Help with Shaft size

[Phychotics]

I just purchased a 42" speargun as my first gun. It was used, and needed bands and a shaft. After searching around a bit, i found that 9/16 X 20" bands would be best so i got those. It is a rear handle gun, so i was told that there should be like a 6" hang off on the spear...i wanted some help on what size shaft to buy? I was thinking a 48" shaft since it is a 42" gun, and a 1/4in diameter with a flopper....any input would greatly help!!!thx

[irtrogdor]

Because of the length of the gun, I am assuming this you are going to hunt smaller reef fish. If that is the case then you should get the smallest diameter shaft you can get for your gun. Overhang is overrated though, My gun has almost zero overhang and it is quite accurate.

[Phychotics]

ok, i will keep that in mind....are all shafts the same as in brands? is there a difference in a riffe 1/4" X 48" versus a omer 1/4" X 48"? or is it just a different brand?

[beamjoel]

If your are using an "american" gun like the RIFFE or Wong then you need to use a Riffe "type" shaft. There is a difference on the groove on the rear of the shaft that would fit into an EURO trigger mech VS the "american" trigger mech.
As far as overhang goes I think it is a matter of personal pref. All my shafts overhang on my Euro guns and my Wong.

Feel free to PM me with any questions

Good luck in Catalina!!!!!!!

I hope this helps, and WELCOME to DB.

good luck
Joel

[calliecal]

When it come to shaft size, bigger is better I say....

[blaiz]

The shaft overhang has been the topic of conversation here lately. Typically when you buy a new gun from the shop the shaft will hang 30 cm off the end of your gun so you would want to measure the distance from the release to the end of your gun and add the 30cm or 10-12 inches.

but like beamjoel and introgdor both say, it really comes down to preference. But remember you can always cut a longer shaft down so I would recomend buying a long shaft first.

As far as thickness, are you using one band or two? If your using 2 9/16 bands you can afford to put a decent shaft on your gun. The thicker the shaft the more punch you will get but the slower and shorter your range will be.

[Phychotics]

i need help with what shaft to use...everyone gives me different awnsers...i want to know fur sure before i buy......it is a balco pro arrow 105 42"..i am using a 9/16" X 20" band..i might add another....i need to know exactly what shaft to buy...

[beamjoel]

First, measure your gun from the back of the trigger mech (where the back of the shaft would sit) to the end of the barrel or stock then add 8 inches.

Second, if your trigger mech can handle a larger shaft than 1/4" up it to a 9/32" shaft. This has become my goto size.

Third, add that second 9/16 X 20" band.

There no more problems.

o yeah, if your expecting to post a question in a forum as diverse as DB and receive one answer across the board, good luck, at least don't expect it on the topics of equipment.

good luck
Joel Beam

[ILDiver]

Sorry, have to say it. The title of this thread sound like and e-mail subject caught by my spam filter

[kanakafari]

I'd like to think that I've never had an issue with shaft size....but simple rule of thumb is:

SHAFT
Gun Length (cm) + 40 cm = Shaft Length (cm)

BANDS
Gun Length Band Size Band Length
70 cm 20 mm 59 cm
80 cm 20 mm 61 cm
90 cm 20 mm 64 cm
100 cm 20 mm 68 cm
110 cm 20 mm 71 cm
120 cm 20 mm 75 cm
130 cm 20 mm 80 cm
140 cm 20 mm 87 cm
150 cm 20 mm 97 cm

70 cm 16 mm 45 cm
80 cm 16 mm 48 cm
90 cm 16 mm 51 cm
100 cm 16 mm 55 cm
110 cm 16 mm 60 cm
120 cm 16 mm 65 cm
130 cm 16 mm 72 cm
140 cm 16 mm 78 cm
150 cm 16 mm 84 cm

* Opt for two bands for the versatility aspect.

"Keep it ]-[/-\\/\//-\||/-\|\|"

[Phychotics]

WOW thx guys for the help!!! Yeah i realized after i posted that the title was a little.....um...different. I figured someone would say something.lol..thx soo much fur all of ur help!!!

[blaiz]

Originally Posted by Phychotics

i need help with what shaft to use...everyone gives me different awnsers...i want to know fur sure before i buy......it is a balco pro arrow 105 42"..i am using a 9/16" X 20" band..i might add another....i need to know exactly what shaft to buy...

I agree with beamjoel. Go with a 9/16 shaft. Its a good all around size, not to thick but not too flimsy. Your best bet, if possible, is to take your gun into a shop and make sure you get the correct shaft. Like noted before american guns and euro guns have different notches at the end of the shaft so the most important thing would be to get the correct one. If its a euro gun than Im sure an omer shaft will work fine. And like stated many times above length of gun + 30-40cm. Not sure what else you want. (length of gun is always band pull length or from shaft catch to end of muzzle, not overall length)

[Phychotics]

thanks much, i will take it into a dive shop when it arrives....thank you all for ur puns and advice!