I have been spearfishing for several years now, mainly with polespears and hawaiian slings. I have decided that it is time to move up to a speargun. Mainly diving shallow reefs (10 meters) I will be targeting snapper, yellowtail, jacks, and the ocasional mackerel. I have decided to go with the 120cm RA. While not overly concerned with the cost, my question is whether the carbon fiber gun is really worth the extra $100-150. What are the advantages of carbon, and is carbon really that much better than aluminum?
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Is Carbon Worth The Cost?
- Thread starterdend76
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
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Hiya
The manufacturers claim that carbon barrels are stronger (less likely to flex) and lighter than allum. barrels. That said, a 1.2m Allum. gun shouldn't have barrel flexing issues though. Thats more prevalent in the longer guns that are loaded with 2x16mm rubbers.
The increase in weight of the allum. could also be seen as advantageous with regards to recoil, but seeing as most railguns use a maximum of 2x16mm rubbers, the recoil isn't that great anyways.
What i like the most about my carbon guns is the lightness. My carbon guns are just a bit lighter than the allum. guns, but they make using them more enjoyable for ME.
Allum. guns would probably have a longer life-span, due to it being more robust than carbon. So if you're hard on your gear, a Allum. gun would be best.
And lastly, carbon guns do look sooooo sweet!!!!!!!
Regards
miles
The manufacturers claim that carbon barrels are stronger (less likely to flex) and lighter than allum. barrels. That said, a 1.2m Allum. gun shouldn't have barrel flexing issues though. Thats more prevalent in the longer guns that are loaded with 2x16mm rubbers.
The increase in weight of the allum. could also be seen as advantageous with regards to recoil, but seeing as most railguns use a maximum of 2x16mm rubbers, the recoil isn't that great anyways.
What i like the most about my carbon guns is the lightness. My carbon guns are just a bit lighter than the allum. guns, but they make using them more enjoyable for ME.
Allum. guns would probably have a longer life-span, due to it being more robust than carbon. So if you're hard on your gear, a Allum. gun would be best.
And lastly, carbon guns do look sooooo sweet!!!!!!!
Regards
miles
Carbon is stronger than alluminum tube, but scratch easily (not a big problem though). Its lighter and tracks better, dowside is they are so light that can be over powered easier than alluminium guns especially if you will use double band. But they are ok with single band and thinner shaft, at the end of the day if you are not shooting very tiny fishes it does not different much at all. At that length you will feel more comfortable with carbon.
Carbon is not an issue for RA even the 120. Alluminium barrel is significantly reinforced in comparison to other euro guns and the rail adds also to the rigidity. If it was another gun I would say go for it, but with the RA keep your cash and go for the standard model.
tell you what, take the barrel to a RA, lay it on two 2x4's and stand on it and you will know how strong it is. Take a Aimrite barrel and do the same and you will know how good the right carbon barrel can be. There is noo comparison in strength.(FYI I did just that with the Aimrite barrel this week and their facility in Hawaii)