Companies and products
The market is fulfilled with sling guns of all sorts, from the very basic ones, to the taylor-made extremely expensive and refined solutions. Still, it is quite true that in many situations a simple and basic speargun does perfectly the job and, indeed important, costs less than one tenth compared to the most expensive hand made offers. We have involved all main companies producing and selling sling guns with a list price starting (with the shorter version evidently) below 100 €, definitely an affordable offer. Indeed, we will also checked the offers available with discounts on internet on DiveINN website, a website chosen as it is complete with almost any spearfishing product, and which insures the best price guaranteed solution. Among the companies contacted the ones that have responded positively, proud and positive to compare their products with the competition are, in alphabetical order: Beuchat, Cressi, Mares, Omer, Picasso and Salvimar. All indications on materials have been supplied directly by the companies through written emails.
Beuchat
The inventor of the first speargun could not be excluded from this dossier. In 1947 in fact, Georges Beuchat, the visionary pioneer of underwater sports fishing, invented the first underwater speargun, the celebrated Tarzan, by developing the first elastic propulsion system. Since then, Beuchat has launched on the market a great number of spearguns, many of which signed by the great spearfishing Champion Pedro Carbonell. Recently new models of sling guns were missing, until this year with the launch on the Beuchat Hero. Among the sling guns by Beuchat below 100 € list price is instead the Marvin Evil, available in the lengths 50, 60, 75, 90, 100 and 110. We have received the 75. Starting price of the Beuchat Marvin Evil, in the length 50, is just below 100 €, with 99.50 € list price, and with a best on-line price offer of 79 € at the time this article is published, but you can check updated best guaranteed on-line price at this link.
Beuchat Marvin Evil
In the very upper part of the dossier as for what concerns list price, the Marvin Evil is indeed already somehow a professional speargun. No key detail is actually missing in each component, from head, to muzzle, to handle, with the evident upgrade of the integrated open shaft guide.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle e bands
Beuchat Marvin Evil comes with a pair of standard sling bands of 16 mm diameter. The muzzle is closed and made of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is a common thermoplastic polymer. The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface. The polybutadiene, a rubbery substance, provides toughness even at low temperatures. There muzzle gives the possibility to add one additional circular elastic band.
The passage for the line in the inferior part of the muzzle is made of a steel element for best wear resistance.
The wishbone is a reinforced articulated version with Nylon threaded plugs.
Barrel
The barrel is made with a 28 mm external diameter aluminium tube with integrated shaft guide. Thickness tube walls of the barrel is equal to 3 mm in the thickest part, a very high value.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made with Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, which is an thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. This material is also used for the trigger.
The line release lever is in the modern and most efficient lateral position and it is in steel, always a good solution to resist to wear and deformation.
The security system is positioned in the upper part of the grip, with an ON and OFF indication, that always leaves some doubt as what this means (ON referrs to the sefaty system or the possibility to shoot?), and this is a weaker solution compared to the ones that somehow come into the way of the hand of the spearo when holding the speargun, indicating locking system is on.
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander shape made of ABS, just as the muzzle, and has a special orange rubber (Elastomere 90 SH) cover as antislip solution. The handle also is designed to mount a Beuchat Reel (best guaranteed on line price click here). In the bottom part of the handgrip there is a ring, one piece with the grip, for positioning a line. In the rear part the handle a well shaped and good dimensions dismountable gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6 mm (until 75 length of speargun) – 6.5 mm (greater lengths than 75) diameter stainless steel tahitian with single barb and two weapon notches.
Comes with
Nylon line and sleeves
In brief
In general the Beuchat Marvin Evil represents an entry level to more professional spearguns, or the starting point of professional ones, not missing anything of best solutions that still represent affordable designs in terms also of materials used. Some steel parts are used, but greater upgrades would be stainless steel release mechanism, circular bands, open muzzle and carbon fiber barrel. The safety lock switch on the upper part of the handle is neat but not very functional.
Cressi
One of the leading companies, 100% Made in Italy, in the sling gun sector is surely Cressi. The knowledge and know-how of the company in this specific area can be undoutedly felt each time one holds and spearfishes with a Cressi sling gun.
Cressi Sioux
We have received the Cressi Sioux, which is available in the following lengths: 50 (barrel 45 cm), 60 (barrel 55 cm) and 75 cm. The offer with list price below 100 € sees the Cressi Sioux 50 having a list price of 61 € being offered on DiveINN at 43 € in the moment this article is published, but you can check the latest best guaranteed on-line price offer at this link.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle and elastic bands
Cressi Sioux comes with a pair of standard sling bands of 13 mm diameter and 2.8 – 3.2 (depending on the length) elongation coefficient. The muzzle is very compact with a closed solution and made of 30% glass loaded nylon. The design permits to mount also an additional circular band. The line passage is of the same material as the muzzle. The wishbone is a simple arched steel solution.
Barrel
The barrel is 28 mm diameter in anodized Anticorodal (aluminium alloy) of high quality Cressi guaranteed (not all aluminiums are the same), with good resistance to deformation. Thickness of the walls of the tube of the barrel is 1 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made with a 30% glass loaded nylon trigger, and the sear (lever) is in cemented steel.
The line release is the simple standard solution with the glass loaded nylon lever set in the inferior part of the handle in front of the hilt.
The security system is lateral of generous dimensions, but not particularly “feelable” with the hand once spearo is holding the Sioux.
Handle
The handle has a special deeply tested angle for best shot precision. The grip has a synthetic rubber called rubbersoft (TPU thermoplastic rubber) as cover for best antislip solution and is anathomical with a left and right hander symmetrical design.
Below the handgrip a glass loaded nylon ring for the line comes out. At the front of the handgrip and laterally there are 2 line holding devices, the dovetail support for the reel and a glass loaded nylon passage as rail for the shaft. The rear part the handle is complete with a good dimention glass loaded nylon gun butt.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.5 mm diameter tempered steel tahitian model with protective coating, single barb and two weapon notches.
Comes with
Polyester line
In brief
The release mechanism has the same components of the mid-range spearguns by Cressi, such as the Comanche. In addition, a key aspect that upgrades the starting price speargun by Cressi, is the fact that the connection handle-barrel-muzzle is sealed using single O-ring, and not simple plugs, that often determine water going inside part of the muzzle, with negative effects on the balancing of the speargun.
In general, the Cressi Sioux is a very simple and affordable sling gun, that finally though does not miss any accessory or solution, with all important key solutions (i.e. O-rings sealing) present and is perfectly indicated in situations when an easy to use, light and well brandishable speargun is needed, of course not requesting particular power, but still upgradable with more powerful and/or circular bands.
Cressi Apache
Another offer by Cressi with list price below 100 € includes the Apache, of which the shorter version, the 35 (we have received the 60), has a list price of 50 € offered on DiveINN at 40.45 € in the moment this article is published, but you can check the latest best guaranteed on-line price offer at this link. Measures of the Cressi Apache are 35, 45, 60 and 75 cm.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle and elastic bands
Cressi Apache comes with one circular band of 13 mm diameter and 2.8 – 3.2 (depending on the length) elongation coefficient. The muzzle is very compact with a closed solution and made of 30% glass loaded nylon. There si no possibility to add additional elastic bands. The wishbone is a simple arched steel solution. There is no line passage on the muzzle as there is no reel option.
Barrel
The barrel is 26 mm diameter in anodized Anticorodal (aluminium alloy) of high quality Cressi guaranteed (not all aluminiums are the same), with good resistance to deformation. Thickness of the walls of the tube of the barrel is equal to 1 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made with a 30% glass loaded nylon trigger, and the sear (lever) is in cemented steel.
The line release is the simple standard solution with the lever set in the lower side of the handle in front of the hilt.
Frontally to the handle on the first part of the barrel a short glass loaded nylon guide for the shaft is present.
The security system is lateral of generous dimensions, but not particularly “feelable” with the hand once spearo is holding the Sioux.
Handle
The handle has a special deeply tested angle for best shot precision. The grip has an additional white element in synthetic rubber called rubbersoft (TPU thermoplastic rubber) positioned in the rear part, where the palm of the hand adheres to the handle. The latter is anathomical with a left and light hander simmetrical shape. In the bottom part of the handgrip a hole is present for positioning a line. Reel mount is not present. In the rear part the handle a very short rubber coated gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.5 mm diameter threaded with harpoon and made of tempered steel with protective coating, single barb and two weapon notches.
Comes with
Polyester line
In brief
In general, the Cressi Apache is even more affordable than the Sioux, which has with the circular band a somehow higher level solution compared to the standard sling bands. The speargun is evidently even more simple tham the Sioux, with key solutions, such as O-rings sealing, and its 26 mm diameter barrel that makes the Apache extremely light and easy to brandish, but of course not intended for use when particular high power is needed, and this is also confirmed by maximum length of 75 cm. Release mechanism has the same components of the mid-range spearguns by Cressi, such as the Comanche.
Mares
Well known for its first class quality, in recent years Mares has launched extremely good quality spearguns, even though recently the renewal of the sling gun line has been a little bit slow.
Mares Sniper PS
Spearguns like the Mares Sniper PS have set great standards when they have been launched, and today this sling gun is still a great product with an affordable list price, that starts from 79 € for the shortest version of 45, discounted on internet to 52.95 € in the moment this article has been published. The line up of Mares Sniper PS is completed by 55, 75 and 90. You can check the latest best guaranteed on-line price offer of the Mares Sniper PS at this link.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle e bands
Mares Sniper PS comes with standard sling bands of 16 mm S-Power. The muzzle is very compact with a special partially closed solution and made of 15% glass loaded poliammide (Nylon) 6. There is the possibility to add one additional circular elastic band. The line passage on the inferior part is of the same material as the muzzle.
The wishbone is an arched steel solution, with upgraded quality of reinforced and shaped material (Race wishbone).
Barrel
The barrel is 28 mm diameter in anodized aluminium. Thickness of the walls of the tube of the barrel is equal to 1 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made with of AISI 316L (corrosion resistant stainless steel) and uses a nylon (poliammide 66) trigger. The very small line release lever is also in AISI 316L steel, and has a particular position in the upper part of the handle.
The security system is lateral of generous dimensions, but not particularly “feelable” with the hand once spearo is holding the Sniper PS.
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander shape and is made of 15% glass loaded poliammide (nylon) 6, with no special rubber cover, as the antislip solution is obtained with a more simple rough surface.
The hilt is designed to mount a Vertical Spiro Reel (best guaranteed on line price click here). On the right side in the advanced part of the handle is a “wing” for the positioning of the line, a useful solution to “clean” the line of aim. In the bottom part of the handgrip there is a ring, dismuountable from the grip, for positioning a line. In the rear part the handle a well shaped and good dimensions single peace with the grip gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.5 mm diameter tahitian in galvanized steel PR80ZN with single barb and two weapon notches.
Comes with
Polyester line and shaft barb silicone O-ring
In brief
In general the Mares Sniper PS is really complete with all elements needed. Simply some details indicate the speargun is still a value for money product. Examples of this surely the absence of an antislip rubber cover on the grip, and a safety lock not perfectly feelable when “on”, so to advise the spearo. Still upgrades are possible, such as adding a circular band or simply moving from standard slings to circular. Reel can be mounted also. The upper line release lever is pretty small and can be somehow in the way of the line of sight, but the lateral wing helps moving it away, and this solution totally avoids the risk of the line getting stuck to parts of the sea floor.
Omer
The 100% spearfishing brand, with its amazing product line, has indeed spearguns of all sorts, with some products that have made history, starting from the ones designed by its founder, the “wizard” Valerio Grassi. Two spearguns have been included in this dossier, actually two versions of the same model: Omer Cayman Sport and Omer Cayman Cave Sport, which are available in the lengths of 50, 60, 75, 90 and 100, the Sport, and 45, 55, 65 e 75, the Cave, and we have received the 75 version of both. List price of the Cayman Sport 50 version is equal to 83 €, while at the moment of this publication best price on the web is 58.95 €, while the Cayman Sport Cave 45 has a list price of 97 € and is discounted to 67.95 €. You can check updated best guaranteed on-line prices of Omer Cayman Sport and Cave Sport at this link.
Omer Caymar Sport and Cave Sport
Extremely well known and surely with good performance, the two versions of the same speargun have many high level solutions, but still do not include 100% steel release mechanism or circular bands adn open muzzle.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle & bands
Omer Cayman family spearguns comes with Performance standard sling bands of 16 mm and 3.0 elongation coefficient for the Cayman Sport and Power18 (18 mm) and still 3.0 elongation coefficient on the Cayman Sport Cave. The muzzle is closed and made of 30% glass loaded nylon and has the possibility of adding one circular elastic band or substituting it to the standard sling bands.
The wishbone is a simple arched steel solution. The passage for the line in the inferior part of the muzzle il made of a steel element for best wear resistance.
Barrel
The barrel is made with a 28 mm external diameter aluminium tube. Thickness of the walls of the tube of the barrel is equal to 1,2 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made in steel with 30% glass loaded Nylon trigger. The line release lever is in the modern and most efficient lateral position and it is also made of steel, always a good solution to resist to wear and deformation.
The security system is positioned on the right side of the handle, in small dimensions. So a good position to feel the locking system is on or off with the hand, but the small dimensions limit this possibility, and the fact the switch is positioned only on the right side makes the solution feelable only by right hander spearos.
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander shape made of 30% glass loaded Nylon, just as the muzzle, and has a special high visibility white floating polypropylene cover as antislip solution.
On the left side there is the “wing” that permits to best position the line away from the line of aim. The handle is designed to mount an Omer Reel (for best guaranteed on line price click here).
In the bottom part of the handgrip there is a large ring, one piece with the grip, for positioning a line. In the rear part the handle a well shaped and good dimensions dismountable gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.5 mm diameter made with 17-4 stainless steel. In case of the Omer Cayman Sport it is a tahitian with single barb and two weapon notches, while for the Omer Cayman Sport Cave we have an interesting 4 points prong with a special mount on the shaft using an allen screw.
Comes with
Short polyester line.
In brief
In general the Omer Cayman Sport and Cave Sport are two good solutions that miss practically nothing, but that could be upgraded (the muzzle gives this possibility) with circular bands and a more evolved wishbone. A greater dimension, and also left hander, security switch would help and, of course, a 100% release mechanism (meaning also the trigger) would surely improve the product. This, of course, would mean moving to a higher, and more expensive, level speargun. Only a short polyester line included is not enough.
Picasso
The Portuguese company led by Carlos Osorio has been happy to send us as many as 4 products under 100 € list price, among which some very basic ones that indeed can be a great choice for specific spearfishing and for starters. Picasso Sesimbra 35, Picasso Asegai 40, Picasso Azores 50, up to Picasso Cobra 75, the latter rapresenting already a professional and more performing solution; the offer is really complete.
Picasso Sesimbra
The Picasso Sesimbra 35 has a list price of 31.95€ with no real special offer as the price is already the lowest of the entire dossier. Lenghts available are 35, 50, 70 and 80. You can check eventual offers and updated best guaranteed on-line price at this link.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle and bands
The Picasso Sesimbra has a very compact closed muzzle made of Nylon that can host one circular band, the standard one being a 14 mm diameter with 3.5 elongation coefficient. The wishbone is a simple arched steel solution. In the lower part a of the muzzle the passage of the line is integrated with a hole in the nylon component.
Barrel
The barrel is made with a 20 mm external diameter aeronautical aluminium alloy tube. Thickness of the barrel tube walls is equal to 1 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made in steel with nylon trigger. There is no line release lever, but a simpler line holder in the inferior frontal part of the grip, near the hilt. The security system is positioned in the upper part of the handle and is well evident, but of course not feelable by the spearo’s hand.
Handle
The handle has a basic anathomical left and right hander shape and is made in nylon, just as the muzzle, in high visibility white, and the frontal part of the grip designed with a rough antislip surface.
In the bottom part of the handgrip there is a ring, dismountable loosening a screw, for positioning a line. No gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 7 mm diameter made of carbon steel. The tip mounts a 3 points prong positioned at the angles of a equilateral triangle.
Comes with
1.5 mm nylon line.
In brief
The Picasso Sesimbra is indeed a very basic speargun, which has in its extreme simplicity also its strength, as it is perfect to use for beginners and for catching easy preys like octopuses, redfish and soles.
Picasso Asegai
The Picasso Asegai 40 has a list price of 63.33 € and best price on the web is 48.95 €. Lenghts available are 40, 50, 60, 75, 83, 90 and 100, for a really complete lineup. You can check updated best guaranteed on-line price at this link.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle and bands
The Picasso Asegai has a compact closed muzzle made of Nylon on which a pair of standard slings is mounted, and where an additional circular band can be added.
The standard band is a 16 mm diameter with 3.5 elongation coefficient. The wishbone is a simple arched steel solution (on-line sometimes it is presented with a pring arch wishbone).
Barrel
The barrel is made with a 28 mm external diameter aeronautical aluminium alloy tube. Thickness of the walls of the tube of the barrel is equal to 1 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made in 316 stainless steel with nylon trigger. The line release lever is in the inferior part, just in front of the hilt.
The security system is positioned laterally in the upper part of the grip with a cursor that shifts from left to right, which is not feelable by the spearo’s hand.
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander shape and is made in nylon, just as the muzzle, in high visibility white, and the lateral part of the grip designed with a rough antislip surface. On the left side a useful small “wing” is present to position the line away from the line of sight.
In the bottom internal part of the handgrip there is an axle for positioning a line. No gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.25 mm diameter Sandvik Steel tahitian single barb and two weapon notches
Comes with
1.5 mm nylon line.
In brief
The Picasso Asegai is a step up from the Sesimbra, but still has nylon components, with no glass loading, which generally helps resistance to humidity, no gun butt and a standard wishbone. Surely the muzzle with possibility of adding a circular band is useful, together with the possible upgrade of mounting a reel.
Picasso Azores
The Picasso Azores 50 has a list price of 72.95 €. Lenghts available are 50, 60, 75, 83, 90, 100 and 110 cm for a really complete lineup. You can check updated best guaranteed on-line price at this link.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle and bands
The Picasso Azores has a compact closed muzzle made of nylon on which a pair of standard slings is mounted, and where an additional circular band can be added.
The standard elastic band is a 16 mm diameter with 3.5 elongation coefficient. In the lower part a of the muzzle the passage of the line is in steel for best resistance to wear. The wishbone is an articulated steel solution.
Barrel
The barrel is made with a 28 mm external diameter aeronautical aluminium alloy tube. Thickness of the barrel walls is 1 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made in 316 stainless steel with nylon trigger. The line release lever is in the inferior part just in front of the hilt.
The security system is positioned laterally in the upper part of the grip with a cursor that shifts from left to right, which is not feelable by the spearo’s hand.
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander shape and is made in nylon, just as the muzzle. The grip is covered with a black 100% Natural Rubber material, which has a good antislip effect. In the bottom part of the handgrip an axle is positioned for positioning a line. A reel can be mounted in front of the hilt. A short gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.25 mm diameter Sandvik Steel tahitian single barb and two weapon notches
Comes with
1.5 mm nylon line plus rubber shock absorber.
In brief
The Picasso Azores is another step ahead from the Asegai, where the untislip cover of the grip, the metal passage for the line under the muzzle, the articulated wishbone and the gun butt, even if sincerely too small, represent important upgrades. As on the Asegai, the possibility to add circular bands and a reel are also key.
Picasso Cobra Rail
The Picasso Cobra Rail comes in two fully camouflaged versions, red or green, of which we have received a wonderful red one, in the lengths of 60, 75, 83, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140, and the 60 has a list price of 87.95 € (+ 5 €) in the camouflage version. You can check updated best guaranteed on-line prices at this link.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle and bands
The Picasso Cobra Rail sling gun has a very compact open muzzle made of 20% glass loaded nylon, and has a refined design that gives perfect orientation to the circular elastic band (another one can be added). In the lower part a of the muzzle the passage of the line is in steel for best resistance to wear.
The circular band is 16 mm of diameter and has an elongation coefficient of 3.0. The wishbone is an articulated reinforced shaped steel solution. The muzzle is integrated with a shaft guide.
Barrel
The barrel is made with a 28 mm external diameter aeronautical aluminium alloy tube. Thickness of the walls of the tube of the barrel is equal to 1 mm. The integrated shaft guide all along the barrel, with the open track solution, is of extremely high level for the price of the sling gun.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made in 316 stainless steel with 20% glass loaded nylon trigger. The line release lever is lateral to the handle and can be positioned on both sides.
The security system is absent, not a good solution, even though the Cobra can be bought with such system included with an additional charge (5 € that we will add to all prices).
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander shape and is made in 20% glass loaded nylon, just as the muzzle. The grip is covered with a fantastic red 100% Natural Rubber material, which has a good antislip effect.
In the bottom part of the handgrip a strong and large steel ring is mounted for positioning a line. A well dimensioned dismountable gun butt is present. A reel can be mounted in front of the hilt. Best on-line price guaranteed for the Picasso reels can be checked at this link.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.5 mm diameter Sandvik Steel tahitian single barb with two weapon notches.
Comes with
Complete with a nylon line and 2 sleeves.
In brief
The Picasso Cobra is definitely an affordable entry level professional speargun, with all high quality characteristics, from the gun butt, to the circular bands and the muzzle that can host two of them, metal release mechanism and side release lever, camo version, a top end shaft guide from the release mechanism, all along the barrel, down to the muzzle, which is a more professional open version. Natural rubber for the grip and possibility to mount a reel. Only missing elements a steel trigger and a carbon fiber barrel, for those who think this is needed.
Salvimar
The 100% Italian company, with a long history as parts supplier of big diving and spearfishing companies, but much younger as producer of its own products, has been pushing like crazy on the market with new products coming fast one after the other and, almost every time, with good ideas and quality at the top. Below 100 € list price the Wild, Wild Pro and the incredible offer of the Wild Carbo.
Salvimar Wild and Wild Pro
The two spearguns have a lot in common, such as the grip and the barrel, still differ in the head and the elastic bands. List prices are respectively starting from 73.44 € and 77.52 €, for the 40 cm versions, and best discounted prices are, for the same lengths, 55 € and 54.95 €. Best guaranteed on-line prices of the Wild and Wild Pro can be checked out at this link.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle & bands
Salvimar Wild sling gun is complete with a closed muzzle and single circular S400 Made in Italy 14 mm diameter band, having an elastic coefficient of 3.3.
The Wild Pro is offered complete of a muzzle with removable bridge and a standard pair of slings of the same type (3.3 coefficient) and diameter (16 mm). The muzzle of the latter is also designed to host one or two additional circular rubber bands for an upgrade of the sling gun.
Both muzzles are made of 30% glass loaded nylon. The passage for the line in the inferior part of the muzzle il made of a steel element for best wear resistance.
The wishbone is the same for the two spearguns, with a shaped reinforced steel arch solution.
Barrel
The barrel is made with a 28 mm external diameter aernautical anodized aluminium tube. Thickness of the walls of the tube of the barrel is equal to 1.3 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made in 304 stainless steel while the castle and the trigger are in Grivory. The line release lever is in the modern and most efficient lateral position and it is also made of steel, always a good solution to resist to wear and deformation. Such lever can be quite easily moved from the right to the left side of the handle.
The security system is positioned in such a way that the right handers can perfectly feel the “button” coming out of the handle signaling the lock is on. This workes also for left handers, but is a little less effective are they will feel nothing and from that will need to understand the lock is on, and when the lock will be off they will feel in the palm at the base of the index finger the “button” of the lock coming out.
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander design and is made of 30% glass loaded nylon, just as the muzzle, and has a special Salvimar acid green colour element on the back side where the palm of the hand adheres. There is no “wing” that permits to best position the line away from the line of aim.
The handle is designed to mount any Salvimar Reel (best guaranteed on-line price at this link). In the bottom part of the handgrip there is a well designed and integrated passage, maybe a little bit narrow for large diameter lines, one piece with the grip, for positioning a line. No gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.5 mm diameter made of 17-4 ph stainless steel tahitian with single barb and two weapon notches for the Wild Pro, and 6.5 mm diameter made of 17-4 ph stainless steel with 3 points prong for the Wild.
Comes with
Nylon line and 2 sleeves plus shaft barb silicone O-Ring for Salvimar Wild Pro.
Polyester line for Salvimar Wild.
In brief
Even though this two spearguns do not have the top of the line 100% stainless steel release mechanism, the handle has a great design for this segment of the market. All Salvimar muzzles, even the Roller, can be substituted on both spearguns, while the standard muzzle (of high quality) on the Wild Pro gives possibility to upgrade, as said, to one or two (even three if of reduced diameter) elastic bands. The wishbone and a number of steel components make, on paper, the Wild and Wild Pro very high level for such segment of the market. The absence of any gun butt on the other hand brings the two sling guns back to the value for money segment.
Salvimar Wild Carbo
An incredible entry in this dossier is the new Wild Carbo, and once again Salvimar astonishes with its aggressiveness on the market, introducing a carbon fiber barrel speargun in the segment of the sling guns below 100 € list price (Carbo is at 99 €), even though discounted price is only slightly lower (94 €). Lengths available are 44, 48, 54, 60, 64, 70 cm.
Technical characteristics
Muzzle e bands
Salvimar Wild Carbo sling gun is offered complete of a muzzle with removable bridge and S400 Made in Italy 16 mm diameter pair of standard sling bands, having an elastic coefficient of 3.3. The wishbone is a shaped reinforced steel arch solution.
The muzzle is made of 30% glass loaded nylon, and is also designed to host one or two circular rubber bands for an upgrade of the sling gun.
The passage for the line in the inferior part of the muzzle il made of a steel element for best wear resistance.
Barrel
The barrel is, as anticipated, the only 100% carbon fiber solution of the dossier, specifically a TW-KO3 fiber circular 28 mm external diameter tube. Thickness of the tube walls is 1.3 mm.
Release mechanism
Release mechanism is made in 304 stainless steel while the castle and the trigger are in Grivory. The line release lever is in the modern and most efficient lateral position and it is also made of steel, always a good solution to resist to wear and deformation. Such lever can be quite easily moved from the right to the left side of the handle. In addition the trigger can be regulated with a screw positioned under the hilt.
The security system is positioned in such a way that the right handers can perfectly feel the “button” coming out of the handle signaling the lock is on. This workes also for left handers, but is a little less effective are they will feel nothing and from that will need to understand the lock is on, and when the lock will be off they will feel in the palm at the base of the index finder the “button” of the lock coming out.
Handle
The handle has an anathomical left and right hander design and is made of 30% glass loaded nylon, just as the muzzle, and has a special Salvimar acid green colour element on the back side where the palm of the hand adheres. There is no “wing” that permits to best position the line away from the line of aim. The handle is designed to mount any Salvimar Reel (best guaranteed on-line price at this link). In the bottom part of the handgrip there is a well designed and integrated passage, maybe a little bit narrow for large diameter lines, one piece with the grip, for positioning a line. In the rear part the handle a well shaped and good dimensions dismountable gun butt is present.
Shaft
The shaft is a 6.5 mm diameter made of 17-4 ph stainless steel tahitian with single barb and two weapon notches.
Comes with
Nylon line and 2 sleeves plus shaft barb silicone O-Ring.
In brief
The Wild Carbo hits the market hard, with its 100% carbon fiber muzzle. The list price is just below 100 € (99 €) as recently communicated also on the social pages by Salvimar, and discounted price is only slighlty lower (94 €). Surely the buouancy and the stiffness of such barrel is unbeatable, even though this is needed for longer lengths (from 85 cm on) and quite “wasted” for shorter versions. Also, the muzzle, the handle and the wishbone are all of extremely high level and surely would deserve to be in a higher segment of the market. Possibility of upgrading the Wild Carbo have almost no limits, with all reels that can be mounted and possibility to add more circular bands of various diameters, supported by a stiff and light carbon fiber solution, that also will help buouancy if one wants to use higher diameter shafts. This incredible offer sling gun, the Wild Carbo, practically only misses, compared to the other sling guns of the dossier, the integrated shaft guide, but beats the competition on almost all other aspects. The next upgrade wouls be the 100% stainless steel release mechanism, that Salvimar offers in the Metal solution (best on-line guaranteed price at this link).
General conclusions
List prices
Considering the list prices the Dossier goes from the cheapest Picasso Sesimbra 35 (31.95 €), followed by Cressi Apache 35 (50 €), Cressi Sioux 50 (61 €), Picasso Asegai 35 (63.33 €), Picasso Azores 50 (72.95 €), Salvimar Wild 40 (73.44 €), Salvimar Wild Pro 40 (77.52 €), Mares Sniper PS 45 (79 €), Omer Cayman Sport 50 (83 €), Picasso Cobra 60 (87.95 €), Omer Cayman Sport Cave 45 (97 €), Salvimar Wild Carbo 44 (99 €) and Beuchat Marvin Evil 50 (99.50 €).
| Model | List Price in € by cheapest |
| Picasso Sesimbra 35 | 31.95 |
| Cressi Apache 35 | 50 |
| Cressi Sioux 50 | 61 |
| Picasso Asegai 40 | 63.33 |
| Picasso Azores 50 | 72.95 |
| Salvimar Wild 40 | 73.44 |
| Salvimar Wild Pro 40 | 77.52 |
| Mares Sniper PS 45 | 79 |
| Omer Cayman Sport 50 | 83 |
| Picasso Cobra 60 | 87.95 + 5* |
| Omer Cayman Sport Cave 45 | 97 |
| Salvimar Wild Carbo 44 | 99 |
| Beuchat Marvin Evil 50 | 99.50 |
| * + 5 € for additional security system |
Best guaranteed on-line prices
Considering what is indeed the most important price, the discounted best price guaranteed on internet, we find Picasso Sesimbra 35 (31.95 €), followed by Cressi Apache 35 (40.45 €), Cressi Sioux 50 (43 €), Picasso Asegai 35 (48.95 €), Mares Sniper PS 45 (52.95 €), Salvimar Wild Pro 40 (54.95 €), Salvimar Wild 40 (55 €), Omer Cayman Sport 50 (58.95 €), Omer Cayman Sport Cave 45 (67.95 €), Picasso Azores 50 (72.95 €), Beuchat Marvin Evil 50 (79 €), Picasso Cobra 60 (87.95 €) and Salvimar Wild Carbo 44 (99 €).
| Model (link to lowest guaranteed on-line price) | Discounted Price in € by cheapest |
| Picasso Sesimbra 35 | 31.95 |
| Cressi Apache 35 | 40.45 |
| Cressi Sioux 50 | 43 |
| Picasso Asegai 40 | 48.95 |
| Mares Sniper PS 45 | 52.95 |
| Salvimar Wild Pro 40 | 54.95 |
| Salvimar Wild 40 | 55 |
| Omer Cayman Sport 50 | 58.95 |
| Omer Cayman Sport Cave 45 | 67.95 |
| Picasso Azores 50 | 72.95 |
| Beuchat Marvin Evil 50 | 79 |
| Picasso Cobra 60 | 87.95 + 5 * |
| Salvimar Wild Carbo 44 | 94** |
| * + 5 € for additional security system
** discounted price not yet visible on DiveINN |
| Rubber bands | Wish-bone | Line release | Grip cover | Shaft guide | Gun butt | Reel support | Steel parts | Muzzle | Line wing | |
| Picasso Sesimbra 35 | Circular | Standard | – | – | – | – | – | – | closed | – |
| Cressi Apache 35 | Circular | Standard | Inferior | Rear | – | Short | – | – | closed | – |
| Cressi Sioux 50 | Standard+ Circular/opt | Standard | Inferior | Thermoplastic rubber | – | Long | Yes | – | closed | – |
| Picasso Asegai 40 | Standard+ Circular/opt | Standard | Inferior | – | – | – | Yes | – | closed | Small |
| Mares Sniper PS 45 | Standard+ Circular/opt | Reinforced | Small Superior | – | – | Long | Yes | Line release lever | Special open-closed | Yes right side |
| Salvimar Wild Pro 40 | Standard+ 2Circular/opt | Reinforced | Lateral in steel | Rear | – | – | Yes | Line lever & muzzle passage | Open/closed with removable arch | – |
| Salvimar Wild 40 | Circular | Reinforced | Lateral in steel | Rear | – | – | Yes | Line lever & muzzle passage | Closed | – |
| Omer Cayman Sport 50/Cave | Standard+ Circular/opt | Standard | Lateral in steel | floating polypropylene | – | Long | Yes | Line lever & muzzle passage | Closed | Yes left side |
| Picasso Azores 50 | Standard+ Circular/opt | Articulated | Inferior | 100% natural rubber | – | Short | Yes | Muzzle passage | Closed | Yes both sides |
| Beuchat Marvin Evil 50 | Standard+ Circular/opt | Articulated & reinforced | Lateral in steel | Elastomere 90 SH | Integrated | Long | Yes | Line lever & muzzle passage | Closed | – |
| Picasso Cobra 60 | Circular + Circular/opt | Articulated & reinforced | Lateral in steel | 100% natural rubber | Integrated | Long | Yes | Line lever & muzzle passage | Open | Yes both sides |
| Salvimar Wild Carbo 44 | Standard +2circular/opt | Reinforced | Lateral in steel | Rear | – | Long | Yes | Line lever & muzzle passage | Closed | – |
