Indeed the Cressi Cherokee Power has already been tested some time ago, but with Claudio Marconcini new in the International Apneapassion Team and an amazing champion in the agguato technique, we really wanted to know his opinion.
Claudio Marconcini
Our new Team member and Italian first category athlete comments after one month of constant tests with the Cressi Cherokee Power 110: “I have been using the Cherokee Power 110 consistently for almost a month now, and I have had the opportunity to test it in all conditions.”
Loading
“The Cherokee Power 110 is equipped with double 16 mm circular bands, which are very easy and intuitive to load. I really liked the fact that the bands remain “locked” in the two holes on the small, essential open muzzle. This clever solution prevents the bands from shifting from their optimal position during loading, eliminating the need for the diver to reposition them.
The insertion of the shaft is facilitated by two small magnets located on the muzzle. These magnets serve two purposes: they keep the shaft aligned as it slides along the integrated rail and prevent it from moving when secured with the line.
From the first fishing session, I had no issues with the order of loading the bands. First, you load the band located in the hole farthest from the handle, hooking it onto the second fin of the shaft, then proceed to load the other band, hooking it onto the nearest fin.
The dual 16 mm bands have a very progressive tension, and they can be loaded with little effort. If needed, you can reduce the effort by using the convenient preload fin.
Balance
The balance, with a 7 mm shaft, is slightly negative. My fishing trips, which start from shore, have lasted over six hours, and I found this balance optimal as it does not tire the wrist and prevents the gun from being “tossed around” in rough conditions.
Handling
The barrel of the Cherokee Power is round but features squared sections along its length, which give it added rigidity. The bands are almost fully adherent to the barrel and align neatly along it. The front section of the loaded speargun is very streamlined, and this, combined with the round barrel, gives it excellent handling in all directions.
Handle and trigger system
I really like the handle of this speargun! I would describe it as: beautiful, elegant, and functional. It has an optimal angle in relation to the barrel, in my opinion, which helps improve aiming. The two cheek rests and the rear part of the butt, in elegant blue rubber, provide excellent grip and handling. The trigger is easy to reach, and the sensitivity of the release mechanism is excellent. I was able to thoroughly test these features because, in September in southern Italy, there is an influx of carangids (Carango in the local dialect). These fish, which are very fun to catch, have a very erratic swimming pattern, often forcing me to quickly shift the barrel for fast, impromptu shots.
Power and accuracy
In the past, I have always used long spearguns with dual 17.5 mm circular bands. Well, the Cherokee Power, set up with a 7 mm shaft and dual 16 mm circular bands, did not make me miss my old spearguns. The shot is strong and accurate, pulling the line tight and even taking line off the reel. I purposely tested the speargun with long shots on both white fish and medium-sized groupers, hitting the fish with great accuracy. Only once did I fail to penetrate a large grouper that I shot with an impromptu shot at the edge of the spearange, hitting it on the gill plate, a very poor spot for aiming the shot…
Recoil
Typically, recoil is more pronounced on spearguns with a round and slender barrel, but the Cherokee Power, in my opinion, offers an excellent compromise with handling. Additionally, the shape and angle of the handle, which I mentioned earlier, help reduce the recoil effect.
Strengths and possible improvements according to Claudio Marconcini
Undoubtedly, the Cressi Cherokee Power round barrel and circular bands represent simplicity. Ease of handling, quick loading, and precision are the strengths of the Cherokee Power. Handling, which is already good, could be improved by eliminating the small gap between the barrel and the bands. I also include the sensitivity of the release mechanism among the strengths, as it helped me land a nice serranid that I shot as it descended, just before the fish, fully loaded like a spring, darted away.
In conclusion, I would define the Cressi Cherokee Power 110 as an excellent solution for ambush fishing, waiting, and descent, both for white fish and medium-sized fish.
