The Best Speargun for Spearfishing in 2023

What’s the best speargun you can buy?

It’s a question I get asked a lot, considering I’ve spent the better part of the last 30 years in the water, chasing countless fish around with a speargun. And with spearfishing getting more and more popular, I want to help you get the best spearfishing gear. So with the help of a few professionals, I’ve created this speargun buyer’s guide.

Inside you’ll learn everything that’s important when buying a speargun. And we’ve put every speargun in this list to the test, in real conditions so I can give you my honest, and genuine advice. It took over 100 hours in the water, but I’m confident when I tell you that Rob Allen’s Tuna Railgun is the best speargun all round. Click here to get yours.

---

Max Spearfishing is reader-supported. We may earn a small commission for purchases using our links. Click here to learn more.

---

 

The Best Speargun for Spearfishing in 2023 [Tested & Reviewed]

UPDATE 19th March 2023: Over the last few months we’ve been testing spearguns like mad, as I wanted to give all of my readers an update on what’s quickly become one of the most popular posts on this site. The round-up of the best spearguns you can buy. Because there are new models coming out all the time, changes in production that are affecting quality, and ultimately – it’s important to me that you’re getting the best advice possible when you’re making a decision like this.

That being said, the best speargun you can buy is Rob Allen’s Tuna Railgun. In the water it shoots like a rocket, tracks well and just works. Day after day after day. Get it, and you’ll never look back. 

 

Skip to the good part:

• Best Overall Speargun: Rob Allen Tuna Railgun Speargun
  
• Wife’s Favorite Speargun: Hammerhead Evolution 2 Speargun
• Best Combination Reef & Offshore Diving: Salvimar Hero Speargun
• Best Entry-Level Speargun: Cressi Apache Speargun
• Best Value Speargun: Mares Bandit Speargun
• Top of the Line Speargun: Riffe Marauder Speargun
• Best Euro-Style Speargun: Meandros Argo Camo Speargun 
• Best American-Style Speargun: Koah Battle Axe Speargun
• Best Carbon-Fibre Speargun: Gladius Camo Ocean
• Best Bluewater Speargun: Riffe Raider Series Speargun

 

Choosing the best speargun can be difficult

Because you have so many options when it comes to a spearfishing gun.

You’re deciding between the different types of spearguns, the different lengths, and the different styles available for spearfishing today. If you’re new to the sport a cheap speargun might be a good option, but bootstrapping has its drawbacks. You’ll likely end up with a sub-par speargun that has you frustrated in the water as you miss fish after fish.

That being said, you don’t need to drop thousands on a top-of-the-line speargun (unless you want to of course).

In this round up of the best spearguns on the market, I’ll share my advice to help you choose the right speargun for you. And for the type of spearfishing that you’ll be doing. Each of these spearguns I’ve tested myself, in real conditions out on the reef – so I can give you my honest, and unbiased opinions. I’ve also tapped into my network to get their thoughts on particular spearfishing brands and spearguns, and borrowed a few of these from my friends in order to test them out.

So you can trust when I say, these really are the best spearguns on the market.

 

Rob Allen Tuna Railgun Speargun

Editor’s Choice: The Best All-Round Speargun

If you’ve read any of my other reviews, you’ll know I’m a fan of Rob Allen’s spearfishing gear. Because it’s good, and it’s proven to stand the test of time. If you ask anyone who goes spearfishing, it’s likely they’ve got a Rob Allen speargun at home as well.

If you’re looking for the best, all-round speargun, get your hands on the Rob Allen Tuna Railgun.

For anyone looking for a versatile speargun that’ll perform while you’re spearfishing from the reef, or even offshore, it’s a great choice. You get a solid speargun with an affordable price tag, that’ll last you season after season with the right care. This speargun packs a punch, and shoots accurately every time. Exactly what you need to land more fish, which is what spearfishing is all about. I like too, that this speargun comes ready-to-go right out the box. You don’t need to rig it up yourself.

Now, choosing a length depends on where you’ll be spearfishing. The Tuna Railgun is available in sizes from 70cm to 140cm.

• 70cm to 80cm: Good for close quarters spearfishing, in murky conditions
• 90cm to 110cm: Good for spearfishing from the shore, targeting small to mid-sized fish
• 120cm to 140cm: Good for open water spearfishing, targeting mid to large sized fish

Of course, how tall you are matters too. Taller people should look at spearguns at the longer side of this range, while if you’re not so tall you’ll likely find the shorter spearguns easier to handle in the water. Which is important, because spearfishing should be fun. And you should enjoy yourself while you’re spearfishing.

Why the Rob Allen Tuna Railgun is the best speargun to buy:

• The integrated rail keeps your shots accurate to hit your target fish
• Twin 16mm power bands give plenty of punch and range with your spear
• Angled handle allows an extended reach and is comfortable to grip
• Streamlined open muzzle allows easy tracking in the water and is low profile
• Versatile speargun that’ll serve you well spearfishing in most general conditions
• Excellent piece of spearfishing gear made from high quality components

Click here to see my in-depth review of the Rob Allen Tuna Railgun.

 

Hammerhead Evolution 2

Wife’s Favorite: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Hammerhead Spearguns are a well-known brand when it comes to spearfishing, and they produce some great spearguns.

The Hammerhead Evolution 2 is no exception. When we tested all the best spearguns for this review, it was a clear winner for my wife.

Being a little lighter than the Rob Allen Tuna Railgun made it easier to handle. And the streamlined Euro-design made it feel a little quicker in the water. There wasn’t as much drag as I brought the speargun up to take a shot. And the buoyancy was perfect. I found out later they increased the buoyancy in the tip of this speargun which is probably why it felt so easy to use. Plus, the loading pad makes it very comfortable to reload. Especially if you like to shorten your power bands, it’s a little easier than the Rob Allen.

Available in sizes from 55cm to 130cm, I like that you’re able to choose the perfect barrel length for the spearfishing you’ll be doing. The twin 14mm powerbands on their longer guns left a little to be desired in terms of power, and I swapped these out for 16mm bands on the 130cm speargun I was testing for this review.

In terms of accuracy, Hammerhead Spearguns will proudly tell you they were rated the most accurate speargun in America following tests from both Hawaii Skin Diver Magazine and Spearing Magazine, and I have to agree.

This speargun shoots well, packs a decent punch, and if you’re looking for a slightly lighter, and more streamlined speargun the Evolution 2 is a smart buy.

Click here to see our in-depth review of the Hammerhead Evolution 2 Speargun.

 

Salvimar Hero Speargun

Combination Reef & OffShore Diving: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Now, if you’re looking for the best speargun that’ll suit both reef and offshore spearfishing, the Salvimar Hero is a great choice.

You can spot this particular speargun a mile away, thanks to the acid green highlights. Designed for both strength and rigidity, it’s a little heavier than most of the circular aluminum barreled spearguns we tested, but in the water it feels great. The unique barrel shape is what helps with the buoyancy, but also allows this speargun to use a 7mm shaft.

Allowing you to dial up the power by shortening the bands to target bigger fish. It’s a great combination of power, stability and control, while allowing you to easily track your target fish through the water. Plus, being able to aim right down the shaft to the open muzzle is perfect. What this spearfishing brand has done well is producing a speargun that performs on par with wooden spearguns in terms of recoil and balance control, at half the price you’d pay for a wooden speargun at this quality.

Oh, and you can switch the grip to your preference, allowing for a left or right handed shooting style. The heavy duty trigger mechanism is solid, and allows for a smooth press and release. Even when loaded with shortened 16mm power bands. And I love it comes with a reel, that’s a nice bonus you don’t generally get with a speargun off the shelf.

If you’re looking for the best speargun that’ll perform well for both shallow and open water spearfishing, the Salvimar Hero is a smart choice.

 

Cressi Apache Speargun

Best Entry-Level Speargun: The Best Spearfishing Gun

The Cressi Apache speargun stands out for two reasons. It’s designed for beginners so it won’t break the bank, and it comes in lengths from 35cm to 75cm.

That means it’s perfect for shallow water spearfishing, or anyone targeting small to mid-sized fish around the rocks. It’s compact, easy to load, and what I find good for beginners is that it’s got a closed muzzle. This is much easier to load if you’re new to spearfishing, and a setup that is common on entry-level spearguns.

Coming with a single 14mm band, there is space to add a second and increase both the power and range of this speargun, with very little effort. Though you might want to swap out the metal wishbands for Dyneema ones (for safety). Loading is easy, and Cressi have masterfully added a small loading pad at the back of the handle so that it’s easy to load.

The sealed aluminum barrel allows this speargun to float once the 6mm shaft has been released, and I like the threaded single Tahitian-style flopper. Any fish that make it onto your spear will stay there, and I’d always recommend this as a cheap, entry-level speargun that’ll do the job. Without breaking the bank.

 

Mares Bandit Speargun

Best Value Speargun: The Best Spearfishing Gun

For a speargun that’s simple to use, reliable in the water, and decent enough to go bashing about the reef, this is what I’d recommend.

The Mares Bandit is probably the best value speargun you can buy because it’s decent enough for you to get to know the sport without a huge upfront expense. Of course, this speargun is an entry-level model. But I’ve been a big fan of Mares’ spearfishing equipment for a long time, and it’s a good buy if you’re looking for value.

Testing the longer 130cm barrel, with a single 16mm band, I found it far too easy to load. Oversized rubbers on your speargun make for easy loading, but it also kills your power and range. So you’ll likely want to shorten this one and potentially add a second. The good news is that doing this on my speargun didn’t lend any warp or flex to the barrel or shaft under load. I was still shooting the 7mm shaft on target.

For the money, the 7mm Tahitian tri-cut shaft has shark fin tabs and is okay. But if you swap this out for a 6mm or 6.5mm spring steel shaft, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the additional range you’ll get with this speargun. You want to pay attention, though, to the safety, as the switch is a little loose, and sometimes it may not come off with a quick press. It’s not a deal breaker, just something to watch with these entry-level spearguns.

Because ultimately, getting a 130cm speargun with an ambidextrous handle, a guided rail and a comfortable loading butt. At this price, it is phenomenal. It may not be the speargun you catch your award-winning fish with, but it’s the best value speargun you’ll find at these prices.

 

Riffe Marauder Speargun

Top of the Line: The Best Spearfishing Gun

The Riffe Marauder speargun is like a work of art. Because there’s no question Riffe makes incredibly good spearguns.

Tough wooden barrels that hold up against flex, the cuttlefish design tracks effortlessly in the water, considering how big this speargun is.

I was testing their 63S model for this review, and at 160cm, this speargun with a shaft inside stands taller than me. But it barely feels like it is in the water. It’s silent to shoot and gives incredible power and shooting accuracy. I had no trouble taking down tuna and sailfish with this speargun. Fish you’d not even dream of shooting with a smaller speargun, this is a top-of-the-line model that allows you to stand a chance against some of the bigger fish in the sea.

Though, it does depend on where you’re spearfishing from.

The Riffe Marauder 63″ (160cm) model is oversized for reef spearfishing. This is what you want in the open ocean.

The Riffe Marauder 47″ (119cm) model is a perfect mid-size speargun. A top-shelf weapon with an incredible (nearly 20ft) range.

With a unique closed band slot design that requires tie-in power bands, you can overload the 7.5mm tabbed shaft for maximum power with the additional band stretch you cannot get on other spearguns. The push-button safety is also a nice touch. Saving you split seconds when you need to fire that once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Like most of Riffe’s spearguns, I love the magnets in the track that allow for easy reloading. The downside is, of course, the price. This is a heavy-duty gun with a Euro design, packed with mechanics that truly last a lifetime. If you are looking for the only speargun, you’ll ever need, buy the Riffe Marauder, and you can thank me later.

 

Meandros Argo Camo Speargun

Best Euro-Style Speargun: The Best Spearfishing Gun

If you’re looking for one of the best spearguns you can buy in a Euro design, my favourite has got to be the Meandros Argo.

You can get it from 95cm to 130cm, which is long enough to target just about any size fish you’ll encounter. It’s not quite a bluewater speargun, but it’s close and packs a powerful punch thanks to the twin 16mm power bands that come with the speargun. You also get a 7mm sharkfin shaft with a single flopper and a Meandros Reel, complete with a 1.8mm Dyneema cord. Everything you need to take this speargun out in the water and catch a feed of fish.

The stainless steel reverse roller trigger mechanism allows the shaft to sit further back in this speargun, giving you an extra 10cm to 15cm in band stretch without lengthening your speargun. One of the reasons it packs such a punch for its size is this heavy-duty trigger mechanism. But you wouldn’t notice it when you fire. The trigger press is smooth and easy, much less than I’ve seen in classic reverse-trigger setups.

I like the cuttle-fish barrel shape; it tracks easily from left to right and has great buoyancy. Sitting almost perfectly level in my hands while loaded underwater. It’s not a hollow tube, but it has added mass to not only boost stability in your shots but to absorb recoil as well. The low-profile handle is comfortable and easy to grip.

The Meandros Argo Speargun is one of the best Euro-styled spearguns I’ve ever owned, and yet it’s tough enough to hold up against even big fish in the ocean. If you want one of the best spearguns money can buy, there’s a lot to love about this speargun.

 

Koah Battle Axe Speargun

Best American-Style Speargun: The Best Spearfishing Gun

When I think American-made spearguns, we’re talking big, beefy wooden spearguns that shoot like a bazooka. Riffe do a great job with their range, but Koah’s Battle Axe speargun is an absolute beast, and in our tests slightly edged ahead of the other spearguns in this category.

Because we’re looking at the flagship speargun from Koah, and there’s a lot of thought that’s gone into making this one of the best spearguns for professionals.

What’s great about it is how quickly you can switch between free-shafting and regular line-shafting. Ever wanted to get more than one of two shots off into a school? You get a share shaft included that clips in alongside this speargun. This speargun has been designed to hold two spear shafts. And the ability to easily drop your mono line without it becoming a tangled mess under you. It stays tightly tucked under the beautiful teak barrel.

In the water I like the comfortable hip loading pad, and it comes standard with a pre-installed GoPro mount so you can capture every epic moment spearfishing.

The extra-long enclosed track with additional openings makes reloading a breeze. The poured glass and graphite filled epoxy track shoots silently, with almost zero friction. Standard with twin 16mm power bands gives you plenty of power, with a speargun that in our tests, proved to be incredibly accurate.

If you’re spearfishing in an area where the fish school and you want to get off a couple of quick shots, this is the speargun for you.

 

C4 Gladius Ocean Camo Speargun

Best Carbon Fiber Speargun: The Best Spearfishing Gun

If you’re looking for a light speargun that packs an incredible punch, you’ll love C4’s Gladius Ocean Camo speargun.

I opted for the ocean version (sizes from 85cm to 115cm), as the blue camouflage print reminded me of a spotted stingray. This digitally painted skin is printed to leave some carbon fibre visible while giving you an incredibly unique-looking speargun.

The 6.75mm single barb shaft shoots like lightning thanks to the twin 16mm bands. You’ve also got four shark fin tabs running down the shaft to choose the power level you’re loading. Of course, there is room to upgrade your bands to 18mm, and the stiff carbon fibre barrel will not warp under the added tension.

That’s because it’s created from high-modulus carbon fibre, a stiffer type of carbon fibre that holds its shape with minimal flex.

It’s hard to beat how light a carbon fibre speargun feels in the water. The cuttlefish barrel shape of the Gladius Ocean Camo allows it to track left and right quickly. That way, you can effortlessly follow even the most erratic fish. There’s an excellent neutral buoyancy. Even though it widens and tapers towards the butt of the speargun, you’ll have no trouble keeping this level for your shots.

What I loved about this speargun is the laser accuracy and that you get two handles. You can swap these out for whatever is most comfortable for you.
On the downside, there’s more recoil on a carbon fibre speargun than a solid wooden barrel. But you’ve got to remember that you’re not dragging a heavy speargun through the water. And spearguns like the Gladius Ocean Camo absorb recoil far better than their aluminium counterparts.

Suppose you’re looking for a lightweight yet incredibly accurate carbon fibre speargun. Get this one, and you’ll be delighted.

 

Riffe Raider Series Speargun

Best Blue Water Speargun: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Many of you probably remember Riffe’s Blue Water Elite, which was “the” bluewater speargun for the longest time.

Of course, Koah makes excellent options. And you’ve got Wong’s spearguns if you’re looking for custom. But off-the-shelf, the Riffe Raider speargun features some incredible innovations in speargun design.

In the water, you can feel the difference between the full-body wings and how much easier handling this speargun is. I used the Blue Water Elite for the longest time and am glad to upgrade. Because one of the cool new features is an Adjustable Ballast System (ABS) which allows you to tweak the buoyancy, so it’s perfect for whatever rigging or setup you prefer. There are also magnets in the track for easy reload as you snap your shaft into place.

The laminated mahogany barrel is beautiful, and the winged shape is unique and instantly recognizable. The enclosed track is a given, considering you’ll load up to 5 tie-in power bands on the 70″ model. Like every speargun from Riffe, the stainless-steel trigger mech is heavy duty, but they’ve also added an etched safety switch to immediately see if you’re on “S” for safe or ready to “F” fire.

The shorter 55″ and 61″ Raider spearguns have built-in inserts to add Riffe’s Horizontal Reel. However, the 67″ model I bought for this review uses a breakaway rigging. Coming stock with 500lb stainless steel coated cable, a 5″ bungee shock cord and an automatic side-mounted line release.

Shooting the Riffe Raider speargun packs a punch, though the design of the wings and the wooden barrel absorb much of the recoil. I found it easy to load and handle in the water, and I would highly recommend this speargun to anyone targeting big fish. You won’t find a better blue water speargun.

 

My thoughts on the other spearguns we tested

Now, just giving you just the best spearguns doesn’t add a lot of value if there’s another spearfishing gun you’re looking to buy. So keep reading to get my thoughts on all the other spearguns we tested as part of this review. Because there are just so many options out there.

Perhaps you’re keen on a different brand, or a different model to one that I’ve recommended.

There are hundreds of different spearguns in the market, and we tested over 30+ different spearguns in order to tell you which is best. And while not all spearguns could make the list, some are still a great buy. Keep reading to get my candid thoughts on all the other spearfishing guns we put to the test. I hope you find my thoughts useful (we spent so long in the water testing these!).

 

Cressi Cherokee Fast Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Similar to the locking magnets Jay Riffe developed for his spearguns, the Cressi Cherokee makes use of a similar innovation for easy loading.

The integrated spear guides help with your accuracy in the water, aiming straight down the shaft to Cressi’s unique open muzzle design. You also get an adjustable handle allowing you to setup this speargun for the best possible grip. Even if you’ve got slightly larger (or smaller) hands. Along with the speargun you’re getting a reel included, which is a nice piece of spearfishing gear that’ll allow you to spear some bigger fish and play them out.

Though the downsides to the Cressi Cherokee is the power. You’ve got a light 6mm shaft powered by twin 14mm bands. It’s a decent speargun for a beginner, but I’d like something a little more solid for these prices.

 

Rabitech Stealth X Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

South African speargun brands make some great equipment, and the Rabitech Stealth X has been in a state of constant evolution.

Designed with durability in mind, you’re getting a tough speargun that fires a double-notched 7mm shaft with twin 16mm powerbands as stock. To reduce friction, Rabitech have added a HDPE rail fitting, that makes for an accurate (and quiet) shaft release. You’ve got the option for both an open muzzle or fully-closed design, or if a roller is more your thing it’s a simple upgrade. One that plug-and-plays into this existing speargun.

Overall, it’s a decent speargun. But considering it’s a very similar price to Rob Allen’s Tuna Railgun, I’d opt for one of these instead. Where you’d choose the Rabitech Stealth X is if you’re planning to make more customizations and upgrades to your speargun.

 

Salvimar V Pro Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

If you’re a fan of the Salvimar Hero but don’t want to pay a premium on a more entry-level option, get the Salvimar V Pro spearfishing gun.

Of course, it’s a step down in terms of the components, but the V Pro isn’t a bad choice if you’re a beginner learning to spearfish. Perhaps the biggest difference is in the shape of the barrel stock, it’s not a pure elliptical barrel. Though the integrated shaft guides are nice, and you get a solid stainless steel trigger mech. It’s not quite as heavy duty as the 350 trigger that comes stock with the Hero, but it works well under load and in the water was easy to press. It’s also adjustable if you want to change the sensitivity of your trigger.

This speargun is equipped with twin 14mm bands tied with Dyneema wishbones, and you get a reel included too. Overall, it’s a decent speargun from Salvimar, if you’re worried about spending too much on a speargun, it’s a good buy.

JBL Carbine Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

JBL is a household name when it comes to entry-level spearfishing gear, and for good reason. They produce affordable equipment that’ll help you get in the water, and catch your first fish. It’s not top-tier, but it’s affordable, and that matters too. Reviewing the JBL Carbine speargun, we put the 105cm Super Carbine to the test for this round up post.

Ultimately though, the only real difference in these spearguns is the barrel length.

For a shaft, you’re getting a stock 6mm stainless steel spear, along with full stainless steel trigger mech. What I didn’t particularly like was the double-flopper arrowhead tip. It’s a bit small and I find it doesn’t always secure the fish on there as well as it should. In the water you’re going to struggle with range until you upgrade the 1/2″ (12mm) bands for twin 16mm bands. It’s only on their shorter Mini and Mini Carbine spearguns that you only have space for one power band.

For what it’s worth, it’s not a bad speargun for anyone buying their first spearfishing gun, just make sure you upgrade to 16mm bands.

 

AB Biller Stainless Steel Professional Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

The best thing about American-style spearguns is how tough they are, and AB Biller’s Stainless Steel Professional speargun is plenty durable.

Of course, I’d still classify this speargun as an entry-level or intermediate choice, that’s quite a bit stockier than the European spearguns we’ve mostly covered so far. Depending on the conditions you’ll be spearfishing in, I like chunkier spearguns like this one when it’s rough, poor visibility, or you’re shooting in close to the rocks.

Because you’re less likely to do any permanent damage to it (within reason of course). Take the 8mm threaded shaft for example. It’s far thicker than the 6mm shafts you typically find on a Euro speargun, and it feels much harder to bend. The twin 14mm power bands give you a decent range, and you can dial this up with a switch to 16mm.

For a first speargun, the AB Biller Stainless Steel Professional will serve you well.

Click here to see my in-depth review of the AB Biller Stainless Steel Professional Speargun.

 

JBL Woody Elite Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

Another speargun you’ll see a lot of is JBL’s Woody Elite series. It’s a winner because it’s one of the cheapest wooden spearguns you’ll find.

They do have a number of models though, and the specific speargun we tested was JBL’s Woody Elite Sawed Off Magnum. It’s 44″ long (roughly 112cm), so a good sized speargun for shallow waters and the reef, and it’s ridiculously easy to use. The trigger mech is JBL’s M10 system, which feels smooth to press even if you’ve overloaded the bands. In my opinion, the Magnum is one of the best JBL spearguns you can buy.

What I like is how comfortable the grip is in your hands. And you get quire a good range with twin 16mm power bands. For the money, it’s a half-decent speargun that’ll serve you well as you’re learning how to spearfish.

 

AB Biller Special Series Wood Mahogany Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

If you’d like to compare another wooden speargun in this sort of range, AB Biller’s Special Series Wood Mahogany speargun is the closest match.

In years past they made barrels out of teak and padauk as well, but I was only able to get the Mahogany for this review today. It’s a nice speargun to hold, and performance-wise it’s pretty alright. You’re getting all the same trigger mech AB Biller uses on their Stainless Steel Professional, but in what’s arguably a nicer looking speargun.

In the water, it’s accurate, quiet to fire, without a lot of recoil. True to their American-style heritage, you’ll get a threaded 8mm shaft. But these aren’t bad because you can always swap out the tips when they’re damaged, instead of having to replace an entire shaft. It’s a smart choice for a first speargun.

Click here to see my in-depth review of the AB Biller Mahogany Speargun.

 

Rob Allen Vecta Snapper Aluminum Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

Of course, one of my favorite spearfishing brands also has a speargun targeting smaller fish in shallower reefs.

The Rob Allen Vecta Snapper is essentially identical to their Tuna Railgun, it’s just been rigged for smaller game. You’re getting 14mm powerbands on the Snapper (instead of 16mm on the Tuna), and the shaft is slightly thinner too. It’s perfect if you want a speargun that’s a little easier to load, but at Rob Allen’s level of quality.

We tested the 110cm model in the water, and it shoots a treat. But I honestly found it a little underwhelming compared to the Tuna. More punch and more range are the winners for me, and considering they’re almost identical in price, I’d say get the Tuna if you’re looking for a Rob Allen speargun. Unless you’re only targeting small fish that is.

 

Salvimar Metal Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the. Salvimar Metal speargun, after putting their 105cm model to the test.

What they’ve done is a full upgrade to one of their older models, replacing the trigger mechanism for an entirely metal one. In the water, you’ve got a Euro-styled speargun that’s streamline and easily tracks your target fish. Because it shipped with only twin 14mm powerbands, I didn’t think you’d get as much range as you do. This speargun packs a punch.

Another nice addition is the inclusion of a reel, something Salvimar does very well and is why they’re a spearfishing brand many professionals swear by.

For me, I like the range a reel allows for, as it gives me the option to target bigger and bigger fish. Shooting this speargun is like a laser, the 6.5mm shark-fin shaft shoots straight and true. Another good choice if you’re a beginner learning to spearfish.

Mako Titan Elite Speargun

Shortlist: Best Speargun for Beginners

Mako spearguns are a staple of the sport, as the brand has been pumping out value-for-money spearfishing gear for years.

The 110cm Mako Titan Elite speargun is the model we tested for this review. It’s well designed, but the winner for me was the roller trigger mechanism that’s been developed. Everything is stainless steel, and you get an incredibly smooth shot in the water.

Reloading is easy thanks to the loading pad, and you’ve got plenty of room to customize this speargun.

Underneath is a built in reel mount, and it really feels like Mako have thought of everything. From an open track barrel for easy reloads, muzzle conversion kits even allow you to choose between closed, open, or even a roller setup. That’s pretty unheard of with a speargun at these prices.

 

Riffe Euro Series Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Riffe spearguns are best in class, and if you’re looking for a top of the line speargun to learn to spearfish; you can’t go wrong with the Riffe Euro Series. Many beginners shy away from Riffe spearguns with the price tag, but I believe that’s a mistake. There’s no doubt it’s a premium bit of spearfishing gear, but there’s a reason.

The beautiful teak barrel is light in the water, while better absorbing recoil and any sounds as you fire that might spook your fish. Riffe make tough spearguns that will hold up to years of use with proper care, with some of the best trigger and safety mechanisms you’ll find on the market. They’re built to last. With a range you just don’t get on other spearguns, every shot on target.

For me, the streamlined Euro barrel is what makes this speargun a winner, as it easily cuts through the water. And in the hands of a beginner learning to spearfish, you will see a difference in the fish you catch, thanks to the increased range and accuracy. You get an ideal line of sight down the shaft to the open muzzle. This speargun will help you catch way more fish than any other, even as a beginner.

This comes stock with twin 16mm bands on this speargun, and the patented Mag Track to help your shaft stay locked in place as you reload. It’s essentially a tiny magnet inside the integrated rail that holds everything in place. If you’re free shafting, this is one of the only open muzzle options for you.

In short, if you’re a beginner looking to buy the best, the Riffe Euro speargun is easily one of the best options you have available.

 

Ocean Rhino Rx Series Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Building on 25 years commercial spearfishing experience, the Ocean Rhino Rx spearguns are easy to use and reliable in the water.

The laminated mahogany barrel is great at absorbing recoil, while strong enough to overload with shorter 16mm power bands. Ocean Rhino is one of the brands that people swear by, much like Rob Allen, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at both the quality and durability of this particular speargun.

Being able to pop the safety on either the left of right is a nice touch, and you can easily upgrade your setup. There are dual shaft holders you can buy separately to carry additional shafts, and the ability to add a kill spike on either the grip or the muzzle. The 6mm hardened spring steel shaft shoots like a laser, and being able to free-shaft and quickly reload for a second shot is a godsend if you’re targeting big fish that need a second kill shot.

No products found.

 

Koah Standard Fatback Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Koah built their Standard Fatback model to be a versatile, well-rounded spearfishing gun that’ll suit most conditions.

The laminated teak stock is slightly cut down in the middle of the gun to allow for easier tracking in the water, while giving you enough space at the front and rear of the speargun you can still easily attach a spare shaft of holder. With space for three 16mm bands, and an 8mm shaft, this speargun is plenty powerful for whatever spearfishing you’re doing.

In the water it’s both accurate, with minimal recoil. And I like that you can look straight down the shaft as you’re taking aim. The addition of the new rock grip handle from Koah is a nice touch, it’s comfortable to grip and has it quite equally balanced underwater. Plus, the rubber butt of the gun makes for easy loading.

To me, this is a speargun that sits somewhere between their Euro and Battle Axe models. Thinner and more maneuverable than the Battle Axe, but thicker than their Euro to minimize recoil. If you’re looking for a speargun that tracks well in the water, without sacrificing brute power, Koah’s Standard Fatback speargun is a good choice.

 

Pathos Laser Carbon Roller Speargun

Shortlist: Best Spearfishing Gun

Perhaps designed for a more advanced beginner, the Pathos Laser Carbon Roller Speargun is incredibly powerful across all types of spearfishing.

You benefit from more range and power in a shorter speargun, but they can be tricky to learn the proper loading techniques. Some rollers require a load assist device. The 7mm shark fin shaft shoots incredibly straight in the water, and you get a nice line of sight straight down the open muzzle.

Using a 16mm band and a 14mm booster, I found this to be one of the most powerful pound for pound spearguns we tested, only losing out by a fraction to the Rob Allen Tuna Roller speargun. It’s still a wicked speargun though, and I’d recommend this to anyone wanting a euro-style roller speargun.

 

Koah Euro Roller Series Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Now don’t let the size of these spearguns fool you. The Koah Roller series delivers a speargun between 90cm to 110cm, but these spearguns pack a punch.

Inside you’ll find a lot of the same mechanics we’re all grown to love with Koah, perhaps only the most obvious change is the line mounts being mounted on the side of the gun to keep it away from the bands. Because on a roller speargun these wrap around from the base of the gun to get a much longer stretch than a normal speargun.

In the water, what I like about this speargun is the lack of recoil. You’ve got resting points as you pull your two 16mm bands under pressure. But it’s been designed in a way that once you fire, the bands release in opposite directions. Giving you a speargun with very little kick to mess up your aim, even at a distance.

If you’re looking for a smaller speargun that’ll hold it’s own in open water, the Koah Euro Roller Series is a smart buy.

 

Koah Euro Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

I’m still slightly torn on this decision, as the competition for the best “Euro” styled speargun was a close one.

Ultimately, the Meandros Argo won out, but the Koah Euro came in a very close second. Testing the 110cm model of this particular speargun, you’re getting a streamlined teak barrel that still operates with an enclosed track and American-styled shark fin tabbed shafts.

It’s slim and sleek, without sacrificing performance. Coming stock with two 16mm bands, you won’t have any trouble taking down your target fish with this speargun. I also like the design of their muzzle and side channels. This sits your bands as close as possible to the shaft allowing a more lateral band pull and minimal recoil.

With the reverse trigger mech set right at the back of the speargun, Koah maximize range with a speargun that’s still easy to handle in the water. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a Euro-styled wooden speargun.

 

Riffe Mahogany Competitor Series Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

As one of Riffe’s most affordable spearguns, the Mahogany Competitor delivers much of the same quality and performance you’d expect from the brand.

With an non-laminated (it’s not necessary) mahogany barrel, this is a speargun that’ll do you well on the reef or spearfishing from the shore. And with the right upgrades, the longer models can even help you start pushing out into open water. Using the #3X (54″ stock) for this review, that’s a spearfishing gun just shy of 140cm in length.

What I perhaps didn’t like was the stock 14mm powerbands. On a speargun of this size you’d want 16mm at a minimum, and it’s one upgrade I would make in order to give you more hitting power and longer shots. Especially as you’re able to use shafts from 6.5mm to 9.5mm with this speargun. And heavier shafts, you need more power to shoot. Though I do like the comfortable loading pad, which makes it easy to reload on your hip.

In the water, I was getting a little over 20 feet in range (6+ meters) stock, which is quite reasonable, though you can boost this with shorter 16mm bands.

 

AB Biller LTD Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Slightly different to the other wooden spearguns from AB Biller, the Limited Edition (LTD) is crafted from a single piece of wood.

That means the trigger mechanism and safety is fitted directly into the gun barrel, giving you less recoil and arguably a more beautiful speargun. Available in sizes from 42″ (106cm) to 60″ (152cm), you’ve got a choice of either Mahogany, Padauk or Teak for your barrel stock. The shaft you get is a stainless spring steel with a 5/16″ diameter, or an 8mm shaft. And it comes with twin 14mm power bands.

Again, with this speargun I had my hands on the 48″ (roughly 122cm) teak model, and it was slightly underwhelming in terms of power until I added 16mm power bands. For the price, I’d actually prefer the Riffe or Koah Euro series spearguns, they feel slightly more balanced in the water. Not to say it’s a bad speargun, in fact it’s quite a good choice that I would have been very happy with for a lot of my spearfishing career. But there are smarter buys out there if you’re looking for value for money – and incredible performance.

 

C4 Gladius Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Looking at the C4 Gladius speargun, it’s clear it’s been created with design in mind.

This spearfishing gun has been manufactured from 100% high-modulus carbon fibre, to increase the stiffness of the barrel and give you sharp and accurate shots. The cuttlefish barrel widens near the handle, giving it a well-balanced shape that tracks easily underwater. I also like the integrated shaft guide to keep your shots flying true.

Inside, the stainless steel triggering mechanism presses smooth, and you can position the line release on either side. The two adjustable, anatomical handles shipped with the speargun mean you can get the best possible grip, and there’s space to mount the C4 Hercules range of reels.

In the water this speargun will handle up to two 18mm power bands, which makes is an incredibly powerful speargun. Not a bad choice if you want a carbon-fibre spearfishing gun. It’s almost identical to their Ocean Camo model we chose as the best carbon fiber speargun. So if you’re looking to save a bit of cash (and are happy with the design), it’s a smart buy.

 

Sporasub Orion Speargun

Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Gun

Another speargun that was a close contender for the best bluewater spearfishing gun, the teak laminate of Sporasub’s Orion makes for a beautiful speargun.

Tapered to widen out near the handle, the teak laminate has been constructed in opposing strips in order to make the barrel rigid and hold up to the tension of multiple power bands. You’ve got space for up to four power bands in the muzzle, though the 140cm speargun we tested for this review came standard with three 14mm bands and a 7mm shaft.

You can get this speargun in sizes from 90cm to 140cm.

The stainless steel invictus trigger mechanism in incredibly sensitive, so you’ll have no trouble firing a shot. Even under a heavy load, I swapped out to three 16mm powerbands and an 8.5mm shaft. This speargun still fired the shaft like lightning. Plus, there are three different locations to add lead ballast. Allowing you to customize this speargun so it’s perfectly balanced in the water, no matter which setup you’re using.

 

How we actually determined the best speargun

My name is Max Kelley. I grew up by a small beach in Australia, and every chance I could get I was in the water.

It wasn’t long before I bought my first speargun, and over the last 30 years I’ve gotten a firsthand understanding of what makes a good speargun. Whether you’re shore diving or jumping off a boat to reach an offshore reef in 40 foot of water, there’s a few things to look out for. In this post, I’d like to share them with you.

Things like…

• Understanding the different types of spearguns
• How factors like speargun length and band size affects your range
• Considering how easy your speargun is to handle in the water
• What kind of mechanics are you relying on in your speargun
• And anything else that bears mention

Because even if you’re not new to the sport it can be difficult to find the right speargun. Plus, there are so many different models and styles. Brands to learn about. Reviews to read. It’s a tad overwhelming. I’ve bought my share of bad gear over the years. It’s frustrating to see your money wasted. On gear that only lasts a season or two before something goes seriously wrong.Finding a good spearfishing gun is a crucial decision.

Get the right speargun and you’ll start landing fish after fish. Spearfishing gets easier. Everything just seems to work.

And I want to let you in on a little secret, the most expensive gun in the store isn’t always the best speargun.

 

Understand the different types of speargun

A speargun isn’t the most complex piece of fishing gear. It’s a device that shoots a spear underwater. Unlike a normal gun, which uses ammunition and a tiny explosion to fire a bullet, spearguns have been created to work underwater. And when it comes to the different types of spearguns, it’s important to understand what you’re choosing between.

 

What is a pneumatic speargun?

Pneumatic spearguns used to be the spearfishing weapon of choice, but they’re outshone now by other speargun types.

In the simplest terms, a pneumatic speargun uses compressed air to fire a shaft. It’s very easy to use, simply shove the shaft into the speargun barrel, and as you push it in there’s a piston that stores this compressed air before the shaft clicks into place. The downside, is that you’re loading it in one go, and the power you get is directly related to how much air you’ve pumped into the speargun, and your strength to load it. They’re also noisy as they fire, and can spook your fish.

Depending on the size of your pneumatic speargun it can hold anywhere from 15 to 30 bar of pressure. They do require a little practice to get your aim right, and good technique to load it, but these spearguns are often the go-to choice for spearfishing in close quarters. They can be reloaded much faster than a banded speargun. I’ve used these a lot around the reef in shallow waters, as you get quite a bit of range, even with shorter pneumatic spearguns.

If you’d like to read more we’ve done a round up of the best pneumatic spearguns here.

 

What is a band-powered speargun?

A band-powered speargun uses rubber or latex bands to fire the shaft. You’ll have seen these everywhere, as they’re the most popular type of speargun.

Ranging in lengths from 35cm all the way to 160cm or more, the most common size is around 100cm to 120cm. What’s awesome though are the different materials that these spearguns are made from. Everything from heavy teak or mahogany, to aluminum and even carbon fiber barrels.

Band powered spearguns are powerful and accurate, and far quieter to fire than their pneumatic cousins.

Of course, it’s a little more cumbersome to load this type of speargun, especially if you’ve got more than one band on it. First you need to click the shaft into place, then you need to load the speargun by stretching out each band and securing it in place on the shaft.

But there’s also a plus side. As you start targeting bigger and bigger fish, a banded speargun can be “overloaded” to produce more power than a similar pneumatic speargun. So, you can get a boost in power and send your shots further and further. For this reason, most spearfishing professionals use this type of speargun.

From here, there’s a few different styles you can choose for a band-powered speargun.

European spearguns are sleek and slim:

They’re often produced in smaller sizes, to allow for greater maneuverability through the water, and feature thinner bands and a thinner shaft that’s usually 6 to 7.5mm wide. This makes them lighter, easier to load, and easier to use.

American spearguns are designed for power:

The barrel stock is thicker, to allow for more pressure to be loaded onto the gun, with multiple bands and a thick 8 to 9mm shaft. They can feel a bit heavier in the water, but they’re more durable, and able to take down massive fish without concern for damaging the shaft.

Railguns are popular in Australia and South Africa:

Consider these the bastard son of the European and American styled speargun. Taking the sleek and slim design of the European models, a metal rail is added for strength along the barrel, allowing thicker shafts to be fitted and more powerful bands. They’re noisy to fire though. But they pack a punch.

Roller spearguns pack a ton of power into a short speargun:

One incredible innovation in recent years is the roller speargun, which allows for a longer band stretch. Generally the bands will attach to the underside handle of your speargun, and using rollers stretch all the way around. This means your shaft is under tension for far longer than any other type of speargun, allowing you to get more range from a shorter model.

 

What type of speargun should I buy?

Ultimately, unless you’re wanting to shoot fish bigger than 10 to 15 pounds, the style of speargun isn’t really going to matter. Don’t get too caught up on it, and choose a speargun you feel comfortable with. We’ve tried and tested pretty much every speargun we could get our hands on, and if you want my advice, get a Rob Allen Tuna Railgun.

It’s sleek in the water, shoots a powerful shot. And will last a lifetime with proper care. Unless you’re wanting to land a monster. Then there’s a whole other guide we’ve got for you on the best blue-water spearguns.

 

Where are you planning to go spearfishing?

Where you plan to go spearfishing is important too. Unless you’ve got a boat to go offshore, or are crazy enough to jump off the end of your headland and swim a mile out to sea chasing a big pelagic, you’re probably just going to be kicking around the rocks in 5 to 20 feet of water, and spearfishing from the shore.

Which is fine. That’s where I started spearfishing, and remains one of my favorite areas to hunt.

For most people, these types of coastal areas are where they’ll be spearfishing. And it’s also important. Because you don’t need a massive speargun to be effective in these conditions. You will need something with a little maneuverability. One of the biggest factors here is the size of your speargun. 42 to 48 inches is just about perfect (105cm to 120cm).

Not too cumbersome, but big enough to give you power in your shots, and also to help you keep up if your friends happen to take you out on their boat for the day. The key takeaway here, is that you need to choose a speargun that suits the specific type of spearfishing you’ll be doing. You don’t need 20 foot of range in a shallow reef.

 

Does the size of my speargun affect its shooting range?

Most definitely. Generally speaking, longer spearguns give you greater accuracy, power and range in your shots.

It’s physics. If you’ve got more compressed air from a pneumatic speargun, or more time under tension of your power bands. Of course you’ll get more shooting range. The only real exception to this rule is roller spearguns. Their unique design allows them to get more band stretch than a typical band powered speargun. The tradeoff is that they’re slightly more difficult to load, some even require special loading assistance devices.

What you need to consider here when choosing a speargun is that longer spearguns are also harder to handle in the water. And you do have other factors that’ll affect the range. Thinner shafts fire faster, but can have less punch and are prone to bend. Adding thicker, multiple power bands can add more range to a shorter speargun.

 

What barrel material do you want your speargun to have?

Unless you’re dropping several hundred dollars on a speargun, the barrel material is likely more aesthetic than functional.

So, I’d recommend simply choosing the one you like the look of best. Some of my friends swear by wooden stock barrels, for their recoil absorption and ability to overload their stock for more range. Which are both true, in addition to looking lovely as hell.

The downside, is that a wooden speargun can quickly add a few extra hundred dollars to the price, and if you’re looking for function instead of form, a metal speargun will serve you well. For the best bang for your buck, my advice is to go with a metal barrel, and is one of the key reasons we chose  Rob Allen’s Tuna Railgun as our favorite speargun.

 

Is your speargun comfortable to grip?

Think about this. If you’re going on a long shore dive, you’re going to be holding your speargun for hours at a time.

If it’s not comfortable or easy to hold, you’re going to have a bad time. Where most cheap speargun models lose out is a poorly designed handle that’s not easy to hold over a long period of time. Try a few different spearguns and see how it is to grip, and remember that you’ll also be wearing gloves so a little breathing room is important. It needs to sit well in your hand, with your arm fully extended.

Don’t be shy to try the different handles in person at your local dive shot. It’ll help you choose the best speargun.

 

Consider the safety aspects of the spearguns trigger

Within the handle the firing mechanism is also very important, as this is what locks the shaft into place.

It needs to be strong and sturdy enough to prevent both misfires, while still being easy to flick the safety off and shoot. My advice is to find a speargun with a complete stainless-steel trigger mechanism. Plastic will wear and eventually misfire. And that could be a recipe for disaster for you or your diving buddy.

You would not believe the amount of spearfishing accidents that happen, because of cheap, faulty gear. Especially if you’re planning to add a second power band, or change these out to a larger size. The trigger mechanics needs to be tough enough to hold up to the strain. Make sure yours is complete stainless steel.

 

Choose the right shafts and tips

The speargun you buy will come with a factory stock shaft, and depending on the speargun it’ll range from 6mm to 9mm thick.

Obviously, a thinner shaft will be more prone to bending if you’re firing it into the rocks or trying to spear a much larger fish. The good news is you can replace shafts fairly easily, and most spearguns have the ability to accept a slightly larger size (depending of course on the manufacturers specifications).

For the tips, you’re probably best with a single flopper. This is also known as the Tahitian style, and has a single barb that hangs from one side of the shaft. I prefer these as they’re easy to remove, and perfect for targeting reef fish. But if you’re worried about losing your fish you could attach a double flopper for a little more security. The breakaway tip is the third option, but these are primarily to keep massive fish from bending your shaft. You’re not going to need that unless you’re spearfishing in deep water.

 

How did we test these spearguns for accuracy and distance?

This was the most fun part of the day. Probably the most competitive too.

We piled over thirty spearguns in my boat and headed out to a shallow bay for a little target practice. Instead of hunting fish we used an old wicker target held down by a bunch of lead spearfishing weights, and everyone got three shots of each gun. We ranked the spearguns on accuracy at 10 and 20 feet, as well as finding the maximum effective range for each.

Long story short, once you’re within 10 feet of your intended target you’re going to smash it with pretty much any of our recommended spearguns. Pushing it out to 20 feet, that’s when the longer spearguns started to shine above all else, especially Riffe’s new Raider Series. That thing is a weapon.

 

Know what you’re willing to spend on a speargun

What I love most about spearfishing is that you can get quality gear without needing to spend a fortune.

The final cost of your speargun will of course depend on the brand, the materials used, and the size you’re after, but it’s very possible to find a great speargun for just a couple of hundred dollars. Like the Hammerhead Evolution 2, or the Rob Allen Tuna Railgun.

Most spearguns will fall somewhere in the range of $80 to $600+ so there really is the chance to find the right speargun for everybody. And if you take care of your equipment it’ll last a long time too. Think of it like an investment. One that allows you to bring home fresh fish after every successful dive. It’s definitely worth it.

 

Wrapping up the post on the best spearfishing gun

So there you have it. A complete download of everything I’ve learned these last 30 years, when it comes to choosing the right speargun.

It’s my hope that this guide to the best spearguns has given you some clarity on what to buy, and what you should be looking out for if you’re checking out a different speargun on the list. Because this isn’t comprehensive (only done as best I could), and new innovations in spearfishing are happening all the time.

But that’s also a great thing about this sport. It’s constantly changing, limits are being pushed all the time, and you don’t need to spend thousands in order to get out in the water and hunting your first fish. Of course, the top-of-the-line spearguns do cost a pretty penny, but you’ll catch fish with any of those we’ve recommended today.

It’s almost like an investment. Into a sport that sends you into the water, potentially bringing home hundreds of dollars in fresh fish. There’s nothing quite like the calm you feel while you’re hunting, and the excitement you’ll feel landing your first fish.

Just make sure you get a speargun like Rob Allen’s Tuna Railgun. So you’re using a quality piece of spearfishing equipment that’ll last for years.

Happy spearing!