Best spearguns for spearfishing: AB Biller and Mares Strike lead the pack in 2026.
You muscle through cold water, scan a rocky reef, and want a speargun that fires true and holds up to salt. I’ve chased fish from shallow kelp beds to deep drop-offs. The right gun makes the hunt cleaner, safer, and more fun. Below I break down reliable picks I use and test. I focus on fit, power, and long-term value so you can pick one that suits your style.
AB Biller Special Series Wood…
The stainless steel trigger mechanism is unsurpassed in reliability and smooth action. The high grade grooved mahogany, teak or padauk barrel provides pinpoint accuracy, easy underwater maneuverability due to its…
Mares Bandit Sling Speargun -…
IDEAL ENTRY-LEVEL SPEARGUN – Perfect for new spearfishers, the Bandit sling gun offers a simple design, making it easy to use and master; Its robust construction provides a dependable, high-quality…
Mares Strike Speargun for Spearfishing…
OPTIMIZED BARREL DESIGN – The Mares Strike Speargun features a 28mm diameter circular section barrel made of extruded anticorodal aluminum; The barrel includes an integrated low-friction upper rod guide for…
AB Biller Mahogany 24″ Speargun
I like the AB Biller for its classic wood feel and steady handling. The mahogany body absorbs recoil and gives a balanced swing. At 24 inches it fits well for reef work and tight spaces. This gun combines look and function for divers who value control.
The AB Biller excels in shallow to mid-depth freediving trips. It loads smoothly with single-band power that’s predictable and safe. I found it reliable in salty conditions after a season of use. Maintenance is simple. It’s a strong pick among Best Spearguns for Spearfishing when you want a wooden build.
Pros:
- Beautiful mahogany finish that resists water damage
- Compact 24″ length ideal for reef and boat work
- Stable balance reduces muzzle climb on shot
- Easy to maintain hardwood construction
- Good accuracy for a single-band speargun
Cons:
- Less power than longer or multi-band guns
- Wood can dent if not cared for
- Not optimized for heavy pelagic fish
My Recommendation
I recommend the AB Biller 24″ for divers who want a classic-feel speargun that shoots true in tight conditions. If you hunt reefs or fish near boat structures, its compact size helps you maneuver and aim. I use it when I need a quiet, reliable shooter that doesn’t over-penetrate smaller targets.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Reef freediving | Compact length for tight spaces and quick follow-up shots. |
| Beginners | Easy to load with predictable single-band power. |
| Stylish collectors | High-quality mahogany finish that holds value. |
Mares Bandit Sling 75cm
The Mares Bandit Sling 75cm is a solid entry-level European-style gun. It pairs an ergonomic handle with a 7mm shaft and a 16mm elastic band. The build feels durable and balanced in the hand. I used this gun for coastal dives and found it very user-friendly.
Loading takes little effort and the muzzle is slim for fast target acquisition. The shaft is sturdy and resists bending on moderate fish. For my trips, it was a reliable tool on rocky bottoms. This Mares model ranks among Best Spearguns for Spearfishing as a practical, budget-friendly choice.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle that fits most hands
- 7mm shaft offers good stiffness for accuracy
- Simple band design reduces maintenance
- Affordable for new spearos
- Lightweight for long freedives
Cons:
- Limited power for large pelagic species
- Smaller bands need occasional replacement
- No integrated reel for deeper work
My Recommendation
I recommend the Mares Bandit 75cm to divers starting out or those who prefer light, nimble gear. If you focus on rock cod, wrasse, or smaller reef fish, this gun is accurate and easy to carry. I keep one as my go-to for long swim sessions because it tires me less.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Easy to handle and affordable to buy and maintain. |
| Long freedives | Lightweight design reduces fatigue over time. |
| Shallow reef hunting | Slim muzzle for accurate aiming in tight spots. |
Mares Strike 100cm Speargun
The Mares Strike 100cm is built for mixed hunting from shallow reefs to mid-range drops. It features a 28mm barrel and a 6.5mm shaft for good shot energy and stiffness. The stainless release is smooth and reliable under pressure. I found it consistent across many dives.
This 100cm version feels stable on bigger targets and allows deeper penetration with oversized bands. The horizontal reel option makes line handling easy for deeper fish. In my experience, the Mares Strike is one of the Best Spearguns for Spearfishing when you need a versatile mid-length gun.
Pros:
- 28mm barrel for good band alignment and energy
- Durable stainless steel release for longevity
- 6.5mm shaft offers balance of flex and strength
- Optimized for larger bands and accurate shots
- Horizontal reel option for deeper fishing
Cons:
- Larger size may be cumbersome for tight reefs
- More expensive than entry-level models
- Heavier when equipped with reel and bands
My Recommendation
I recommend the Mares Strike 100cm for divers who target medium to large reef fish and occasional pelagics. The longer barrel and reel option give you range and line control. I use this when I expect varied shots and want a single gun that covers many situations.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Versatile hunting | Handles both reef shots and deeper drops well. |
| Intermediate divers | Good balance of power and usability. |
| Reel users | Horizontal reel simplifies retrieval at depth. |
JBL Mini Aluminum Speargun
The JBL Mini is small but tough. Its aluminum barrel keeps weight low. The stainless shaft resists corrosion and gives dependable stiffness. I like it for quick drift or rock work where speed matters.
This mini gun is easy to pack and carry. The easy-stretch bands make loading nearly effortless. On calm days I use it as my backup. For tight hunting zones it ranks among the Best Spearguns for Spearfishing due to its nimbleness.
Pros:
- Ultra-light aluminum barrel for fast handling
- Stainless shaft resists rust in salty water
- Easy-stretch bands reduce load effort
- Compact for travel and small boats
- Simple design with minimal maintenance
Cons:
- Limited range and power on larger targets
- Smaller shaft less ideal for big fish
- No reel option on most models
My Recommendation
I recommend the JBL Mini Aluminum for divers who want a light, packable backup or a main gun for shallow reef fish. It’s easy to use and forgiving for new spearos. I keep one in my gear bag for days when I need speed and mobility.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Travel | Small and light for packing into cases. |
| Shallow reef | Fast handling for quick target snaps. |
| Backup gun | Reliable and low maintenance. |
Mares Strike 75cm Speargun
The Mares Strike 75cm is the shorter sibling of the 100cm model. It keeps the same 28mm barrel and stainless release but in a more agile form. I use it when I plan to hunt reefs or shallow drop-offs where a long gun would be clumsy.
This version shoots true and loads smoothly. The shorter length means less band energy but more maneuverability. For many spearos who balance range and handling, the 75cm Strike earns a spot among Best Spearguns for Spearfishing.
Pros:
- Compact length for better control in tight spots
- Same quality release and shaft as larger Strike guns
- Good for mixed hunting in coastal zones
- Easier to carry and store than longer guns
- Balanced shot-to-weight ratio
Cons:
- Less penetration than the 100cm model
- May need stronger bands for bigger targets
- Can be heavy with added reel and bands
My Recommendation
I recommend the Mares Strike 75cm for divers who want a compact, capable gun that covers most coastal hunts. It pairs the reliability of the Strike platform with agility. I choose this one when I expect tight maneuvers and quick target switches.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Tight reef work | Shorter barrel for precise, fast aim. |
| Daily use | Comfortable for repeated loading and shots. |
| Those upgrading | Same features as Strike line in smaller frame. |
Mares Force 100cm Pneumatic
The Mares Force 100cm is an easy-to-load pneumatic option. Pneumatic guns give consistent power and silent shots. This model comes with a carrying bag and a user-friendly loading mechanism. I appreciated the quick shots and lower recoil.
Pneumatic spearguns need a little more care to avoid water intrusion in the pump. Still, they shine for precision at range and for taking larger fish without huge bands. If you’re looking at Best Spearguns for Spearfishing with modern tech, the Force is a strong contender.
Pros:
- Consistent power without heavy bands
- Low noise signature underwater
- Bag included for safe transport
- Good range for pelagic and reef targets
- Smooth trigger and release feel
Cons:
- Requires careful maintenance of seals
- Heavier than a small banded gun
- More expensive initial outlay
My Recommendation
I recommend the Mares Force 100cm pneumatic to divers who want power without bulky bands. It suits those targeting larger reef species or small pelagics. I use pneumatic guns when I need quiet, repeatable shots and good range.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Pelagic hunting | Pneumatic power for larger fish without big bands. |
| Low-noise needs | Quieter shots reduce spooking wary fish. |
| Travelers | Bag included for easy, safe transport. |
Mares Bandit Sling 55cm
The Mares Bandit 55cm is a nimble short gun for very tight drift or boat work. It carries little weight and aims fast. The same ergonomic handle and shaft style as the 75cm make it familiar to Bandit users. I use it for quick shots around structure where a longer gun would snag.
It lacks power for big specimens, but it excels for snap shots and tight dives. Easy to slip in a bag, it’s a practical secondary gun. For small-boat outings and crowded reefs, this model earns mention in Best Spearguns for Spearfishing lists.
Pros:
- Extremely maneuverable in tight spaces
- Lightweight and fast to aim
- Low fatigue for long drift sessions
- Good for kids or small-framed divers
- Simple maintenance and low cost
Cons:
- Very limited range for larger fish
- Not ideal for deep-water work
- Smaller bands wear faster under heavy use
My Recommendation
I recommend the Mares Bandit 55cm if you need an ultra-compact gun for tight reef or boat situations. It’s also great for smaller divers and kids. I keep one aboard small boats because it won’t snag lines or take much space.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Small boats | Compact size avoids snags and clutter. |
| Kids & learners | Easy handling and low recoil. |
| Tight reef dives | Fast aim and nimble control. |
3-Pack Pole Spear Bands 28″
These 28-inch pole spear bands are a practical spare part that I always carry. Bands wear over time and speed loss is noticeable. Having a 3-pack means you can swap and keep hunting without waits. I keep them in my tackle box and change bands seasonally.
They offer good tension for pole spears and small slings. The rubber quality matters for shot energy and longevity. In my tests these bands matched factory specs and gave consistent shots. They’re essential accessories when you compile Best Spearguns for Spearfishing gear lists.
Pros:
- Three bands for multiple replacements
- Consistent elasticity for reliable shots
- Easy to install on pole spears and slings
- Cost-effective compared to single bands
- Reduces downtime during trips
Cons:
- May need trimming for exact fit on some spears
- Rubber degrades faster in hot climates
- Not a speargun—accessory only
My Recommendation
I recommend this 3-pack of 28″ bands for any diver who uses pole spears or slings. They keep you fishing when bands fail. I always carry spares, because a broken band can end a session. These are cheap insurance and belong in any Best Spearguns for Spearfishing kit.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Pole spear users | Exact length for many pole spear setups. |
| Trip preppers | Spare bands avoid lost days on the water. |
| Budget buyers | Bulk pack saves money over single buys. |
FAQs Of Best Spearguns for Spearfishing
1. What length speargun is best for beginners?
I advise beginners to start with 55–75cm guns for reef work. They are easier to aim and carry. Short guns reduce torque and help with quick follow-ups.
2. Do I need a reel on my speargun?
A reel helps with deeper fish and prevents lost gear. For shallow reef hunting, a reel is optional. I use reels when fishing beyond 15 meters or for pelagics.
3. How do I maintain a speargun in saltwater?
Rinse with fresh water after each dive. Lubricate metal parts and inspect bands and shafts for wear. Store guns dry and protected from sun to extend life.
4. Are pneumatic spearguns better than banded ones?
They have different strengths. Pneumatics offer quiet, consistent power and range. Banded guns are lighter, cheaper, and easier to maintain. I pick based on target species and dive style.
5. Is wood better than aluminum for spearguns?
Wood offers natural recoil damping and a classic feel. Aluminum is lighter and resists impact. Both are valid. Choose based on weight preference and handling needs.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
To choose among the Best Spearguns for Spearfishing, match gun length and type to your hunt. Pick compact wood or aluminum for reefs and a longer Strike or pneumatic Force for range and larger fish.
I favor Mares Strike models for versatility and AB Biller for style and control. Each of these Best Spearguns for Spearfishing fills a clear role depending on your goals and budget.
