Spearguns generally have a name plus a number. ย The name relates to the type of set up it has like a ‘Rob Allen Tuna’ relates to fact that it is made out of aluminium and is powered by twin bands. A Rob Allen Tuna ’90’ tells us the set-up (as above) plus that the barrel is 90cm long. ย Notice that I said the ‘barrel’ is 90cm long. ย In speargun measurements the length usually indicates the barrel length (with the exception of Cressi and Sigalsub), but the overall length of the gun is much longer. ย For the total length of the gun from handle to spear tip, this around an extra 50cm on top of the barrel length.
The spearfishing gun length ranges all have a specific job and specific purpose. ย While it’s true that some people simply have a preference for certain lengths it’s safe to say that the guide below is accurate for the vast majority of the spearo’s out there.
| Gun length | Usageย |
| 50 – 60cm | These shorter lengths are commonly used for hunting caves & holes |
| 70-75cm | Commonly used in poor visibility, The 75 is largely considered to be the ideal size for the UK although this can be debated..ย |
| 80 – 90cm | The 80-90 are perfect for good visibility in the UK – on a glassy, crystal-clearย day you want to be packing some extra length!ย |
| 100 – 120cm | For targeting specific species like bream who never like to come too close on offshoreย reefs, or for when the visibility really opens up.ย Also starting to get into the sizes used abroad on reefs with good visibility. |
| 130cm | The 130 is a great all-rounder for when spearfishing abroad.ย It can be used for bothย reef hunting and blue water spearfishing. |
| 140 – 160cm | Used for targeting the biggest fish in the ocean.ย Strictly for blue water big game spearfishing |
Most people have a 90 or a 75 as their primary speargun. ย For the UK these are ideal lengths being short enough to track sideways in poor vis, while retaining enough power and range to deal with the biggest of bass/conger whatever. ย The twin rubber Tuna version certainly assists with this offering huge power and range while staying deadly accurate with the rail (It’s our best seller by far).
This is normally companied with a shorter hole hunter. ย During the course of a spearfishing trip, it is very common / desirable to explore caves and holes as this is where you can often find those big specimens resting away. ย For this you need something short, stumpy and maneuverable otherwise you don’t stand a chance.
The hardcore will then often add a longer sniper gun to their fleet for the odd days that the visibility opens up and also for targeting wary fish that stay on the outskirts of the range of a 90.
The video below shows you the guns and talks you through the options
To check out our spearguns for sale, click the link! We also have a downloadable PDF Speargun buyer’s guide available free. Remember, any questions then please just ask, it’s no problem at all : )
Watch our beginner’s guide to spearfishing equipment
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