I'm not clear on whether you really want to hear the cons. I think meaningful opinions about hybrids can only come from those who have had good experience with a wide range of spearguns. To keep things in perspective, it would be helpful if those who prefer/use a hybrid state what guns they've used previously.
Has the name Wong become synonymous with a hybrid speargun? Or do you want to know about Wong hybrids specifically?
I would give Terry Maas the credit for the Hybird as we know it today and Skip Hellen was the first to clone
Terry's gun and put a couple up for sale. Some time after that the design and power was watered down to
what is readily available today. The two guns I have shot the most over the last 30 years are Hybird construction, but differ in the methods of Terry's original gun. I believe Dr Wong has produced the greatest numbers and variety's of the ''Maas'' style.
Cheers, Don
I would give Terry Maas the credit for the Hybird as we know it today and Skip Hellen was the first to clone
Terry's gun and put a couple up for sale. Some time after that the design and power was watered down to
what is readily available today. The two guns I have shot the most over the last 30 years are Hybird construction, but differ in the methods of Terry's original gun. I believe Dr Wong has produced the greatest numbers and variety's of the ''Maas'' style.
Cheers, Don
Having shot a hybrid the most over the last 30 years, is there a reason why?
I'm using a Wong 55 hybrid but I'm not experienced with other designs other than the Riffe C3 and Baja Plus.
This could turn into a very interesting thread.
Been waiting to hear your opinion on Hybrids Hank, your answer was anticlimactic to say the least!! You can go into more detail cant you?
Having shot a hybrid the most over the last 30 years, is there a reason why?
I'm using a Wong 55 hybrid but I'm not experienced with other designs other than the Riffe C3 and Baja Plus.
This could turn into a very interesting thread.
Dan do you have experience with hybrids and if so how much? Specifically the wood back and carbon barrel front tracked variety or are you just being academic? The reason I ask is I generally like your ability to be clinical in your informed opinions and would be interested to read your opinions...In previous threads you have made it clear on your preference to not use hybrids so I want to hear why.
Hybrids are an eyesore to me. I cant imagine ever feeling the need to use one. The only one Ive ever seen that i liked was the one toku58 from SB built. I really fail to understand the concept of combining a railgun and wood gun... i understand the tracking is better but I just wouldnt ever be able to make it make sense to me to do that.
and as far as the wong thing goes, dont get me started on my opinion on them.
Having shot a hybrid the most over the last 30 years, is there a reason why?
I'm using a Wong 55 hybrid but I'm not experienced with other designs other than the Riffe C3 and Baja Plus.
This could turn into a very interesting thread.
I will get back to you tonight after work. The short answer is my stress calculations were easier for me with materials I have worked with as a metal fabricator. I wanted more stiffness with less cross section to handle 4-bands that store 520lbs of pull......but the real reason was the dumpster where I consulted was always full
of free Space Shuttle trash.;) I did buy the Ausie Lace wood cladding though.
Cheers. Don
I will get back to you tonight after work. The short answer is my stress calculations were easier for me with materials I have worked with as a metal fabricator. I wanted more stiffness with less cross section to handle 4-bands that store 520lbs of pull......but the real reason was the dumpster where I consulted was always full
of free Space Shuttle trash.;) I did buy the Ausie Lace wood cladding though.
Cheers. Don
super awesome to be in that position Don :thumbsup2:
This is Dustan's thread and he clearly stated that he wants to hear certain people's opinions, so I'm staying out of it.
Been waiting to hear your opinion on Hybrids Hank, your answer was anticlimactic to say the least!! You can go into more detail cant you?
Well, truth is I feel like a Toyota owner who's never really driven anything else. I'm not really qualified to state the advantages or disadvantages.
I've shot some other guns here and there that friends had but not enough to really get used to them.
What I do like over the Riffe guns is you get a lot more gun for the overall length, with a Wong hybrid anyway. The band stretch on a Wong GR 55 hybrid is the same length as the 65 inch Riffe Baja Plus which equates to a lighter, shorter gun for tracking moving fish but with the same range. And for whatever reason, it seems to have less punch in the recoil than the Riffe.
I have met and like Daryl a lot. I have a feeling a significant amount of the hysteria over his guns comes from the fact that he is such a classy guy and he stands behind his product.
Not to derail, but mako has a questionable level of quality on some gear but they. Have a fanatical following due to the perception that they have stellar customer service. It goes a long way
Some guns have the magic. A gun that has the magic for you might not work for someone else. Only one way to find out.
I've had a Wong Hybrid and shot a friends Wong Magnum. I got a basic open track model and found that I didn't like it because of the way it recoiled, it was my first midhandle, which I wasn't very good at using. It tracked well, and shot accurately, especially with a tighter grip or two hands. I really only sold it because I wanted to offset the planer and stuff I bought for gun building. If I kept it, I'd just add some ballast and be happy with it.
A Wong Magnum is a really good gun. The ballast added soaks up the recoil much more nicely. The ability to add ballast is where the hybrid shines over rail guns. For much of the diving here in the northeast (15' vis, large, bony fish that school around you) it's pretty hard to beat a 50-55" Wong Magnum midhandle and 9/32" shaft.
Pros:
Ballastable = more power
Easy to swing
Midhandle option
Cons:
Handle is below the stock, not in line like a euro
Muzzle can be heavy, depending on shaft because of no flotation
Midhandles are difficult for some (me)
I have met and like Daryl a lot. I have a feeling a significant amount of the hysteria over his guns comes from the fact that he is such a classy guy and he stands behind his product.
Not to derail, but mako has a questionable level of quality on some gear but they. Have a fanatical following due to the perception that they have stellar customer service. It goes a long way
I agree with you... I feel the wong following is worse by some of those who own it and it gets a little over the top... the one guy on spearbored has stuff about wong in his signature, profile picture, user title... jeezus christ. Never met daryl or talked to him, dont have an issue with him, sure hes a great guy and seems like it from his posts on the various boards. The wong army hysteria is more overwhelming then the mako following though in my eyes. I think its crazy when people recommend a wong as a first gun to some of the newcomers to the sport.
Fair enough Dan and sorry Dusty for my part in the derailing of a great thread, I believe you should only have a opinion if you have shot or used a bit of gear enough to actually have a valid personal opinion, as contrary to popular belief as that seems . I to would like to read more from owners of hybrids like Jim and Hank and less from those who dont .:@ 
This is Dustan's thread and he clearly stated that he wants to hear certain people's opinions, so I'm staying out of it.
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