the Sultan of Smooth is back and breathing

[Bill McIntyre]

That Bandito thing looks interesting, although a bit expensive to have one on each of my guns. I've been using those nylon Sling Socks, but they are so limp that they are hard to get on and off when wet, and they get torn up fairly fast. I do have old wet suit sleeves on a couple of guns, but they aren't as pretty.

[speargearshop]

You would have had lots of company aboard the Peace a couple weeks ago. "$20.00??" There were those that had everything from nothing to a bag with a grommet from Mako covering their muzzles. You tell me, what's your rig worth?

By the time everyone left two and five days later, 30 Bandido's were aboard their guns including the crew who claimed that they finally had reason to leave the guns out during the trip. The clients all had multiple guns and most bought a Bandido for the gun that was out for use; the 2nd and third backups were in the cases along the rail. We threw some guns over during development and with the exception of the 3 biggest Tuna guns I have, when rigged, they all floated long enough to realize they'd fallen and could be recovered. A nylon sack ain't gonna get that done.

As to the cost, well you know what your guns are worth Bill and what they'd cost to replace and repair. I was using old cut up and f*^ked up sleeves and legs since day one, but you start looking at Wong hybrids at seven bills and Sea Snipers, Merlo's and Alexander's at well over two grand and then you look at the rails of the pangas and the gun racks and barrels on the cattle boats, it's a easy expense to justify. Kind of like any other doodad that a boat owned has to justify. It could be worse, you could like $1200 purses.

The racks on your sled are nice for keeping the guns separated and thereby ding free, the Bandido's would be a benefit to keeping your bands from aging and the muzzles from rattling.

[Bill McIntyre]

Originally Posted by speargearshop

As to the cost, well you know what your guns are worth Bill and what they'd cost to replace and repair. I was using old cut up and f*^ked up sleeves and legs since day one, but you start looking at Wong hybrids at seven bills and Sea Snipers, Merlo's and Alexander's at well over two grand and then you look at the rails of the pangas and the gun racks and barrels on the cattle boats, it's a easy expense to justify. Kind of like any other doodad that a boat owned has to justify. It could be worse, you could like $1200 purses.

OK, but my guns are not on the rails of the pangas or in the gun racks or barrels of the cattle boats, so all that they do for me is

The racks on your sled are nice for keeping the guns separated and thereby ding free, the Bandido's would be a benefit to keeping your bands from aging and the muzzles from rattling.

[speargearshop]

Just explaining the rationale Bill; not all reasons apply to every diver, but as with your admission of band aging and rattles, some have felt those reason's enough.

[cdavis]

Hmm, protective covers for your gun. . . . Never would have thought of that. Maybe that's why my gun looks like something that got left out in the yard for a year and the dog chewed on. I think it had varnish on it, once upon a time. Still shoots good though.

Given how pretty most guys seem to keep their guns, there should be a good market.

Connor

[speargearshop]

Well, I'm hoping so, Conner. The uphill battle is to replace what guys have been using or thinking for years- nothing or some ratted out wetsuit sleeve such as the one in the photo. You start tossing out a couple grand for your tools and you start to look at how you take care of them and then there's the bling factor.

I just sent out your SuitSlip, thanks for the order; and if there's anyone that thinks that having a no BS, no scent additive to help you get into your suit for a day of fun in the water is too much or schlock....well, the other photo will tell you.

[cdavis]

Thanks Sven, I'll try it on the 12th. Several other guys will get a chance as well. Does the stuff attact fish too? If so, send me a case!

The "bling" factor. For sure, its really there!

Connor

[BatRay]

Welcome back, Sven! I've been wondering what you were up to. Glad to see you on the boards again