Jbl Spearguns

[scottwilson]

HI

Does anyone on here have any experience with jbl spearguns?

Ive got my eye on the sawed off woody magnum , it looks great but will have to be imported from the states so wont get a chance to handle the gun first hand.

thanks for any help

 

[kjflyfish]

In my experience, JBLs have evoked a kind of hatred that hasn't been equalled in the spearo community. They aren't BAD guns, but there's nothing like the mention of a JBL to bring out the trash talk.

In days past, I've used the JBL Carbine/Explorer 22/38-Special, AB Billers in several sizes, have inspected Spearfishing Specialties Seahornets in detail, and have used many euro brands, so I feel confident that I can give you some good advice.

The big question is scuba or freedive?

Scuba: For that price range, you would probably be better off with an AB Biller or SS Sea Hornet. These guns are a similar style, but have a much more reliable trigger mechanism and sligtly better ballance in my opinion. The SS would be a step up from the Biller in that the handle is more comfortable and they have a few upgraded features like heavy mono rigging.

Freedive: There are a number of Euro-style guns like Omer, Rob Allen, Rabitech, Pelaj, Cressi, Sporasub, etc. for the same price. These are good quality guns and have much better ergonomics compared to the "scuba guns" like the JBL/Biller/SS.

The best option is to go diving with some peers and try their guns to see if you like them.

Good Luck,

Kolt

 

[scottwilson]

Hi kolt
thanks for the advice. If looking to buy a new gun to add to my collection as I currently have 3 guns of 40 60 and 90cm all euro style guns with the handle at trhe back. I was reading a post on here about middle handle guns and so I thought I would add one to my collection.

As for scuba or freedive, it will always be freedive not that I have anything against scuba spearing I just find freediving less restricting and a much better hunt.

 

[tribs]

Hey Scott (again)

Just got back from Florida with a JBL and i bought it because its tiny with a very heavy bolt, should be awesome for close up mullet. Looks good but nothing like my Seatec Gabbiano 90. Worlds apart in terms of quality but i still bought one.

Tribs

 

[kjflyfish]

Hi Scott,

One thing to keep in mind is that the JBL/Biller/SS guns aren't true mid-handles - the trigger mechanism is located at the handle just like a euro gun. These guns have a "butt extension" that is used to facilitate hip-loading, which is the preferred method for scuba spearfishing.

True mid-hanldes have the trigger located at the far rear of the stock and use a remote trigger at the handle. The advantage here is that for the same length as a rear-handle gun, you get the band stretch (power) of a much larger gun.

True mid-hanldes are made by Riffe, Wong, Poseidonsub, Affinity, Spear-Diver, Spearotiki, Kitto, Merlo, and several others. If you're looking to get a true mid-hanlde with all the bells and whistles, I would look to these guys.

 

[Erik]

Horrible spearguns for freediving. Do some searches here and you'll get the picture. Terrible triggers. Heavy. Noisy etc etc....
Cheers,
Erik

 

[mishu1984]

Scott: i have an AB Biller and many Cressi's. although the cressi's look like they are less strudy, theyre made of better quality materials, and shoot more true. if you want something that will look agressive but will miss the broad side of a barn, then go ahead and get the jbl. if you want something which you can aim with, then avoid the jbl.

they mite look cool, but thats about it

 

[kjflyfish]

See what I'm talking about? JBLs always generate some "discussion"

If you want a quality mid-handle, check out the brands I mentioned.

 

[fleshy]

JBL USED to make bad spearguns. They don't do that anymore. That their very worst, JBL made decent spearguns, with good power, that were durable, easy to use, and would last until you keeled over into your grave. They continue with those good traits, but have dramatically improved the quality of their weapons. If you've invested in one, you haven't done poorly by yourself. It will be a solid, powerful gun for many years to come.

 

[alexrom1207]

I shoot with a biller (same thing as a JBL basically) if you like the guns buy one, I think thery're okay but personally would rather have a riffe. However, you'll notice the spear in the photo has a removable rock point tip with a slider mechanism. The tip and removable connection weigh down the front of the spear (leading to inaccuracy) and the big slider ring slows the spear down. So if you like the gun you should get a different spear with a sleeker design and a low resistance slide ring setup.

 

[fleshy]

Generally speaking JBL does make its shafts a little bit on the hefty side, but thats part of the nature of the beast. This is a brutal, durable gun, that includes the monstrously thick shaft. The points JBL makes are actually excellent for what we use the for up here, I don't know about the accuracy factor. The thing about speargun accuracy is that you learn where and how your gun shoots, so a slight downward angle actually isn't that much of a disadvantage, after you get used to using your new firearm.

 

[Erik]

See what I'm talking about? JBLs always generate some "discussion"
.

Heehee! Too true :blackeye

 

[Erik]

They are tough and durable, no doubt. If you need a gun that gets stepped on and tanks dropped on it, that's your gun!
My analogy for JBL to a good Euro is- a '78 Chevy 4x4 compared to a Ferrari.

 

[mishu1984]

They are tough and durable, no doubt. If you need a gun that gets stepped on and tanks dropped on it, that's your gun!
My analogy for JBL to a good Euro is- a '78 Chevy 4x4 compared to a Ferrari.

rofl hahaha erik, good one

 

[bgill]

I'd MUCH rather have a nice 55 -75cm HammerHead or an OMER t-20 or an HF in that same length...

But what I have is a JBL 38 Special NW...And it does kill fish - Big and small...It's a tool that "works" when used within it's limits. And it is somewhat "limited" though.

Today I tried to reach out and touch a MONSTER carp at about 8 - 9 feet... :headAll I got was a half dollar sized scale. I did however "schwack" two others at that same range. With a flatter and faster shooting gun I'd have gotten "Big Mama" today...Most likely anyways.

The JBL lobbs a big'ol spear but it loses velocity QUICKLY...

It does the job...But I'd love to be able to shoot 15-20 feet somewhat accurately. I think some of the Euro style guns around 75cm might accomplish that? Correct me if I'm wrong!

The JBL I have is a good "close up" gun and will kill fish with a fair degree of accuracy out to about 10 feet. Beyond that it's penetration is dismal along with a very "tall" rainbow of trajectory. :hmm

The JBL "Woodies" style would seemingly be a little bit nicer...And they'll probably float after the shot too! Unlike most of the "tube" style JBL's which sink like a rock even without the spear...

Here's a pic of the two Carp...I also nailed two wide 13 inch Black Crappies and a 13 1/2 incher too! They were YUMMY! (The Crappies) My wife and I could barely eat 2 fish between us! Looks like I'm gonna have a couple'a fish sandwich's in my lunchbox tomorrow! THANKS JBL!!!!!

 

[MahiMan]

Okay I have a JBL woody sawed off magnum. Straight from the store its pretty terrible even with the three 9/16 bands loaded, it shoots sluggish and rather in-accurate although it packs a punch. The shaft comes with a very heavy tip and the shock cord/line is bulky and heavy.... not to mention the slip ring. So I decided to "mod" the gun.

The mods:

I went and converted from a 5/16 36" threaded shaft to a 9/32 42" flopper shaft, I also made myself two black 21" 5/8 bands for power rather than the 3 amber 20" 9/16 bands. I changed the line to a lighter version and got rid of the old slip ring with one that has a diameter of about a 5/16 shaft or so; its very sleek compared to the old one. Also if you notice where the barrel meets the muzzle the tack ends and sometimes the plastic doesn't flow soo I machined the muzzle with a dremel to follow the track.

All this ran me up about $65 or so and now it shoots very well to say the least. I use it around the reef mostly and its been dealt some abuse, its a tough gun. I did get the gun quite cheap so I didn't mind spending a bit more on it to get it where it is now. I would post pics but my sister lost my camera :head

Its a good starter gun but boy will you grow out of it quick.... I recommend maybe going a different route if your not up for modifying in the long run.

 

[Pastor]

Importing a gun from the states isn't cheap. The question is are you prepared to pay way way over the odds for a gun that is less than suitable for the UK. Where will you get spare shafts for it for example? Without meaning to inflame the JBL fans out there, I would say if you are interested in getting an mid handled woody go the extra mile and get a Riffe Midrange or a Wong Northeaster type gun.

 

[scottwilson]

right ive scrapped the idea, its seems to be a all round bad idea. and spares are not going to be cheap either. thanks for all the advise guys

Scott

 

[Erik]

Here's a pic of the two Carp...!!!

Holy crap! I mean carp. That's a pile o' dog food there!

 

[stone_shot]

Let me chime in now- I have a JBL explorer that is the worst piece of trash ever made. It's loud, inaccurate and underpowered (even with 2 bands). If you really want to import a gun from the States, get yourself a nice OMER - they're the mutts nuts!