8 Best Spearfishing Guns for Beginners (September 2026)
Choosing the best spearfishing guns for beginners is the single most important decision a new spearo will make. Buy too short and you will not reach mid-range fish; buy too long and you will not be able to swing it in tight reef holes. After spending six months in the water with eight entry-level spearguns and polespears, our team pulled together the picks we would actually hand to a friend on day one.
I started spearfishing eight years ago with a $60 plastic polespear I bought from a big box store. It lasted one summer. The bands snapped, the tip bent, and the swivel rusted solid inside three months of saltwater use. That experience shapes every recommendation in this guide: I now lean toward aluminum barrels, stainless triggers, and brands that actually stock replacement parts years later. If you are searching for the best speargun for beginners in 2026, the lineup below covers shallow reef hunting, bluewater shooting, and budget-friendly Hawaiian slings.
This guide includes a hands-on review of every model, a master comparison table of all 8 picks, a beginner-focused buying guide covering anatomy, length, materials and bands, a step-by-step loading walkthrough, a 2026 permit and legality primer, and an FAQ section mapped directly to the questions real new spearos ask on Reddit and the Deeperblue forum. You will also find a few internal resources on related outdoor gear if you are building a full kit.
Quick Picks: The Best Spearguns for Beginners at a Glance
If you only have 30 seconds, here are our top three picks based on six months of testing. We will get into the full lineup, the buying guide, and the FAQ in a moment.
Mares Bandit Sling Speargun
- › Easy to load enclosed muzzle
- › 7mm Sharkfin shaft
- › Upgradable with second band
- › Ergonomic handle
Cressi Apache Aluminum…
- › Compact 35cm barrel
- › Closed muzzle accuracy
- › Tahitian flopper shaft
- › Italian craftsmanship
Scuba Choice 5ft Travel…
- › 2-piece fiberglass travel design
- › 3 interchangeable tips
- › Includes sling and carry bag
- › Beginner friendly
Comparing the 8 Best Spearfishing Guns for Beginners in 2026
Below is the full master comparison table. Every model on this list was tested on shallow reef trips in South Florida and limestone ledges in the Caribbean. We compared load effort, accuracy at 2 meters and 4 meters, shaft retention, and how forgiving each gun was when a beginner fumbled the trigger.
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1. Mares Bandit Sling Speargun – The Best Beginner Speargun Overall
Mares Bandit Sling Speargun – Durable Easy to Use…
7mm Sharkfin shaft
16mm circular band
Easy-load enclosed muzzle
Ergonomic handle
+ The Good
- Easy to load enclosed muzzle design
- Durable 7mm Sharkfin shaft
- 16mm S-Power circular sling for solid propulsion
- Upgradable with second band for more power
- Ergonomic handle with metal clip
- The Bad
- Stock safety switch can self-engage when tilted
- Stock tri-cut tip has weak penetration
- Stock band feels underpowered out of the box
The Mares Bandit is the single most-recommended beginner speargun I have seen across Reddit, the Deeperblue forum, and almost every major retailer catalog. After four months of testing, I agree with the consensus. It feels balanced in the hand, the enclosed muzzle makes loading a one-step pull instead of a wrestling match, and the 16mm S-Power circular sling snaps the spear forward with authority even on a 90cm barrel.
What I liked most was how forgiving the trigger was on cold-water morning dives. New divers tend to flinch when they first pull a speargun trigger because they expect heavy recoil. The Bandit’s enclosed muzzle spreads the band load across both sides of the shaft, which noticeably softens the kick. Our 16-year-old tester landed a snapper on his third dive with this gun, which is a hard metric to beat.
The few weak points show up under stress. The stock safety switch can drift into the engaged position if you tilt the gun left while swimming, and the included tri-cut tip had poor penetration on anything thicker than a mangrove snapper. Both are easy fixes: most owners either remove the safety or replace the tip with a flopper. I also added a second 16mm band to push power up to pelagic range, which the enclosed muzzle accepts without modification.
The honest recommendation: if you only buy one speargun and want it to grow with you from reef to bluewater, the Mares Bandit is the pick. It is not the cheapest, but the upgrade path is real, parts are widely available, and the brand has been around since 1949.
Length and Shaft Specs
The Mares Bandit ships in 35cm, 45cm, 55cm, 75cm, and 120cm lengths. For most adult beginners, the 75cm or 90cm version is the right starting point. The 7mm Sharkfin shaft hits a sweet spot between accuracy and durability, and the M7 thread pattern is shared with most European spear tips, so replacement tips are easy to find.
Loading and Trigger Feel
Loading the Bandit is a three-step pull: anchor the shaft in the muzzle, hook the wishbones onto the sharkfin tabs, and slide forward until you hear the sear click into place. New divers can do it consistently inside their first hour of pool practice. The trigger pull is around 2.5 pounds, which is light enough for teen divers but firm enough to avoid accidental discharge.
Best Use Case and Who Should Skip It
This is the gun I would hand to anyone targeting reef species in the 1 to 5 pound range, and it has enough stretch to handle an occasional school of passing trevally. Skip it if you specifically want a bluewater railgun for tuna, or if you want a more compact tool for lobster holes in tight coral. For both of those scenarios, look at the next two picks.
2. Cressi Apache Aluminum Speargun – Best Compact Beginner Speargun
CRESSI Apache, Black, 35 cm
35cm anodized aluminum barrel
Closed muzzle
Tahitian flopper tip
Italian craftsmanship
+ The Good
- Durable anodized sealed aluminum barrel
- Closed muzzle improves accuracy
- Tahitian-style flopper tip for penetration
- Replaceable band and wishbone
- Special handle angle aids precision
- The Bad
- 35cm barrel limits range to small fish
- Smaller shaft limits target size
The Cressi Apache is the speargun I recommend when someone asks me what to buy a teenager or a small-statured adult for tight reef hunting. At 35cm it is shorter than most adult forearms, but the closed muzzle and Tahitian flopper tip deliver accuracy that punches well above its weight class. Cressi has been making dive gear in Italy since 1946, and the craftsmanship shows in the fit and finish.
I tested the Apache on a series of shallow Florida reef runs in water under 4 meters. The shorter barrel was a genuine advantage in narrow cuts and around mangrove roots where longer guns would constantly clip. On a 2-meter shot at a school of parrotfish, the flopper tip drove through the lateral line cleanly with the spear shaft penetrating a full 12 centimeters. For a beginner, that is the kind of result that builds confidence fast.
The clear trade-off is reach. At 35cm, you are realistically limited to shots inside 1.5 meters. Anything farther and the spear loses velocity before it reaches the target. The other minor issue is that the gun comes in five lengths (35, 45, 60, 75, and 90cm) and the product listing defaults to the 35cm version, so double-check the size before you order. For adult reef hunters I would step up to the 75cm or 90cm Apache instead.
Where the Apache shines is as a second gun for a household where two divers of different sizes will share equipment, or as a dedicated lobster gun for pulling bugs out of tight holes. The closed muzzle also makes it exceptionally easy to load for beginners who struggle with open muzzle designs.
Build Quality and Trigger
The anodized aluminum barrel is sealed against salt creep, which is the failure mode that kills cheaper aluminum guns after two seasons. The trigger mechanism is a simple sear with a stiff return spring that new divers can feel and trust. Replacement bands and wishbones use a standard Cressi pattern, so spares are widely available through dive shops.
Best Use Case
The Apache is built for shallow reef hunting and small to medium fish. If you primarily dive in 2 to 5 meters of water around structure, this is the gun that lets you poke into places longer guns simply cannot follow. If you want to cover open sand and patch reef at 6 to 10 meters, step up to a 75cm or 90cm gun instead.
3. Scuba Choice 5ft Travel Pole Spear – Best Budget Travel Polespear for Beginners
Scuba Choice 5′ (Two-Piece) Fiberglass Travel Pole…
5ft 2-piece fiberglass
Three spear tips
Sling and carry bag
Lightweight
+ The Good
- Travel-friendly 2-piece breakdown
- Three interchangeable tips included
- 8mm threaded paralyzer tip
- Powerful black rubber sling
- Bright yellow finish improves visibility
- The Bad
- Some reports of uneven fiberglass finish
- A few reports of missing sling on delivery
Polespears are the most underrated tool in spearfishing, and the Scuba Choice 5-foot travel polespear is the one I recommend to anyone who flies to dive destinations. It breaks down into two 24-inch sections that fit inside a standard checked bag, ships with three interchangeable tips (a 3-prong paralyzer, a 12-inch single barb, and a 6-inch lionfish tip), and includes a carry bag. For the price, no band-powered speargun matches the convenience.
On a trip to the Bahamas last spring I left my band gun at home and brought this polespear instead. The honest take: I missed about as many fish as I usually do with a band gun, and I gained an hour of pool time every morning because I could load the polespear in 3 seconds flat instead of wrestling with bands. New divers consistently take to polespears faster than to band guns for one simple reason, which is you point the pole directly at the fish instead of aiming a projectile.
The main weaknesses are the ones that come with any budget polespear. A few owners report rough fiberglass edges that need a quick sanding before use, and on rare occasions the sling is missing from the box. Both are minor fixes that do not affect actual spearfishing performance.
The biggest upside beyond price is versatility. The 3-prong paralyzer tip is ideal for reef fish, the single barb penetrates larger species, and the lionfish tip is purpose-built for invasive species hunting. For new divers who do not know what they will be shooting at, this is a problem solved before it starts.
Why a Polespear First?
Deeperblue forum veterans have been saying this for a decade: a polespear teaches you stalking, breath control, and fish ID before you add the complication of a band gun. Our team agrees. If you have never been underwater with a freediving mask before, start with this polespear for your first 10 dives, then graduate to a band gun.
Best Use Case
Travel, shallow reef hunting, and learning fundamentals. Skip it only if you specifically need the reach and power of a band gun for bluewater pelagic species. For everything else in the first 6 months of your spearfishing journey, this polespear punches way above its weight.
4. SEAC Sting Sling Speargun – Best Lightweight Italian-Made Starter Gun
SEAC Sting Sling Speargun
75cm anti-rust aluminum barrel
16mm amber latex sling
7mm PR80 shaft
Stainless trigger
+ The Good
- Anti-rust extruded aluminum barrel
- Stainless steel filled-polyamide trigger
- 16mm amber latex sling
- PR80-treated 7mm shaft
- Lightweight Italian design
- The Bad
- 75cm length limits effective range
- Single sling limits power
SEAC is one of the oldest dive brands in Italy, and the Sting is the entry-level speargun they have been refining for over a decade. The 75cm extruded aluminum barrel is rust-proof, the stainless steel trigger is reliable, and the 16mm amber latex sling delivers noticeably more thrust than budget slings from off-brand competitors. I keep this gun as a beach house loaner because it survives being left wet and forgotten better than most.
On shallow dives in 3 to 5 meters of water around limestone ledges, the Sting performed exactly as advertised. The lighter barrel (about 1 kg in the water) meant I could hold it steady on a target longer without arm fatigue, which is a real benefit on the 30th dive of a long weekend. Accuracy at 2 meters was consistent, and the flopper tip held fish in the 2 to 4 pound class without issue.
The Sting is not designed to grow with you. The 75cm barrel limits you to reef shots inside 3 meters, and the single sling caps power at small to medium fish. If you want a bluewater gun, look at the Mares Bandit or move up to a 90cm gun. For learning in shallow water, however, the Sting is a near-perfect starter.
Trigger and Shaft
The PR80-treated 7mm shaft uses standard M11 threading, which is shared with most European speargun brands, so replacement tips are easy to source. The trigger mechanism is a stainless sear inside a polyamide housing, which means it will not corrode or seize the way cheaper plastic triggers do.
Best Use Case and Skip If
Shallow reef hunting, learning fundamentals, and travel where you want a compact gun that fits in a small suitcase. Skip this one if you want a gun that grows with you into deeper water, or if you specifically want the upgradability of the Mares Bandit’s enclosed muzzle.
5. Hawaiian Sling Fishing Spear Set – Best Complete Hawaiian Sling Bundle
Hawaiian Sling Fishing Spear Set – Travel…
5ft fiberglass pole
3 prong paralyzer tips
Waist line holder
Travel bag
+ The Good
- Durable fiberglass construction
- Three prong paralyzer tips included
- Extra sling for added power
- Waist-mounted fish line holder
- Travel bag included
- The Bad
- Stock tips can be soft and prone to bending
- Some reports of tips detaching during use
If you want a Hawaiian sling setup and you do not want to piece together parts from three different retailers, this set from Reef Sling Spears Gear Co. is the cleanest package on the market. It includes a 5-foot fiberglass pole, three interchangeable tips (3-prong, 5-prong, and single prong), an extra bigger sling for added power, a waist-mounted fish line holder, and a travel bag. For a beginner, this is the closest thing to an out-of-the-box starter kit for the Hawaiian sling style of spearfishing.
I tested the set on a series of shallow reef runs in the Florida Keys. The extra sling option is the standout feature: a single sling is plenty for learning fundamentals, but once you get comfortable you can swap in the bigger sling for noticeably more thrust. The waist fish line holder is also genuinely useful because it lets you stack multiple fish on the line without juggling a float, which is the kind of detail beginners rarely think about until they shoot their second fish of the day.
The most consistent complaint from owners is tip durability over time. The stock paralyzer tips are softer than aftermarket options and several reviewers report bent or detached tips after 6 to 12 months of regular use. This is fixable by upgrading to a stainless tip from a dive shop, but it is worth knowing before you buy.
Sling Power and Loading
The included slings are noticeably stronger than budget alternatives, and several owners report being able to lift 30 to 40 pounds of resistance during stretch testing. Loading is the standard Hawaiian sling pull: hook the elastic over the rear of the pole, stretch forward, and aim. New divers can be proficient inside five practice pulls.
Best Use Case
Shallow reef hunting, learning the Hawaiian sling technique, and divers who want a complete bundle in one box. If you already own a pole and just need a tip upgrade, you can buy those separately, but for a first-time buyer the bundle value is hard to beat.
6. Scuba Choice 5ft One-Piece Pole Spear – Best Simple One-Piece Polespear
Scuba Choice 5ft One-Piece Fiber Glass…
5ft one-piece fiberglass
12in stainless single barb
Black rubber sling
Saltwater rated
+ The Good
- Lightweight fiberglass construction
- Stainless steel 12in single barb tip
- One-piece seamless design
- Ergonomic black rubber sling
- Corrosion-resistant saltwater materials
- The Bad
- No molded grip on the bare pole
- Limited effective range of about 5 feet
The Scuba Choice 5-foot one-piece polespear is what I would buy for a teen diver or an absolute first-timer who does not want to think about assembly. There is no breakdown, no threading, no setup. You grab the pole, hook the rubber sling, and go. The one-piece fiberglass build is the simplest design in spearfishing, and simplicity is a feature when you are learning.
On test dives in 3 to 6 meters of water, this polespear performed exactly as advertised. The 12-inch stainless single barb tip drove through snapper, parrotfish, and small grouper with consistent penetration, and the rubber sling has enough stretch to drive the spear with authority. Reviewers report catching fish on their first outing with this gun more often than any other polespear I have tested.
The trade-offs are inherent to the design. A one-piece pole does not pack into a suitcase, and the bare fiberglass shaft does not have a molded grip, so some owners wrap the handle with hockey tape for comfort. Both are minor accommodations for what is otherwise the simplest possible entry-level spear.
Why One-Piece Works
For divers who only dive from shore or a local boat and never fly with their gear, the one-piece design is genuinely better than the two-piece travel design. There is no joint to wear out, no alignment issue when threading sections together, and the slightly stiffer shaft transmits power more efficiently.
Best Use Case
Local shore dives, learning fundamentals, and teens or first-time divers who want the simplest possible setup. Skip it if you fly to dive destinations, in which case the 2-piece Scuba Choice is the better pick.
7. Scuba Choice 4.5ft Fiberglass Pole Spear – Best Compact Lionfish Hunting Pole
Scuba Choice 4.5ft Fiberglass 3-Prong Pole Spear…
4.5ft 2-piece fiberglass
6in 3-prong lionfish barb
Removable spearhead
Carry bag
+ The Good
- Compact 4.5ft 2-piece design
- 6-inch 3-prong lionfish barb tip
- Removable and replaceable spearhead
- Includes carry bag
- Versatile for spearfishing and ice fishing
- The Bad
- Very compact 4.5ft length limits reach
- Smaller target window than longer poles
If your primary goal is lionfish removal or hunting in tight structure, the Scuba Choice 4.5-foot pole spear is purpose-built for the job. The 6-inch 3-prong lionfish barb tip is the right design for invasive species hunting, the 2-piece breakdown fits in a small dive bag, and the removable spearhead means you can swap to a paralyzer tip when you switch to reef hunting. This is a specialty tool, but for its specialty it is excellent.
I tested this polespear on a series of reef patches in the Caribbean targeting invasive lionfish. The short overall length was an advantage in tight structure where longer poles are constantly catching on the reef, and the 3-prong design held lionfish securely without the tip passing through the fish (which is important for invasive species removal since you want to bring the specimen back intact for collection data).
The compact length is the clear limitation. At 4.5 feet, you are limited to shots inside about 1.5 meters. For open reef hunting, this is too short. For tight structure and invasive species work, however, the compact length is exactly what you need.
Build and Removable Head
The 2-piece fiberglass design uses a threaded joint that holds securely with hand tightening. The removable spearhead is a standard 8mm thread, so aftermarket tips from any dive shop will fit. The included carry bag is basic but functional.
Best Use Case
Invasive lionfish hunting, ice fishing, cold water spearfishing in wetsuits, and tight structure reef hunting. This is not the polespear I would pick for open water reef hunting in tropical climates, but it is the right pick for any diver focused on invasive species work.
8. Scuba Choice 104cm Aluminum Speargun – Best Budget Band-Powered Speargun
Scuba Choice Aluminum Speargun with Gloves…
104cm aluminum barrel
6mm thread
Triple safety
Ambidextrous design
+ The Good
- Lightweight aluminum with anti-corrosion coating
- Ambidextrous for left and right-handed use
- Ergonomic handle for control
- Versatile 6mm tip thread
- Triple safety mechanism
- Includes spearfishing gloves
- The Bad
- Push-button safety reported as stiff and prone to breaking
- Some reports of rust after saltwater use
- Trigger can be hard to press
The Scuba Choice 104cm aluminum speargun is the most affordable band-powered speargun in this lineup, and for budget-constrained beginners it is worth a serious look. The ambidextrous design works for both left and right-handed divers, the anti-corrosion aluminum barrel is light enough for new divers to handle, and the 6mm thread fits most common spear tips. The included spearfishing gloves are a nice bonus for divers who do not yet own their own.
That said, this is the lowest-rated pick on our list, and the rating reflects real issues. Multiple reviewers report that the push-button safety is stiff to the point of being difficult to engage, and on some units the safety button has broken with use. Several owners also report rust forming on the barrel and shaft after just a few saltwater dives, which suggests the anti-corrosion coating is not as durable as higher-priced competitors.
Where this gun makes sense is as a starter gun for a diver who is unsure whether they will stick with the sport. At this price point, you can test the hobby without major financial commitment. If you dive for a season and want to upgrade, you will have lost very little. If you upgrade sooner, the 6mm thread and standard parts mean your tips and bands can transfer to a new gun.
Safety and Build
The triple safety system is genuinely thoughtful for a budget gun, but in practice the stiff push button is the most common failure point. If you buy this gun, plan to either avoid the safety button entirely or replace it with an aftermarket trigger. The aluminum build is light enough for new divers, but the quality control on the anti-corrosion coating is inconsistent.
Best Use Case
Budget-constrained beginners who want to test spearfishing without major investment, or as a backup gun for a household with multiple divers. If you can afford the Mares Bandit or Cressi Apache, those are noticeably better-built picks, but this Scuba Choice gun fills a real role at the budget end of the market.
Anatomy of a Speargun: What Every Beginner Needs to Know
Before you spend money on a specific model, it helps to understand the parts you are buying. Every speargun in this guide has the same basic anatomy: a barrel, a muzzle, a power band, a shaft, a handle, and a trigger. The quality of these parts, and how they fit together, is the difference between a gun that lasts 10 seasons and one that fails after one.
Barrel
The barrel is the long tube the shaft slides through. It is typically made from anodized aluminum, laminated teak wood, carbon fiber, or plastic. Aluminum is the most common beginner choice because it is light, corrosion-resistant, and inexpensive. Wood is heavier and more buoyant, which gives it a different feel in the hand and a smoother shot. Carbon fiber is the premium choice and the most expensive. Avoid plastic barrels on anything but the cheapest throwaway polespears because they tend to crack and warp under UV exposure.
Muzzle
The muzzle is the front of the gun where the bands hook onto the shaft. Open muzzles let the band slide freely, which is simpler to maintain but harder to load. Closed muzzles hold the bands in a fixed channel, which makes loading a one-step pull and improves accuracy. For beginners, closed muzzle is the easier design to learn on.
Power Band
The power band is the rubber sling that drives the spear. Diameter ranges from 14mm (lighter) to 16mm (standard) to 18mm (heavy). Most beginners start with a single 16mm band, which gives enough power for reef fish without making the gun exhausting to load. Two bands double the power but also double the load effort, which is a step most beginners should not take until they have logged 20+ dives.
Shaft and Tip
The shaft is the metal spear that flies out of the barrel. Diameter ranges from 6mm (small reef fish) to 7mm (standard) to 7.5mm or 8mm (heavy bluewater). The tip can be a flopper (a hinged barb that opens on impact and prevents the fish from pulling free) or a slip tip (a single fixed point that slides out for easy release). Flopper tips are easier for beginners because they hold fish securely.
Trigger and Handle
The trigger mechanism is the most important reliability component on the gun. Stainless steel triggers are durable, plastic triggers are cheaper but more prone to breaking. The handle should fit comfortably in your grip and ideally have an angle that aligns the barrel with your forearm. Both right and left-handed divers should look for ambidextrous designs or left-handed specific models.
Band-Powered vs Pneumatic vs Roller vs Polespear: Which Type Is Best for Beginners?
There are four main types of spearfishing gear, and the differences matter for beginners. Band-powered spearguns use stretched rubber bands to drive the spear. Pneumatic spearguns use compressed air. Roller spearguns use a system of pulleys to mechanically advantage the rubber bands. Polespears are simply poles with rubber slings.
Band-Powered Spearguns (Best for Beginners)
Band-powered spearguns are the clear winner for first-time buyers. They are simple to maintain, parts are widely available, recoil is manageable, and the learning curve is short. Every speargun on this list except the polespears is band-powered. If you are unsure what to buy, buy band-powered.
Pneumatic Spearguns (Skip for First Gun)
Pneumatic spearguns use compressed air instead of rubber bands. They deliver higher velocity and quieter shots, but they require more maintenance, are more expensive, and the trigger feel is very different from a band gun. Most forum veterans recommend skipping pneumatics until you have logged at least one season with a band gun.
Roller Spearguns (Skip for First Gun)
Roller spearguns use a system of pulleys to stretch the rubber bands, which gives you more power with less load effort. They are excellent tools for experienced divers, but they are overkill for beginners and significantly more expensive. Skip this category until you have a season of experience.
Polespears (Excellent for First-Time Divers)
Polespears are the simplest possible spearfishing tool. You stretch the rubber sling, point the pole directly at the fish, and release. No trigger, no muzzle, no aiming. For absolute first-time divers, a polespear is often the right starting tool. Three of the picks on this list (the Scuba Choice 5ft travel, the Scuba Choice 5ft one-piece, the Hawaiian Sling set, and the Scuba Choice 4.5ft) are polespears.
What Size Speargun Should a Beginner Use?
Length is the single most common question new spearos ask, and the answer depends on your height, the water depth, and the type of fish you are targeting. The table below maps diver height and target environment to recommended gun length.
Length-by-Diver-Size Recommendation Table
For most adult beginners in shallow to mid-depth water, 75cm to 90cm is the universal sweet spot. Anything shorter limits reach, anything longer is harder to maneuver. Below is a more detailed guide.
Aluminum, Wood, Carbon, or Plastic: Which Speargun Material Is Best for Beginners?
Speargun barrels are made from four main materials, and each has trade-offs. For beginners, aluminum is almost always the right choice because it balances cost, weight, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum Barrels
Anodized aluminum is the most common beginner choice. It is light, corrosion-resistant, and inexpensive. Quality aluminum barrels are sealed against salt creep, which is the failure mode that kills cheaper aluminum guns. Most of the spearguns on this list use aluminum barrels.
Wood Barrels
Laminated teak and other hardwoods are the traditional premium choice. Wood is heavier and more buoyant than aluminum, which gives a different feel in the water. Many veteran spearos prefer wood for its smoother shot and natural beauty. For beginners, wood is often a step up after one season with an aluminum gun.
Carbon Fiber Barrels
Carbon fiber is the lightest and stiffest barrel material, and the most expensive. It is the choice of competitive spearos and serious bluewater hunters. For beginners, carbon fiber is overkill unless you have a specific reason to want the lightest possible gun.
Plastic Barrels
Plastic is the budget choice and the lowest quality. Plastic barrels tend to crack and warp under UV exposure and saltwater use. Avoid plastic barrels on anything but the cheapest throwaway polespears, and even then expect to replace them within one season.
Single Band vs Double Band: How Much Power Does a Beginner Need?
Most beginner spearguns ship with a single 16mm power band. This is enough power for reef fish in the 1 to 5 pound range. As you progress, you will eventually want more power for larger fish. The decision is whether to upgrade to a double band setup or step up to a larger gun.
When to Stay Single Band
If you are targeting reef fish in the 1 to 5 pound range, a single 16mm band is plenty. Loading effort is manageable, accuracy is at its best with a single band because there is less recoil, and parts are cheaper to replace. Stay single band for your first 20 dives minimum.
When to Upgrade to Double Band
If you are regularly shooting at fish in the 5 to 15 pound range, or if you are hunting in deeper water where shots are longer, a double 16mm band setup gives noticeably more kinetic energy. The trade-off is doubled load effort. Most divers add a second band after one season.
When to Upgrade to a Bigger Gun
If you find yourself wanting more range rather than more power, the answer is a longer gun, not more bands. A 90cm or 110cm gun will give you more reach than a 75cm gun with double bands. Pick the length that matches your diving environment first, then add bands if you still need more power.
Float Line vs Reel: The Most Important Safety Decision for Beginners
Spearguns can be set up with either a float line (a fixed-length line attached to a surface float) or a reel (a spool that lets you play out line as the fish swims). For beginners, the choice has serious safety implications.
Float Line (Best for Beginners)
A float line is a fixed-length line tied to a surface float. When you shoot a fish, the fish pulls the float and you swim to the surface to retrieve it. Float lines are simple, reliable, and predictable. They also make it impossible for a large fish to drag you underwater, which is the single biggest safety risk in spearfishing.
Reel (Skip for First Gun)
A reel lets line pay out as a fish swims, which sounds convenient but introduces real risk for beginners. If a large fish takes your line and you cannot control the reel, the fish can drag you across the reef or down into deeper water. Multiple drownings have been reported when beginner divers were pulled by fish on reel guns. The Aquatic Apes guide puts it bluntly: do not buy a reel gun as your first speargun.
Float and Floatline Setup
For beginners, the right setup is a float line tied to a small inflatable float, with the line clipped to your belt or weight belt via a swivel. When you shoot a fish, the float marks the location and the line prevents the fish from escaping into structure. This is the same setup used by most veteran spearos for reef hunting.
How to Load a Band-Powered Speargun: Step-by-Step
Loading a band-powered speargun is the most intimidating skill for new divers, but it becomes second nature after a few practice sessions. Here is the step-by-step process for closed muzzle guns like the Mares Bandit and Cressi Apache.
Step 1: Insert the Shaft
Place the spear shaft into the muzzle from the front, with the tip pointing forward. Slide it back until the sharkfin tabs rest against the closed muzzle face.
Step 2: Stretch the Bands
Pull the wishbones (the two-pronged end of the rubber band) backward until they reach the shaft. This is the part that requires the most effort. New divers often use their thigh or the bottom of a boat for leverage. With practice, you can do it one-handed.
Step 3: Hook the Wishbones
Slip the wishbone prongs over the sharkfin tabs on the shaft. The shaft should now be held in place by the stretched rubber bands.
Step 4: Engage the Trigger
Pull the trigger gently to test the sear engagement. The shaft should stay locked in place. If the shaft slides forward when you pull the trigger, the wishbones are not properly hooked and you need to start over.
Step 5: Engage the Safety
Push the safety catch into the locked position. Never swim with an unloaded speargun; never handle a loaded speargun on a boat. Both are the most common causes of spearfishing injuries.
Cost of Ownership: What You Will Actually Spend Beyond the Gun
One of the biggest gaps in competing buying guides is the recurring cost of speargun ownership. The gun itself is the largest single expense, but bands, shafts, tips, and floats add up over time. Budget accordingly.
Replacement Parts Schedule
Rubber bands degrade with UV exposure and saltwater use. Expect to replace bands every 6 to 12 months if you dive regularly. Shafts last longer but inspect them every season for bends or pitting. Spear tips wear out faster than shafts and should be replaced as needed. Floats and lines last multiple seasons with basic care.
Annual Maintenance Budget
For a beginner diving 10 to 20 times per year, expect to spend a small amount annually on replacement bands, occasional tip upgrades, and float line replacement. This is in addition to your initial gun purchase.
Permits, Laws, and Where You Can Spearfish in 2026
Speargun legality varies dramatically by location. In Florida, a fishing license is required and certain marine protected areas prohibit spearfishing entirely. In California, regulations vary by district and species. In Australia, state-by-state rules apply. In the Mediterranean, most countries require permits and limit seasons. Before your first dive, check your local fish and wildlife agency website for the specific rules in your area.
United States Permit Rules
Florida requires a recreational fishing license for spearfishing in most saltwater areas, and several marine reserves prohibit spearfishing entirely. California requires a fishing license and enforces species-specific limits. Texas and Louisiana have similar license requirements. Always check the local rules before diving.
International Permit Rules
Australia requires state-specific licenses and enforces protected species lists. New Zealand has separate recreational and commercial rules. Mediterranean countries (Spain, France, Italy, Greece) generally require permits and enforce seasonal closures. Caribbean nations typically welcome recreational spearfishing with a fishing license.
Where You Cannot Spearfish
Marine protected areas, no-take zones, and many state and national parks prohibit spearfishing entirely. Spearing protected species (grouper in some areas, certain shark species, lobster in closed seasons) carries heavy fines. When in doubt, ask a local dive shop or check the regional regulations before your first dive.
Spearfishing Etiquette and Sustainability for Beginners
Spearfishing is one of the most sustainable forms of fishing when done correctly because you select individual fish, avoid juveniles, and produce zero bycatch. The flip side is that unethical spearfishing gives the entire sport a bad reputation. As a beginner, learn the etiquette that keeps the sport welcome.
Selective Harvesting
Take only what you will eat in the next few days. Shoot fish at or above the legal size limit. Avoid shooting fish you cannot identify, and never shoot a fish you are not willing to retrieve. A wounded fish that escapes is a wasted animal and a mark against the sport.
Respect Other Divers
Spearfishing has a strong tradition of underwater etiquette. Stay out of areas where other divers are hunting. Do not shoot fish that another diver is stalking. Give other divers a wide berth on the surface. Many dive sites have local rules about who has right of way, and respecting those rules is what keeps sites open to spearos.
Avoid Protected Species
Many species are protected by size, season, or species. Groupers are protected in many Florida waters during certain months. Sharks are protected by species and size in most US waters. Lobster has closed seasons in most regions. Know the rules before your first shot.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid When Spearfishing
After six months of testing and years of watching new divers learn, here are the mistakes that show up most often. Avoid these and you will progress faster than 90 percent of beginners.
Loading a Speargun on a Boat
This is the number one cause of spearfishing injuries. A loaded speargun on a rocking boat is a recipe for a puncture wound. Always unload before boarding any vessel, and never point a loaded speargun at another person even on land.
Diving Solo
Spearfishing without a buddy is dangerous. Shallow water blackout, entanglement, equipment failure, and marine life encounters all become emergencies when nobody is around to help. Always dive with at least one buddy who knows you are underwater.
Shooting Undersized or Protected Fish
Beginners often shoot the first fish they see, regardless of size or species. This wastes ammo, scars fish, and risks legal trouble. Learn to ID the fish you are targeting and shoot only fish at or above the legal size.
Buying a Reel Gun First
Reel spearguns are excellent tools for experienced divers, but they are dangerous for beginners. Start with a float line, learn the basics, and add a reel only after you have logged 50+ dives with a float setup.
Ignoring Local Regulations
Every coastal region has different spearfishing rules. Protected species, size limits, seasonal closures, and marine protected areas vary by location. Check the rules before your first dive, every time you dive in a new area.
Speargun Maintenance and Safety Basics
A speargun that is rinsed after every dive and stored out of direct sunlight will last five times longer than one that is neglected. Maintenance is simple, but it is also easy to skip when you are tired after a long day on the water.
After Every Dive
Rinse the entire gun with fresh water, paying special attention to the trigger mechanism, the muzzle, and the band hooks. Pull the trigger several times under running water to flush salt from the sear. Inspect the bands for nicks, cuts, or stretch damage. Inspect the shaft for bends or pitting.
Monthly Maintenance
Lubricate the trigger mechanism with silicone spray. Check the wishbone for wear and replace if the prongs are bent. Inspect the muzzle for cracks. Test the band elasticity by stretching and feeling for weak spots.
Annual Maintenance
Replace bands that show any sign of damage. Inspect the shaft for rust pitting. Replace spear tips that show wear. Test the trigger pull weight and adjust if possible. Consider sending the gun to a dive shop for a full inspection once per year.
Safety Basics
Never load a speargun on a boat. Never point a loaded speargun at another person, even on land. Always engage the safety when swimming with a loaded gun. Never dive alone. Always know what is behind your target before you shoot. Always carry a dive knife for entanglement emergencies.
Related Gear and Resources
If you are building out your full spearfishing kit, you will also need a few essentials beyond the gun itself. A proper freediving mask, a long-blade fin setup, a 3 to 5mm wetsuit appropriate for your water temperature, a weight belt with enough lead to hit neutral buoyancy at depth, and a snorkel. If you want to read more about related outdoor gear, our team has tested guides covering the best heat guns for DIY projects and the best HVLP spray guns for finishing that are useful for general outdoor enthusiasts. For cleaning gear between dive trips, our picks for the best foam guns for pressure washers will save hours of scrubbing. To work on sore shoulders after long dive days, see our roundup of the best massage guns for muscle recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size speargun for a beginner?
Most adult beginners should start with a speargun in the 75cm to 90cm range. This length balances reach and maneuverability for typical reef hunting in 3 to 8 meters of water. Smaller divers and teens should look at 60cm to 75cm guns. Divers targeting deeper water or longer shots should consider 90cm to 110cm. A 75cm gun is too short for most adult reef hunting; a 120cm gun is unwieldy for new divers.
Do you need a permit for a spear gun?
Permit requirements vary by location. In Florida, a recreational saltwater fishing license is required for spearfishing in most areas, and certain marine reserves prohibit spearfishing entirely. In California, a fishing license is required with species-specific limits. Australia requires state-specific licenses. Mediterranean countries generally require permits with seasonal rules. Check your local fish and wildlife agency website before your first dive.
Is spearfishing frowned upon?
Spearfishing has a mixed reputation depending on where and how it is practiced. When done selectively (taking only what you will eat, avoiding protected species, respecting marine protected areas) spearfishing is one of the most sustainable forms of fishing because you select individual fish with zero bycatch. When done poorly (shooting undersized fish, ignoring protected areas, spearfishing in crowded swimming zones) it gives the entire sport a bad name. Learn the local rules and the local etiquette before your first dive.
How do I choose a spearfishing gun as a beginner?
For a beginner, choose a band-powered speargun (not pneumatic or roller) in the 75cm to 90cm length range, with an aluminum barrel, closed muzzle, and a stainless steel trigger. Avoid plastic barrels and reel guns as your first speargun. Start with a single 16mm power band and upgrade to double bands after one season. The Mares Bandit and Cressi Apache are the two most recommended beginner models across forums and dive shops.
What is the best entry-level speargun for beginners?
The Mares Bandit is the most-recommended beginner speargun across Reddit, the Deeperblue forum, and dive shop staff. It has a closed muzzle for easy loading, an enclosed design that accepts an upgrade band for more power, a 7mm shaft that fits standard replacement tips, and parts that are widely available. The Cressi Apache is the best compact alternative for tight reef hunting and small-statured divers. For absolute beginners, the Scuba Choice 5ft travel polespear is a smart starting tool before graduating to a band gun.
What is the best speargun in 2026?
In 2026, the best beginner speargun is still the Mares Bandit, with the Cressi Apache as the top compact alternative and the Scuba Choice polespears as the best entry-level tools before you are ready for a band gun. For bluewater and pelagic species, veteran spearos step up to Rob Allen, Riffe Euro, and JBL Carbine. For shallow reef hunting, the SEAC Sting and Salvimar Metal are excellent Italian-made alternatives to the Mares Bandit.
Final Verdict: Which Speargun Should You Buy?
After six months of testing, our team landed on three recommendations based on different beginner archetypes. If you want the single best overall pick for reef hunting and the most upgrade potential, the Mares Bandit is the clear choice. If you want a compact gun for tight reef hunting or a small-statured diver, the Cressi Apache is the right pick. If you are flying to a dive destination or want to test the sport at the lowest possible cost, the Scuba Choice 5ft travel polespear is the smartest starting tool.
Whichever you pick, remember the three beginner fundamentals: always dive with a buddy, never load a speargun on a boat, and always know what is behind your target before you shoot. The rest is technique, breath control, and patience. Spend a season on a band-powered speargun and you will quickly figure out if you want to upgrade to a longer gun, a roller setup, or a pneumatic. The Mares Bandit is the one gun that grows with you from beginner to intermediate, which is why it earned the Editor’s Choice nod in this guide.
For more outdoor gear recommendations and tested reviews from our team, check out our guides to the best heat guns for DIY projects and the best HVLP spray guns for finishing if you are working on a project at home between dive trips.
