2nd hand RA Sparid 110 cm, Al railgun -is it worth it?

[valdim]

Hi guys,
Recently I noticed somebody selling the above gun at a price 3 times lower , compared to a new RA. It is stuffed with unknown brand 16mm band and 8 mm spear...I am looking for a long gun for the clear waters of the Greek islands, to shoot small to middle grade pray.
So, what do you think - is it worth it to buy this gun ? If I do it, I would change the band with an original RA blue 16 mm band. What RA spear to choose to change the old one - 6.3, 6.6 mm? Should I include in the bill a reel? Anything else to add?
Anything to pay attention, when viewing the speargun ?
Thanks for your opinions.

 

[valdim]

Hey...anybody read this?

 

[marco15499]

I would recommend a 6.6 shaft. 8 mm is way too thick. Leave the bands it has and try it before changing them.

 

[valdim]

Thank you, marco15499.

"A bad day spearfishing is ALWAYS better than a good day at work" absolutely lovely and true.

 

[Mr. X]

Yes, I would get it. You could add a second 16mm band to better suit the 8mm spear (I think RA fit a 7.5mm on the double-band version of the Sparid, which is called the Tuna model.

The Sparid is normally equipped with a 6.6mm spear and single 16mm band and it's a combination that worked well for me. I tried using a 20mm band but didn't like it.
7mm spear would likely work ok too.

I use factory 6.3mm spears in my superlightweight Omer XXVs but they are quite skinny and flimsy, 6.6mm would be a much better choice I think, or bigger if you expect to use more bands (e.g. 7mm for 1x20mm or 2x14mm; 7.5mm for 2x16mm) or a roller muzzle upgrade (which can supposedly upgrade a 110cm RA to 140cm-like power - rather excessive for most but essential for some).

I wouldn't worry about the brand or colour of the bands. RA buy theirs from the USA. The bands on my Sparid came factory-equipped with black bands, I think the core was white.

 

[Mr. X]

I have not used a reel, never needed one, but they they seem popular in the med. Perhaps a good idea if you need dealing with fairly big fish and deepwater? For really big fish I would go with a breakaway-rig and float system.

 

[valdim]

Mr.X, thanks for the detailed opinion.
I missed that gun, somebody bought it before I react.
Anyway...