Quote:
Originally Posted by Padaxes
Q1 : Is Carbon Fibre rod a good material for my spear, i'm looking at a 5-6ft, 12mm carbon fibre rod for the shaft. Will this be rigid/strong /heavy enough?
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I would not recommend carbon fibre as a rod for a pole spear. For one the price will be very unnecessary. Most pole spears in hawaii are made from aluminum or graphite, or a combination of both. Aluminum is great for a pole spear as it has a good weight and punch and is nice and rigid. The problem with aluminum is that it bends easy. To combat this pole spear makers started making graphite spears. The graphite is a bit lighter than the aluminum and isnt as rigid. When a graphite spear is loaded its recommended that you twist the shaft as you load it so the rubber wraps around the pole. This makes shots more accurate and the pole wont bend as you load it.
Recently pole spear makers started making hybrids by using aluminum rod for the back 2/3 and graphite for the front 1/3. These utilize the advantages of both materials (weight and rigidness of aluminum and durability of graphite). Carbon fiber will be rigid all right but it wont have the weight needed. A light spear has no punch.
As far as the fins, they should be ok for getting started. I highly recommend a pole spear for the first while too. Its even better if you make your own. You will learn how to stalk and hunt fish very efficiently with a pole spear. You will learn how to be patient and stealthy (as it will be required to catch proper fish!). You will also have the advantage of personally knowing every aspect of your equipment.
