Just a couple of generations ago, spearfishing was a niche sport. But following World War II, with the explosion of the economy and wide availability of consumer goods, it began growing rapidly, and has continued growing ever since.
While many civilizations have harvested fish with spears for centuries, these spears have typically been the kind you throw with your hand, designed for use in shallow water for nabbing smaller fish. Modern spearguns, by contrast, are typically powered by a pneumatic tube or nylon tension bands.
So how do you find the best speargun for your needs?
We’ve put together a list of choices that represent the best available online. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first spearfishing gun, or whether you’re a seasoned expert shopping around for an upgrade, we’ve covered all the bases. We’ve also looked at both pneumatic and band-powered spearguns, so you can find something that’s right up your alley.
Best Spearguns
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1. Mares Bandit
Features
- This Item Includes: Bandit Speargun, Tahitian shaft, Dyneema Wishbone, S power speed slings
- Mares Bandit Spear Gun
- Designed for Beginners to Intermediate Spear Fishers
- Australasian Rigging
- Tahitian Tri-Cut 7mm Spring Steel Shaft w/Single Flopper
The Mares Bandit features a Dyneema wishbone and reinforced trigger lock for extra safety.
Key Features
- 1-band speargun
- Available in 13.7”, 17.7”, 21.7”, 29.5”, 37.4”, 43.3”, and 47.25” lengths
- 5/16” diameter shaft
- Single flopper speartip
- Polymer stock and frame with anodized aluminum barrel
- Tahitian shaft
- Rubber line bungee
The Mares Bandit is designed specifically for safety, which makes it an excellent choice not just for beginners, but also for intermediate spearfishers who are trying out new techniques or fishing in a new environment. The Dyneema wishbone in particular features no sharp points or rough edges, and the sharp clip swivels out of the way, so you can attach your float line without the risk of cutting yourself.
One thing that every spearfisher of every experience level will appreciate about the Bandit is the rubber line bungee. This reduces recoil very effectively, not just taking some pain off of your shoulder but also increasing accuracy. The less likely you are to flinch before the shot, the more likely you are to hit your target.
This speargun is affordably priced, but don’t underestimate its quality. The stock and frame are constructed from a rugged polymer that’s a lot tougher than many spearguns on the market.
Pros
- Low recoil
- Easy to load
- Safe operation
- Affordable
Cons
- Relatively low power
The very low recoil on the Mares Bandit makes an excellent choice for beginning spearfishers.
2. Cressi Apache
Cressi Apache
Free shipping
Features
- The Apache is a small and compact spear gun for small to medium fish, a great starter gun for any young spear.
- Durable anodized heavy duty sealed aluminum barrel.
- Closed muzzle for improved accuracy and ease of loading.
- Advanced Tahitian-style flopper shaft for superior penetration. Special handle angle to increase the shot’s precision.
- Replaceable band and wishbone assembly is user friendly.
The Cressi Apache is an affordable speargun that’s constructed from ABS plastic and aluminum.
Key Features
- 1-band speargun
- Available in 13.8”, 17.7”, 23.6”, and 29.5” lengths
- 5/16” diameter shaft
- Single flopper speartip
- ABS plastic stock and aluminum tube
- Ergonomic grip
- Tahitian-style shaft
The Cressi Apache is a short, stocky speargun that’s easy to maneuver in tight quarters. It’s also a solid choice for beginners because it’s lightweight and doesn’t cost as much as many spearguns. Both beginners and experts will appreciate the Tahitian-style spear shaft, with its grooved profile that provides excellent stability and a straight shot in the water.
This gun is a great choice for fishing around reefs, since it’s not too powerful, and you stand a decent choice of your spear surviving a hit with a rock. Then again, you’ll be limited to hunting relatively small fish, although that’s not necessarily a problem depending on what species you prefer to fish.
Another feature you may appreciate is the forward-slanted, ergonomic grip. This makes the Apache an excellent choice for single-handed shooting since it’s more comfortable to extend out in front of your body.
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Flimsy spear
The ergonomic grip on this speargun makes it easy for beginners and experienced shooters alike to aim and fire.
3. AB Biller
AB Biller Mahogany
Features
- Includes: AB Biller Wood Mahogany Special Speargun
- Double Barb Rockpoint tip: hardened stainless steel
- 5/16 inch stainless steel shaft, Two 9/16" rubber slings
The AB Biller is a beautiful mahogany speargun with excellent balance.
Key Features
- 2 to 3-band speargun
- 42” length
- 5/16” diameter shaft
- Double-barbed rock point speartip
- Mahogany construction
- A stainless steel guide shaft
- Long butt extension
The AB Biller Speargun is a powerful mahogany speargun that’s available in seven different sizes, ranging from a compact 24 inches to a hefty 60 inches. You can go shorter for maneuverability around reefs and wrecks, or go long for ultimate open-water power.
This speargun comes with a pair of 9/16” bands to begin with, but you can add a third band if you want to really ramp up the power.
The mahogany stock and barrel are treated with three coats of polyurethane, allowing for a smooth stroke. The wood itself does an excellent job of reducing recoil, and it absorbs almost all of the sound from your shot, so you’re not going to spook a fish at the last possible second.
Another nice feature is the stainless steel guide groove on top of the barrel. Not only does this further reduce noise, but it also improves your accuracy, so your shots will always land where you want them to.
Pros
- Beautiful wood design
- Quiet operation
- Stainless steel shaft for accuracy
- Beefy enough for a big game
- Excellent balance
Cons
- Expensive
If you’re willing to pay top dollar to get a top-quality speargun, this is an excellent choice.
4. Mares Sten
Mares Sten
Features
- Rigid Ergonomic Handle, Patented Side Line Release, Patented Safety Catch
- Hydrodynamic Line Retainer, Harmonic Steel Shaft (8mm Diameter / 7mm Male Thread)
- Techno-Polymer Shock-Absorber Bushing and Piston, High Capacity Air Tank, Uses 7 or 8 mm Shafts
- Complete with Loader, Pump, Shock Line with Rubber Shock Bungee, Tip and Shaft
- 1/2" (13 mm) Internal Barrel, Five Models to Choose, 16.5"(42 cm)
The Mares Sten is a compact pneumatic speargun that’s designed primarily for reef fishing.
Key Features
- Pneumatic speargun
- Available in 16”, 22”, 27.5”, and 39” lengths
- 5/16” diameter shaft
- Double flopper speartip
- Polymer construction
- Includes a pump and loader
The Mares Sten is only one of two pneumatic spearguns on our list. This style of gun is louder than a band-style gun, but they’re generally considered more reliable, both in terms of construction and in terms of accuracy. Depending on what size you buy, it can be a solid choice for reef fishing or for open water.
The downside of a pneumatic speargun is that it can be hard to pump up, especially if your arms are smaller than Dwayne Johnson’s. With the Sten, this isn’t a problem. It includes a pump and can fire around 6 shots before needing to be refilled. If you haven’t caught a few fish by then, you need to work on your aim instead of worrying about your gear.
The default shaft on this speargun is a smooth 8mm (5/16”), but it can also accept a threaded 7mm shaft if you prefer to put some spin on your spear. The included spear features a double flopper tip, so once it penetrates, the fish is going to have a heck of a time breaking free.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Rugged construction
- Comes with everything you need for operation
- A fantastic choice for reef fishing
Cons
- Pricey
If you prefer a pneumatic gun to a band-style gun, this speargun is one of the best.
5. JBL D5
Features
- CARBINE SERIES SPEARGUN: Hardened spring stainless steel shaft, point, trigger & sear. Handles made of aircraft quality aluminum, anodized, and finished with an epoxy system for integrated double protection.
- AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINUM BARREL: Just like its bigger brothers, Carbine fishing spears are constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum and feature high-strength stainless steel shafts and triggers.
- ONE HAND SAFETY: This small spearfishing speargun features a one-hand safety & trigger operation and a shock absorber shock line.
- LOW PROFILE GRIP: They’re powered by 1⁄2” Nitro Bands and feature a low-profile pistol grip handle that makes for easy target acquisition. If you want a speargun that will bring home plenty of fish without breaking the bank, the Carbine is the perfect choice.
- JBL INTERNATIONAL: Manufacturing spearfishing gear for over 40 years. The combination of our timeless designs and premium materials with legendary accuracy and bullet-proof durability has helped hunters like you stone game fish shot after shot.
The JBL D5 is a beginner’s speargun that features a secure twin barb speartip.
Key Features
- 2-band speargun
- Available in 16” and 32.5” lengths
- 5/8” diameter shaft
- Twin barb rock point speartip
- ABS plastic grip and anodized aluminum barrel
- Stainless steel trigger
The JBL D5 is constructed from aircraft-grade anodized aluminum, so it’s exceptionally rugged for the price. While the ABS plastic grip isn’t going to win any awards for beauty, it’s tough enough to get the job done. It’s a lightweight gun, so plan on using it for small to mid-sized species.
This speargun utilizes a pair of lightweight nylon bands, and the muzzle swings open easily for convenient, high-speed reloads. It’s also very accurate. Point it, pull the cold-forged stainless steel trigger, and rest assured that your spear is going to hit its target. All of this comes at a price that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Accurate
- Easy to load
- Affordable
Cons
- Relatively low power
If you’re just getting started with spearfishing, this easy-loading speargun is a great choice.
6. Cressi SL Star
Cressi SL Star
Free shipping
Features
- The SL Star is an ultra light, easy-to-use pneumatic spear gun and fire quickly. Ideal for spearfishing small to medium finishes
- The SL Star range of pneumatic spear guns has been in production for many years, and they have won worldwide renowned for their excellence in reliability, precision, power and of being robust.
- It features an anatomical high grip handle that enabling the gun to be held in line with the arm effortlessly.
- The bright yellow handle allows you quick and easy identification of the gun even if it ends up on the sea-floor after shooting.
- The SL guns are fitted with a safety catch to prevent accidental firing and, when the trigger is pulled the line release automatically releases the shaft line.
The Cressi SL Star is versatile that can be used for fishing reefs or in open water.
Key Features
- Pneumatic speargun
- Available in 15.75”, 21.5”, and 27.5” lengths
- 5/16” diameter shaft
- Single flopper speartip
- ABS plastic grip and an aluminum barrel
- Optional power reducer
If you’re looking for a speargun that can be used both near rocks and in the open ocean, the Cressi SL Star is what you want. Provided you buy the version with the power reducer, you’ll have a speargun that does both jobs. Turn the power reducer on for a lightweight shot that won’t snap your spear on a rock, or turn it off for long-distance power and big game performance.
That said, you’ll have a much easier time if you’re on the stronger side. This is a pneumatic gun, and it doesn’t include a pump, which means you really have to put your back into recharging it. It also doesn’t include a line, but the line is cheap, and you’ll want to upgrade to shock line anyway if you’re fishing in open water.
Pros
- Versatile design
- Ergonomic grip
- High-visibility design
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Does not include a pump or line
If you’re worried about dropping your speargun, the high-visibility yellow on the SL Star will help you retrieve it.
Bottom Line
Wow! That’s a lot of quality spearguns! But how do you choose the best?
If you’re a seasoned expert, you probably already know the difference between different types of spearguns, but if you’re a beginner the differences can be confusing. The most important thing to know for beginners is the difference between a pneumatic speargun and a band-powered speargun.
Pneumatic spearguns are powered by compressed air and need to be pumped up by the user prior to shooting. This method is reliable and accurate, but it can take a lot of strength to fully charge most guns. Band-powered spearguns work like an underwater slingshot, using nylon bands to propel your spear through the water.
These guns are typically more powerful than pneumatics. The more bands they have, the more powerful they’ll be.
Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and advice.
The Review
Best Speargun
Check out the ratings of the best spearguns available.
Review Breakdown
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Mares Bandit
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Cressi Apache
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AB Biller Wood Mahogany
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Mares Sten
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JBL D5
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Cressi SL Star
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