Speargun Rubber Bands

Of course! At decathlon.com.gr you will find an excellent variety of speargun bands to cover any replacement or upgrade need for your equipment. Our collection features ready-to-use circular bands with threaded fittings (screw-in) in various lengths and diameters, as well as bulk rubber tubing (linear rubber) made from premium quality latex to make your own tied bands exactly to your measurements. They are universal and designed to fit most band spearguns. Whether you want to replace your worn bands that have lost their power from the sun and salt, or add a second (auxiliary) band to increase the range and power of your shot, our range offers you the ideal solution.

Choosing the appropriate thickness depends on your gun type and your fishing style. Keep in mind that the diameter of the bands directly determines shot power as well as loading ease. If you have a small or medium speargun (up to 75cm) for hole fishing, or if you are a beginner, bands with a thickness of 14mm to 15mm are the ideal choice, as they offer easy loading and a lightning-fast shot without heavy recoil. On the other hand, for larger guns, long-range shots in open water (ambush), and large catches, you should select bands with a thickness of 16mm to 18mm+, which store immense energy and offer maximum possible power and penetration, though requiring more strength during loading.

Generally, it is recommended to change your speargun bands once a year, or even sooner if you fish very frequently. The replacement frequency depends directly on usage, care, and exposure to the elements, as latex is a natural material that degrades over time. However, the safest guide for replacement is not the calendar, but a visual inspection before every dive. You should replace the bands immediately if you notice small cracks (splitting) on their surface, especially near the threaded fittings or the knots where the wishbones are tied. Also, if you notice a "fading" in their color or if they feel sticky to the touch, it means the material has degraded from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozone, putting them at risk of snapping abruptly during loading.

The main difference between the two materials lies in their performance and lifespan in the water. Natural latex is the top choice for underwater fishing, as it offers incomparable elasticity, high energy storage, and explosive contraction, delivering the maximum possible power and speed to your shot. However, as a natural material, it is more sensitive to the sun and salt, requiring regular rinsing and annual replacement. On the other hand, silicone is a synthetic material that stands out for its immense durability over time and weather conditions without drying out, but it has less elasticity and a more sluggish contraction, meaning it lags significantly in power and range.

Yes, solar radiation is the biggest enemy of speargun bands, as it causes rapid aging and deterioration of their materials. Prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down the structure of natural latex, causing the material to lose its memory and elasticity. The most common indication of this wear is the small cracks and splits that appear on the surface of the rubber, particularly near the threaded fittings or wishbones. At the same time, prolonged exposure to the sun during summer months makes the bands excessively soft, dramatically reducing the power, speed, and range of your shot, and if left unprotected, there is a high risk they will dry out completely and snap abruptly during loading. To prevent this wear, it is an absolute rule never to leave the gun exposed to the sun on the beach or on the boat, while a specialized speargun carrying bag can offer extra protection.

Certainly, and in fact, this practice is extremely common among experienced spearfishers who want to rig their gun according to their own preferences, as most bands on the market are universal and designed to fit all band spearguns. If your speargun uses screw-in bands, the only thing you need to pay attention to is the thread on the fittings, which is standardized (M14) for the majority of manufacturers. Thus, you can choose ready-made bands from any brand, as long as you select the correct length for your gun size. On the other hand, if your speargun has an open muzzle and accepts circular bands, your freedom is even greater. You can buy bulk rubber tubing (linear rubber) from any manufacturer, cut it to the ideal length, and create tied wishbones with Dyneema cord, tailoring the latex quality and diameter exactly to your preferences.