Hawaiian slings in Hawaii in the 60s and 70s had hinges. They faded quick when pole spears started coming in fiberglass.
The hinge was the key. Otherwise, you could just take a regular rubber, hook it around your thumb, and let her rip. A freeshaft pole spear.
Spearfishing way back was just pragmatic. The handle without the hinge was not worth the effort of drilling the wood for the shaft, and more uncomfortable.
There are a few old school guys still using them and they get a ton of reef fish.
The hinge was the key. Otherwise, you could just take a regular rubber, hook it around your thumb, and let her rip. A freeshaft pole spear.
Spearfishing way back was just pragmatic. The handle without the hinge was not worth the effort of drilling the wood for the shaft, and more uncomfortable.
There are a few old school guys still using them and they get a ton of reef fish.
