when should i replace bands?

[liberte]

i have had my gun for 6 months now,
just wondering when to replace bands. i always rinse the whole gun with freshwater after use and it is stored inside out of the sun. the black rubber on the bands has lots of little cracks in it when it gets stretched. what's acceptable and what isn't. what's the lifespan of bands?
i want to start trying my own and am going to order the supplies soon.
any help

 

[liberte]

also, with a euro gun with screw on bands, can you tie those on somehow or do you always have to buy premade ones?

 

[foxfish]

The time to change the bands is normally obvious by their appearance, look at the ends, where the collar meets the band. Any deterioration of the rubber & you need to replace them.
I dont quite understand your second question but most euro guns can be fitted with circular bands however if you are asking if it is possible to fit the threaded ends to bulk rubber - then no - not without specialist equipment.

 

[ulysses]

however if you are asking if it is possible to fit the threaded ends to bulk rubber - then no - not without specialist equipment.

Actually, no specialist equipment is needed, unless you consider a bit of lube, 1.5mm diameter dyneema line and a sailmaker's needle as "specialist equipment"

Cheers, ulysses

 

[ulysses]

the black rubber on the bands has lots of little cracks in it when it gets stretched. what's acceptable and what isn't.

These cracks are a typical sign of rubber wear and deterioration. IMO you should replace them before they snap - in a worst case scenario into your face.

Cheers, ulysses

 

[liberte]

what i meant in my second question is with a euro gun which comes with a set of screw on bands, is it possible to make a new pair out of bulk rubber which will screw in also. i found a little set of plugs that had threads on one end and an insert on the other which would then have a constrictor know placed on the rubber. these were on an australian website and i couldn't find any more. i called a norcal freediveshop. they said that they did not have anything like that in srock. is it worth it to just buy the more expensive, perhaps better quality rubbers made for the gun or by picasso, or to make my own?

what do you do to slow the aging of bands?

 

[liberte]

also, if i make new bands for my ab biller, circular ones, can i just use the metal wishbones from the old ones in new rubbers and a constrictor knot?

 

[blaiz]

also, if i make new bands for my ab biller, circular ones, can i just use the metal wishbones from the old ones in new rubbers and a constrictor knot?

Yes you can use the old wishbones as long as they are in decent shape. Though you might try dyneema wishbones. Alot easier on your hands and safer.

As far as the rubber question. Like noted above it is usually pretty obvious when a band needs to be changed. Have you noticed how much easier it is to load your gun with old bands compared to new? I know one would like to atribute it to the manly muscles in ones upper arm but its probably due to the weakness in the bands.

Try keeping your bands in the refrigerator after you use them. It will extend your bands life 10 fold.

 

[liberte]

thanks, i ordered the rubber and will tie my first set wednesday, any pointers?

 

[mishu1984]

use waxed line to tie the constrictor know.
use a proper wishbone instertion tool
spray with wd40 or other silicone based lubricant
cut proper size of rubber. remember to measure twice or thrice before cutting.

 

[blaiz]

use waxed line to tie the constrictor know

Waxed line? Ive tried waxed but it has always been too small and actually cuts through the rubber. I use dyneema or spectra that is around 2mm thick

Check out the DIY section. I'm pretty sure that Illanoisdiver has a tutorial how-to video on tying bands. Might be helpful.

http://forums.deeperblue.com/beginner-hunting/78810-how-videos.html

Heres the link.

 

[mishu1984]

Blaiz i use spectra as well, with a spray of wd40 to get them to really slide down and get the most secure knot possible, although my local store in doha uses waxed line.
i guess its a matter of personal choice

 

[Bill McIntyre]

I've used waxed whipping twine with constrictor knots for years to hold the wishbones in, and it works fine. The wax lets you pull the knot very tight.


These things in the photo let you tie bands for screw-in muzzles.

 

[liberte]

i tied my first set yesterday. thanks for the help. i used a little dab of liquid electrical tape on the two overhand knots to hold them in place. i doubled the waxed line when i tied because it did look very thin, seemed to work fine. do you use a lighter on the shrink tubing?
has anyone used those screw on accessories in the pic above?
they aren't in any of the shops around here.
does anyone use a band setup with removable dynema or spectra wishbone, one that you can tie on to a setup protruding from the band?

 

[Bill McIntyre]

I use a heat gun on the shrink tubing. It has two settings, and the high setting will melt the rubber. The low setting is just right.

 

[blaiz]

does anyone use a band setup with removable dynema or spectra wishbone, one that you can tie on to a setup protruding from the band?

The hammerhead bands come with that set up. Pretty slick. You dont have to tie your bands in your gun (if you have a closed band opening). Plus you can take the bands off if you wont be diving for a while.

 

[jordan 123]

what i meant in my second question is with a euro gun which comes with a set of screw on bands, is it possible to make a new pair out of bulk rubber which will screw in also. i found a little set of plugs that had threads on one end and an insert on the other which would then have a constrictor know placed on the rubber. these were on an australian website and i couldn't find any more. i called a norcal freediveshop. they said that they did not have anything like that in srock. is it worth it to just buy the more expensive, perhaps better quality rubbers made for the gun or by picasso, or to make my own?

what do you do to slow the aging of bands?

the little inserts r made by rob torelli if you want i could grab some and send them over if you would organize the air post bag i think they r only 25 dollars australian you can also check out adrenaline spearfishing supplies qld australia. they should have them in stock they r good you just have too take time with the constrictor cord and make everthing neat.

 

[Cammo]

Hey buddy, best to just replace your gun with a pneumatic, no band changing after that:blackeye

 

[KwajSpearo]

living out where you cant get any access to any supplys, we have to use what we can. my friends and i reuse the old wishbones, and we use 25lb test fishing line if you learn to tie it properly then you can get it set up pretty solid. thou be warned if its not tight enough the bands will shoot out from the wishbones when pulled back if it wasnt for the gloves i was wearing it probly would have drawn blood and thats no good for you especially if there are sharks around. which there always is