In the history of pneumatic spearguns, few names carry the same weight as Mares Sten. Together with the Medi Sten, this model shaped generations of spearfishers and played a decisive role in establishing Mares as a global leader in pneumatic speargun technology.
Today, while Mares dominates the high-performance segment with the Mares Force, tested by Daniel Gospic and awarded Best Choice by Apnea Passion Magazine in 2024 and confirmed in 2025, the Sten continues to represent the brand’s heritage, reliability, and unmistakable identity.
The latest update introduces a striking red graphic design, giving new visual energy to a speargun that has already made history, without altering the technical philosophy that made it famous worldwide.
A historic pneumatic speargun, still relevant today
The Mares Sten pneumatic speargun is built around a compact and efficient pneumatic system, designed for spearfishers who value maneuverability, balance, and clean shooting performance. Its architecture is simple, robust, and proven over decades of real-world use in both Mediterranean and ocean environments.
At its core is a 13 mm inner barrel, a classic Mares choice that offers an excellent compromise between power, efficiency, and smooth recoil management. This configuration allows the Sten to remain compact and lightweight while still delivering solid penetration and accuracy.
Technical features of the Mares Sten pneumatic speargun
The Sten’s specifications clearly show why it became a benchmark in its category:
- 40 mm outer barrel – Ensures structural rigidity and durability, even under intensive use.
- Lightweight one-piece muzzle – Ultra-compact design improves buoyancy and hydrodynamics, making the speargun fast and easy to track underwater. Large holes for water passage ang greater power.
- 13 mm inner barrel – Compatible with 7 mm and 8 mm shafts, allowing flexibility depending on hunting style and target species.
- Reinforced spinner with steel line guide – Enhances durability and smooth line management during the shot.
- Ergonomic handle with red grip
- 8 mm threaded shaft (standard) – Reliable, versatile, and compatible with a wide range of tips and accessories.
- Power regulator option – Available with or without power regulator, allowing the speargun to adapt to different fishing scenarios.
- Safety system of big dimensions for easy use.
- Sights present on the top of the handle and muzzle for perfect line of aim.
- Line release lever on the hilt, but with an optimized horizontal position
- Available lengths – 40 cm, 58 cm, 70 cm, covering close-range cave hunting to more open-water situations.
Hydrodynamics, balance, and ease of use
One of the key strengths of the Mares Sten has always been its excellent balance in water. The compact head, lightweight muzzle, and slim internal barrel configuration significantly reduce water resistance. This translates into faster target acquisition and less fatigue during long sessions.
From a practical standpoint, the Sten remains a favorite for hole and reef spearfishing, aspetto in confined spaces, spearfishers looking for a reliable backup pneumatic speargun, and divers who prefer compact, maintenance-friendly equipment.
From Sten to Force: Mares’ pneumatic evolution
While the Sten represents Mares’ historic foundation, the brand’s technological evolution is clearly embodied in the Mares Force, currently the most modern and high-performance pneumatic speargun in the Mares range. Its double recognition as Best Choice by Apnea Passion Magazine in 2024 and 2025 confirms Mares’ continued leadership in pneumatic speargun innovation.
In this context, the Sten is not positioned as a competitor to the Force, but rather as a timeless classic: a proven design that still delivers reliability, simplicity, and excellent underwater handling.
Why the Mares Sten still matters
The updated red Mares Sten is more than a cosmetic refresh. It is a statement of continuity, celebrating one of the most influential pneumatic spearguns ever produced while keeping it relevant for today’s spearfishers.
For those who appreciate history, mechanical simplicity, and underwater efficiency, the Mares Sten remains a symbol of what made pneumatic spearguns great and why Mares continues to be a reference point in the world of spearfishing.
