Hiya
You get the quite a few configurations when it comes to shafts. Many spearo's prefering a certain type for THERE type of spearing.
Lets start off with normal fixed barbs. The ones that have the barb that sits on TOP of the spear is called Tahitian. Most euro guns are fitted like this. The advantage is that if you're hunting in caves/cracks/crevices, the flopper doesn't fall open, thereby scaring the fish, or alternatively, it doesn't hook so easily onto the rocks if you have to move it around.
The spears that have the barbs that open on the bottom, is called Hawaiian. Your South African railguns have their spears rigged up this way. Makes aiming easier and has gravity to help the barb open.
Slip tips are generally used for larger fish. They offer better holding power as well as diminishing the chances of your spear bending. They work quite simply: the tip is tied to the spear by cable/dyneema. Once a fish is shot, the tip dis-engages and the TIP itself acts as the barb. You do get a variety of slip tips as well, including ones that have double barbs on them. They are how-ever very expensive and are a bit cumbersome to use. Shot placement is also critical, becuase if you shoot a fish incorrectly, the spear CAN and WILL pull out, WITH-OUT the slip tip engaging!! VERY FRUSTRATING!!:vangry :vangry
These are the most popular spears you'll find in South Africa. How-ever, you do also get spears that have a threaded tip. On these spears you can fit a variety of tip, all depending on your needs. Anything from double barb tips to prangers (basically a trident type tip). Prangers are particularly effective for cave hunting, where you don't shoot far. They don't get stuck inside a cave very often, like normal fixed barb spears do and they have a bigger chance of stoning a fish.
For most fish i'd advise the simple fixed barb on the bottom spear (Hawaiian). You'll land more fish with less hassles. How-ever, if you're trophy hunting large pelagics, a slip tip is imperative!!
Regards
miles
