yourself in.

To me, I see AB Biller as a brand chasing uncompromised performance. They build spearguns that are essentially the underwater equivalent of a tank. Yet once they’re wet and, in the water, the teak speargun is surprisingly buoyant. I was surprised how easily it tracks left to right, and how light it feels in the water.

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Wait, why choose teak?

AB Biller uses three types of wood in their spearguns when it comes to barrel stock.

Teak, padauk and mahogany.

On a good speargun, you want a reliable hardwood that’s buoyant in the water, and won’t warp or lose any of its natural qualities over time. Mahogany needs to be sealed to stay water-proof, while padauk is a good alternative – it’s a tad softer than teak, so it’ll dent easy.

Ultimately, teak is your best choice for a speargun. It’s rot-resistant, will hold its form in wet conditions, and the high silica content within the wood makes it strong, with almost a perfect buoyancy as a speargun barrel. It’s these qualities that also make it the most expensive option, so if you’re looking to go cheaper – perhaps a padauk or mahogany speargun is a more cost-effective buy.

If you’re going to invest in a wood speargun, choosing the best barrel stock makes sense. With a quick application of a bit of linseed oil, your teak barrel will be able to weather whatever you throw at it, and it’ll last for years. However, sometimes spending a little more for the right bit of gear is the wiser choice, and in this case, my vote is for AB Billers teak speargun.

AB Biller’s Different Spearguns

Like all the other big speargun producers, AB Biller has many different models to suit different types of spearfishing. The main difference is the barrel length.

You can get AB Biller spearguns in sizes from 24″ (61cm) to 60″ (162cm). However, with the particular model I’ve been reviewing today, there’s not always the opportunity to buy a longer speargun. For example, when I was purchasing the padauk, teak and mahogany spearguns to compare for this review, I was only able to get the 42″ length in all three different wood types.

AB Biller calls their more extended spearguns “specials,” or the LTD editions. And you’ve also got the Floridian models they built for competitions. You’ll find these are somewhat different to their normal range, with a built-in handle within a single piece of wood. Though much of the trigger mechanics inside the handle are the same.

As an alternative, AB Biller also has their Stainless Steel Pro speargun. I reviewed this a couple of months ago, and you can read it by clicking here. Ultimately, the stainless steel pro contains the same components as the wooden spearguns, but you get a stainless steel 1″ diameter tube instead of an expensive wooden barrel. It’s a cost-effective speargun for beginners and held it’s own in the round-up we did to review the best spearguns available in the market.

That being said, it’s hard to beat the look of a nice teak speargun.

If you’re looking for a classy wooden speargun that won’t break the bank, the AB Biller Teak speargun is a great buy. Sturdy and reliable, it’ll help you catch plenty of fish.

Happy spearin’