Good speargun maintenance comes down to three habits: rinse the whole gun in fresh water after every dive, inspect bands, line and shaft before each trip, and replace worn parts before they fail. Bands should be swapped when they show cracks, stickiness or loss of power, and a bent shaft should be straightened or replaced because it will never fly true.
Key takeaways
- Rinse gun, bands, line, reel and mechanism in fresh water after every dive and dry out of direct sun.
- Replace bands at the first sign of cracks, nicks, fading, stickiness or lost power.
- Check the shaft for straightness by rolling it on a flat surface; a bent shaft ruins accuracy.
- Inspect shooting line, wishbones, bungee and flopper regularly and carry spares.
- Store guns unloaded, clean and dry, with bands relaxed and away from heat and UV light.
After every dive: the rinse routine
Salt, sand and sunlight are the main enemies of a speargun. A five-minute routine after every session adds years to your equipment.
- Unload the gun completely before handling it on the boat or shore.
- Soak or rinse the whole gun in fresh water, including the handle and trigger mechanism.
- Work the trigger a few times under water to flush out sand and salt.
- Rinse the shaft, flopper, bands, shooting line, bungee and reel separately.
- On rollerguns, rinse the muzzle and check that each roller still turns freely.
- Dry everything in the shade. UV light degrades rubber and line.
Bands: when to replace them
Rubber bands are the part that wears fastest. A band that fails while loaded can injure you, and a tired band simply loses power and range. Inspect each band before every trip, stretching it gently so that small cracks open up.
| Sign | What it means | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fine cracks or crazing on the surface | UV and ozone damage | Replace the band |
| Nicks or cuts, often near the wishbone | Weak point that can snap under load | Replace immediately |
| Sticky or tacky feel | Rubber is breaking down | Replace the band |
| Faded, chalky colour | Ageing from sun exposure | Check closely; replace if stiff or cracked |
| Shaft hits softer, shorter range | Rubber has lost elasticity | Replace the set |
| Worn or frayed wishbone | Risk of the wishbone breaking | Replace the wishbone or band |
Many divers rig their own bands from bulk rubber. Rob Allen Tuna Blue bulk rubber is sold in 10 cm units in 14, 16 and 20 mm diameters, with an amber inner core and a blue outer layer that resists UV and abrasion. The Rob Allen Wishbone Tool helps insert bridle beads into the latex tubing when making or repairing bands.
Band sizing depends on the gun and rubber, so when in doubt copy the length of a fresh original band or ask us before cutting.
Shafts: straightness and tips
A spring steel shaft can bend after hitting rock or a powerful fish. Even a slight bend makes the shaft veer off line. To check it, roll the shaft on a flat table: a straight shaft rolls smoothly, while a bent one wobbles or lifts at one point.
- Small bends can sometimes be carefully straightened by hand; heavily bent or kinked shafts should be replaced.
- Keep the tip sharp with a fine file, working along the original cutting faces.
- Check the flopper moves freely and the pin is secure. A bent or damaged flopper can be replaced with a Rob Allen Flopper and Pin set instead of buying a new shaft.
- Make sure the notches or fins that hold the wishbone are clean and undamaged.
Replacement shafts from 6.6 to 8 mm, with single, double and drop barbs, are in our Spears and Bands category. Match diameter, length and notch type to your gun.
Shooting line, bungee and reel
The shooting line takes enormous loads and rubs against the barrel and muzzle on every shot. Check it for fraying, flat spots and knots that have tightened unevenly. Replace it as soon as it looks worn; Rob Allen Dyneema 2 mm line and Uhmpe Ant 1.9 mm reel line are available as spares.
The gun bungee absorbs shock between line and gun. Replace it if the rubber hardens or cracks; Rob Allen Gun Bungee Rubber 1 m is sold by the metre for custom setups. If your gun has a reel, rinse it with the drag loose and let it dry before storing.
Trigger mechanism and handle
The trigger mechanism is a safety-critical part. Flush it with fresh water after every dive and test the safety and trigger before each trip with the gun unloaded. If the trigger feels gritty, the sear does not hold firmly, or the safety does not lock, stop using the gun until it is fixed.
Parts for Vecta handles, such as the Rob Allen Vecta 2 Trigger Mechanism Cartridge Shell, are in our speargun spares category. If you are not confident working on the mechanism, have it serviced by someone experienced.
Rollerguns: extra care for rollers and bearings
- Rinse the muzzle thoroughly so sand does not lodge in the bearings.
- Spin each roller by hand; it should turn smoothly without grinding.
- Check band anchor points under the barrel for wear.
- Replace a worn muzzle with a compatible part such as the Rob Allen Roller Muzzle with Ceramic Bearings.
Spare parts to carry on a dive trip
| Spare | Why |
|---|---|
| A complete set of bands | Bands are the most common failure |
| Spare shaft | Shafts bend on rock or big fish |
| Flopper and pin | Quick fix for a damaged barb |
| Shooting line | Line frays and cuts |
| Bungee rubber | Shock cords harden and crack |
| Small tool kit and file | Tightening fittings, sharpening tips |
Storage
- Store guns unloaded, with bands relaxed and never under tension.
- Keep them clean and completely dry, out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, engines and fuel.
- Cover the spear tip and keep shafts separate or protected.
- Use a padded bag for transport, for example the Rob Allen Deluxe Padded Speargun Bag 1.65 m Black.
Quick pre-trip inspection
Before every trip, spend a few minutes going over the gun with it unloaded:
- Stretch each band gently and look for cracks, cuts and sticky areas.
- Check wishbones and bridles for fraying.
- Roll the shaft to confirm it is straight and check that the tip is sharp.
- Test the trigger and safety several times.
- Inspect the shooting line, bungee and reel line along their full length.
- Make sure all screws, muzzle fittings and reel brackets are tight.
Safety reminders
Treat every speargun as loaded. Only load it in the water, keep the muzzle pointed away from people at all times, and unload before leaving the water or climbing onto a boat. Never point a gun at anyone, loaded or not. Regulations on carrying and using spearguns vary by country, so check local rules.
FAQ
How often should I replace speargun bands?
There is no fixed interval. It depends on use, sun exposure and storage. Inspect bands before every trip and replace them at the first sign of cracks, cuts, stickiness or reduced power.
How do I know if my speargun shaft is bent?
Roll it on a flat surface. A straight shaft rolls evenly; a bent shaft wobbles or lifts at one point. A bent shaft will not fly straight.
Should I lubricate my speargun?
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your model. In most cases a thorough freshwater rinse and drying after every dive is the most important step.
Can I make my own speargun bands?
Yes. Many spearfishers rig bands from bulk rubber with wishbones and a wishbone tool. Copy the length of an original band or ask us for advice before cutting.
How should I store my speargun between seasons?
Store it unloaded, clean and dry, with bands relaxed, out of sunlight and heat. Inspect all rubber parts before you dive again.