Anyone tried a Seatec Albatross wooden gun?

[Jez]

I have a Seatec Gabbiano gun 77cm long which I'm very pleased with. I've found I need more range in some of my dives though and was looking at the Seatec Albatross, probably around the 90-100cm mark.

Has anyone experience of these? I like the look of the gun as its wooden and seems to mount the rubbers against the wood, which I presume would give a quiter firing action than my Gabbiano.

For a similar size aluminium/plastic gun, what other differences would I notice with a wooden gun (heavier etc.)?

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Alison]

No experience of the gun but try Dave.
The wooden gun although heavier out of the water wont be any different in the water but there will be less recoil and it will be quieter too. Another bonus(?) with a teak gun is its exactly the same colour as the kelp and hides very well

 

[borquaoar]

I will try it in 2 weeks.
Let you know.

 

[portinfer]

Oooo this is a can of worms !

Personally (speaking aesthetically) I like wooden guns.

I have been diving for the last couple of days with a mate who uses an aluminium gun and I always hear when he shoots a fish no matter how far away he is - this is quite nice cos then I can go up and check out his catch but if I can hear it then the fish can too ... maybe not a bad thing as they are curious animals.

Anyway I also tried out the swing on my brother's 90cm Cressi Comanche and it is about the same as my 100cm Totemsub Pelagos... so no real difference there.

As far as weight goes any decent wooden gun will be well balanced so it is neutral in the water and will feel light.

Try any other wooden ones too :

Abellan
Totemsub
Dapiran
Gimansub
Etc

 

[borquaoar]

I just got my new albatros open head 100 and trb head 90 they look great.
There are some weight that can be put under the guns to make the balance adjustments.
The TRB head is made of a metal piece while the head are made of a kind of plastic in Gabbianos.
I will try them both during the weekend.

 

[borquaoar]

I used the guns they are good.
Originally they come with a 6.3 mm shaft. After a few shots I changed the shaft of the Albatros O/H with a 6 mm. I think that I will use it with a 6 mm shaft with single rubber but with 6.3 or thicker with double rubbers.

 

[Jez]

Sounds good, I'll check them out when I'm paid next! Thanks

 

[borquaoar]

I have a problem with the bands; the briles(metal wishbones) are causing scratchs on the wood, it would be better to use some dyneema cord.

 

[Jez]

I guess the scratches occurr at the point the wishbone rests when the rubbers are slack? Maybe you could wrap some protective tape around this point (although it wouldn't look as cool)?

 

[portinfer]

No I think that the scratches occur along the rail where the wishbone makes its journey when being fired ? (maybe ??) - I have the same problem with my wooden gun - switching to dyneema wishbones may help - just need a lick of West System and a bit of a rub and it should be good for a few more seasons...