Newbie Rob Allen Tuna 90cm review

You're right about technique. Last time out I was loading to the 2nd notch 70% of the time (if it only makes it to the first notch, it stays there!). No bruising this time either (evened bands probably helped a lot) - although the middle of my chest (sternum) was quite tender afterwards.

I've also re-made the spear-end of my spearline, as the whipped loop had closed up after tugging the jammed spear from rocks - making loading impossible. I've now scored the ends with a soldering iron, to give the whippings something to grip into (advice from RA). [I've also got hold of some thinner strimmer line (2mm), although still using 2.5mm for now - but it's OTT]. The spear seems to be loading easier & more positively -- which should also help reduce bruising (mis-loads mean you can end up loading twice or three times for each shot ).

Good to hear the 70cm RA is working out. I was hoping to get one (Sparid) this season but looks like they don't have any in the country, except a very pricey carbon model with reel. Can't see the point of carbon esp. for such a short barrel & reels aren't generally used in the UK (although the RA ones look good). Might have to see what else is around (Omer/Cressi Commanche/Seatec Gabbiano/Rabitech Hunter/...?) -- or perhaps wait till next season (or cut the 90cm down to 80cm:hmm).

Anybody tried the cheaper Scorpia model (available in 75cm size)? It has no rail, no game-clip & swivel in the handle (I think the handle is otherwise the same -- but could be wrong), no muzzle bungee or clip, single rubber muzzle & comes with a single-notch 6.3 or 6.6mm spear & 16mm rubber (& its picture only comes in black&white); I reckon it would be good enough. 75cm would be more versatile (for UK conditions) although I get bad vis. so often I feel pretty confident that the shorter 70cm length would enable more shots than it would loose (and there is always the 90 for flat, clear days, Cornwall & Guernsey).

covert said:

just let them put on a rail it does help with accuracy and it couldnt cost too much.

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Less so for the shorter guns (<= 90/100cm) apparently -- but interesting idea, you could stick on one of those Omer rails on. (Probably cheaper to buy "the real deal" if you really felt the need for rail). I'd prefer a rail, just because I am used to loading with the aid of one.

Loading pad

I managed to sort out the bruising and loading issues. I re-strung the thick, designer flip-flop sole (given to me by a Kenyan colleague) loading pad I used when I was starting out spearfishing. I hang it from thin 1" webbing (cut off the end of the roof rack straps I use to hold my kayak). I wear this like a bandalier under my wetsuit. I can now easily load to the second notch almost everytime (I missed the second notch just once this weekend -- which was my most prolific yet - and then just pulled it back to the second notch). It did move out of place during the 4 hour dive though, & it looks like I still managed to get one sizeable black bruise. Overall though, much better.

Wow a thread revived after 10 years (almost)! BTW my 20mm rubber soften up considerably in the following years, it was brutal when new though 110RA with roller - yes I bet that is powerful. What diameter rubber(s) are you using? For distance though, a long barrel does seem to help with aiming - at least that is the impression I get.

Sounds good. That's what I would go for. Is the roller-muzzle a standard RA equipment option now or is yours an aftermarket customization by yourself? Muzzle heavy?

$99 for a stainless stee muzzle kit sounds quite attractive - $200 for plastic doesn't at all!