The new Mares Force pneumatic speargun with Vuoto System, presented in World Prèmiere by Apneapassion, wins the Best Choice 2024 in its category, snatching the title from the great and successful Salvimar Predathor Vuoto, winner of the Best Choice 2023. In the final is also the new Cressi Mach, an excellent speargun in many ways, just lacking the Vuoto System and, for now, a good Tahitian shaft. Of course, the Vuoto muzzle can be added aftermarket and so can the shaft.
Mares Force is the Best Choice 2024
Offset barrel, Vuoto System, great double sight on the handle and muzzle, and on top all the quality and know-how by Mares in the sector. These are the main strengths of the new Mares Force pneumatic speargun, winner of the Best Choice 2024.
But the testing is what has led the International Apneapassion Team to vote unanimously the Mares Force as the Best Choice 2024 among pneumatic spearguns. We will summarize here the evaluations in particular of the two experts of the team for what regards pneumatic spearguns, Fabio Mura and Giovanni Metafuni.
Innovative Design and Outstanding Performance
“Mares has introduced an exceptional new speargun, the Force, which is set to become a benchmark for major global manufacturers. Designed to meet all the desires of those who want a high-performing pneumatic speargun without additional modifications, the Mares Force has been tested in the sizes of 120 cm (not yet commercially available) and 90 cm. From its predecessor, the Cyrano Evo, it only inherits the offset barrel, but now features a built-in Vuoto system.
The Mares Force speargun boasts a completely redesigned handle, now straighter like a firearm, making it comfortable for loading without hurting the foot. It includes a stainless steel line release on the right (non-interchangeable), a stainless steel trigger with a set screw (fixed and not meant to be adjusted), and a slot for a Mares loader.
The handle also has a steel pin for securing the gun to a float and a sighting notch. The gun’s barrel is 13 mm, offset upwards, with an enlarged regulator that is unnoticeable even at full power on the 120 cm model.
The muzzle features an optical fiber aiming system with right, left, and central line pass-throughs. In water tests, the 120 cm model exhibited neutral buoyancy, a clear sight line, and exceptional accuracy.
Equipped with a 7 mm shaft, the Mares Force delivers consistent, linear shots. The standard shaft features a notched washer to prevent seal damage and a shortened tang for optimal line attachment. The low recoil is well absorbed by the new handle, distributing the force evenly across the palm.”
Salvimar Predathor Vuoto
Still one of the best pneumatic spearguns on the market, very successful commercially, due to quality, great price and definitely a lack of real competition in the Vuoto sector, the Salvimar Predathor Vuoto loses the title but is still a great choice. Some aspects though put is a step behind the Mares, beyond simple performance. The handle has no soft rubber cover, which clearly is a lower level solution, still working well. This also determines there is no possibility to insert the loader inside the handle as it is possible on the Mares Force and the Cressi Mach. Another aspect is the absence of a sight on top of the handle to align it with the one on the muzzle. Finally, such a high level speargun as the Salvimar Predathor Vuoto would deserve a high quality bag, but it does not have it, while the Mares Force does.
Cressi Mach
Cressi has further improved an already good product, adding modern touches to their speargun. For testing, they provided two sizes: 90 cm and 120 cm.
Handle and release mechanism
The updated handle now includes a stainless steel line release, which is reversible, and a matching stainless steel trigger. The handle also features a double alignment notch, useful for precise aiming, especially with longer spearguns. Integrated into the handle is a loader, designed specifically for this model.
The trigger mechanism operates a 2 mm connection pin, offering a light and responsive trigger pull ideal for pneumatic guns. The mechanism is well-balanced without a need for adjustment screws. Additionally, the speargun includes a useful power regulator.
Test in the water
The spearguns tested were classic 13 mm barrel models, flooded with water, equipped with an 8 mm shaft and a robust line slide. While initially skeptical about the setup, especially with the flooded barrel, the spearguns performed exceptionally well within 4 meters, demonstrating perfect accuracy.
Despite being flooded, the Cressi Mach spearguns were not overly heavy. For enthusiasts, purchasing this speargun may involve additional investment in a vacuum system and shaft, allowing customization to personal preferences. Notably, the 120 cm model felt lighter on the wrist compared to the 90 cm, likely due to the different reels used, with the reel on the 120 cm being lighter.
