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Interesting spearguns by Apnea and Epsealon

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
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Mr. X

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I visited Venture Sports in Paignton (a.k.a. Spearfishing Store, http://www.spearfishingstore.co.uk ), Devon recently. They have quite a large range of spearguns from various makers but a couple of brands caught my eye (although they seemed a tad expensive for their specs.): Epsealon, who I have only vaguely heard of before , and Apnea (http://www.apneaspearfishing.co.uk/ not to be confused with http://apnea.co.uk/35-speargun-accessories-spares in Jersey, Channel Islands).

Both offerered several models. What I like about these were the handles which seemed a bit slimmer/smaller/nicer/more comfortable than most. The models with s/steel triggers particularly.

Some particular models which caught my eye:
 
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The Apnea Amarok:

The 75cm & 85cm models would likely be the most useful for UK waters, although the 95cm version might be a nice alternative to a 90cm for clearer-water days.

"Apnea Amarok 85cm Open Muzzle Speargun
The Amarok 85cm from Apnea is an open muzzle gun with a professional series handle and trigger mechanism.

The internal parts of the trigger mechanism are all crafted from metal as is the line release catch. The handle features a thumb rest (right handed only) making the gun more comfortable to use and aim. For left handed users a standard handle is provided.

The barrel of the Amarok is mould-cast with polyurethane foam. When an object comes into contact with the barrel, rather than the normal "chink" noise you get from most aluminium barrels, this gun's coated barrel returns a very quiet dull noise that is hardly heard. Due to the foam the barrel is also quiet if it is accidentally knocked against the reef, stones,etc.

The Amarok uses 18mm rubber providing plenty of power, a second band can be added if desired.

You also have the option to fit a reel if needed."​

I prefer the Cressi Comanche Pacific's muzzle but I prefer the handle and barrel on this one (Venture Sport also has the Pacific in stock, so I was able to do a direct comparison). I would have liked a little more time to look it over properly. I really did like this one, if it were under £100 I would have been tempted to get one.
 
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A slightly cheaper model that caught my eye was the Apnea Whaler: http://www.spearfishingstore.co.uk/apnea-whaler-75cm-speargun.html

They had a 45cm (I think) model which seemed really neat but unfortunately rather expensive for short "night dive"/"cave gun". If it were half the price, I might have bought it. Again, a very comfortable handle, although plastic trigger this time (not a big deal, all of my spearguns so far have had plastic triggers but steel is nice). I met a spearo using one of these in the more normal 75cm size and he was pleased with his.

The barrel is interesting: it has a built in rail with give it a somewhat elipical cross-section, with the long axis in the vertical plane (the opposite of cuttlefish profile). This would likely add rigidity but also some drag if swinging the gun in the horizontal plane.

Again, I prefer the Cressi Comanche Pacific muzzle but, for a short night/cave gun, it really doesn't matter.
 
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This Epsealon model struck me as clever - although a bit too novel for my tastes:
Epsealon Exium G2 Speargun

http://www.spearfishingstore.co.uk/epsealon/epsealon-exium-g2-speargun-90cm.html

The handle was nice but the key features are the horizontal hydrodynamic drag reducing holes in the middle of the barrel and, less clear in the image, 2 hollow plastic boxes that slide in that gap:
http://www.spearfishingstore.co.uk/epsealon-exium-small-float-block.html

The boxes are intended for buoyancy (as euro-style spearguns are often tip-heavy as there is no counter-balance to the muzzle) and they can slide in the gap thereby allowing the user to fine-tune the balance to their specific preference . Perhaps more useful for longer sizes?
 
The shop also had several roller-guns, including a very nice Epsealon one, which has a very neat, strong , compact looking roller muzzle, which they were quite enthusiastic about. Perhaps this one: http://freediveuk.com/spearfishing-kit-review-epsealon-esclapez-exium-g2/

Roller-guns used to interest me (lots of power in a shorter barreled gun, low recoil) and it does seem to be very "in" (fashionable with manufacturers) currently but I like simple things and it seeems to unnecessarily complicate things: my simple bands guns are already powerful enough for the fish I encounter and I could make them more powerful if I thought that would make any difference. It also adds significantly to the cost, profile and the weight of the gun, particularly the muzzle. And loading tends to be a 2-stage process. However, I am sure some folk will love 'em.
 

If anyone is after a roller gun, check out the Whaler rollers at Spearfishing Store, for the price when compared to other guns it looks like a no brainer!
 
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I have something very similar to the Epsealon Exium G2 Speargun 90cm but it has a different name (cant remember).
I like it and use it but, mine is muzzle heavy.
 
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From what I can see, those Apnea guns seem really good value for money and have great specs for the respective prices. The other good thing is that Spearfishing Store have always been excellent in my personal experience, I have not had one problem with them, goods have arrived when expected or before, a first rate business I have to say, judged on my dealings with them
 
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I am glad i happened to stumble on this post as i had been eyeing up a few of the Apnea spear guns over the last couple of weeks and had thought the Apnea Whaler 90cm to be a good first gun as i am intending on spear fishing in deep clear water ( there is a deep shelf close to the beach). I like construction of the Whaler because of its integral rail (Rail gun) so giving more support along the barrel for a more accurate shot which is a similar idea to the Rob Allen spear guns which everyone raves on about. I am tempted by the Amarok for the build quality and the barrel of the Amarok is mould-cast with polyurethane foam making it more silent to hunt with so i think its going to be the Amarok better to spend that little bit more for build quality which equals reliability.
 
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Hi Brochman, I would have a similar problem deciding. I really liked the Amarok but I know Whaler would work just as well. They both seemed overpriced to me - you should be able to get a top notch bandgun for well under £100 (the Whaler would be a good buy @£60/£70 and the Amarok @ £80/£90). There are many ways to look at such decisions.:

One option would be to get, say, a 90cm Whaler now & a 75cm one later (parts being interchangeable and the lower price making it more affordable to own 2). Perhaps they'd cut you a deal if you bought 2 at once? In which case I would probably go for the 95 & 75cm - but that's just me. But you can learn a lot from your first speargun, so perhaps better to just one to start with.

Another approach would be to get a larger size Amarok speargun (e.g. 90/95) on the basis that most fancy features (e.g. fancy barrels) can really only make any difference in larger sizes. And then maybe get a cheap & cheerful 70/75cm speargun later.

Another option might be to just get one speargun that will handle most of the conditions that you are likely to encounter -- after all, you'll only ever have one speargun in your hands when spearing, might as well be one the one that is most likely to do the job. In which case maybe get a good one, an Amorak 80 or 85cm - or in your specific case 90cm - perhaps. I don't think it is necessary to spend big money on a speargun for British water, you just don't need it - and with the Bass ban until end of this month and talk of a complete ban next year - why even bother? Take up cycling instead
 
I've found that the variation in visibility that you guys in the UK have are similar to a lot of Canadian freshwater conditions.

You ALWAYS want as much power as possible for the given visibility, but you don't know what you're going to get.

Why don't more of you guys use a 70-80cm roller gun?

It's short (for maneuverability)... But you get the power of a longer gun (due to the longer shaft acceleration).

If the vis is good, it's like having a longer gun. If it's bad, you only have a short gun to move about.

The only disadvantage is that it's not always possible to depower them for a rocky shot.

The new Pathos rollers allow you to de-power them quite significantly!

Alternatively, I think I would consider a Pathos 82 with 2x 14mm small ID rubbers.




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I have I cycle with all my dive kit in a Military rucksack three miles there a four hour dive and cycle back back cant wait to get a Trilam dry suit it will be so much lighter to carry back than a soaking wet semi-dry that weighs a tone when its wet.
 
Reactions: Mr. X
 
Lack of power is rarely an issue in UK water in my experience. Also, roller-guns are very expensive compared to a regular band guns and have several heavy, extra moving parts, especially at the muzzle, which add bulk, hydro-dynamic resistance and inertia. Using a roller-gun or using double bands will complicate reloading, which will take longer, which will ultimately result in lost opportunities. So I disagree with the above post - but it is a valid alternative perspective.
 
Reactions: Brochman
A roller muzzle costs like £75 for your existing gun and loading is just the same on a short gun.

My 70 roller can shoot with authority AND accuracy at 11'.

This is good if visibility opens up on one area, if a weary fish won't come close / is keeping its distance or if you nail a hard scull at 8'.

I can't get this with a 70cm single banded gun. That's why I like it.

Lack of recoil is a nice bonus.

Perhaps a 80 with a 6mm shaft and a tight 14mm small ID band could be close... But risk more bent shafts


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Maybe for some but only if you already have a speargun that you are willing to change and there is a suitable muzzle & associated fittings available for it. Mine have 25mm Omersub carbon fibre barrels - is a roller muzzle available for it? Probably not - and the whole point of the model concerned is that it is very slim & light.

I have seen some roller gun videos, where they have an extra loading step under the barrel - perhaps not necessary/recommended for all roller designs tho'.

"shoot with authority AND accuracy at 11'? I would think that would be the shooter not the gun. 11' sounds believable but doesn't sound that remarkable and there will often be other factors that effect accuracy (e.g. currents/tidal flows) in the sea but perhaps not in lakes.

If I normally had 11' of visibility I would switch to a longer speargu. If it conditions were abnormally clear, you wouldn't need to switch. For distance, I believe longer spearguns work better: it is easier to point them accurately and - bonus - they tend to be more powerful (longer bands) and have longer range (longer barrel & therefore spearline, if not using a reel) .

Lack of recoil is a good feature.

I have a 75cm band gun with 6.3mm spear (with countersunk streamline flopper) and 3/4"/19mm bulk rubber which works well for quite a wide range of conditions. Alternatively, I reckon something like a 70cm Rob Allen railgun with 16mm or 19mm bulk rubber band & 6.6mm spear would also cover a wide range on conditions - with the option to switch to a dual band configuration.
 
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My gun for these conditions is a 70cm Mako Predator 2 with a 6.5mm shaft and came with 2x16mm bands. It is basically the same gun as the Rob Allen you mentioned.

It had PLENTY of power with both bands, but sprayed shots a bit with the recoil. I think it would have been great with a 6mm shaft and a single tight 14mm (small ID) band.

Putting on a MVD roller muzzle with a short, preloaded 16mm band allowed me to keep almost all of the dual-band power (due to the longer acceleration), but much more laser-like accuracy and strangely (at first) low recoil.

100% agree that if you can use a longer gun (based on conditions and vis)... Do it!

In freshwater, we often are stalking in weeds and even when vis improves, a shorter gun is better.

I find I'm taking shots at the limit of my vis (as they are curious but keep their distance), am swimming after the fish and am shooting to where the fish are swimming to.

Has anyone over there experimented with the 14mm small ID rubber? On a pathos 75 or 82 with a thin shaft, I think it'd be awesome.


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Decided on the Picasso Basik Aussie as i could get no answer to what diameter the spear is on the Amarok in every site i searched there is no mention of it and when i phoned the spearfishing store the guy who answered the phone said the Amarok was the only speargun he uses but when i asked him what diameter the spear on the Amarok is he could not tell me (selling ploy methinks)
The Basik Aussie has a spring steel 7mm Hawaiian spear.
Integral rail
19mm boom rubber
Anti slip handle and loading pad
And currently retails £72 for a 90cm gun
Looks tasty to me lol

https://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/picasso-new-basik-aussie/602694/p
 
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