Dan - you should go, set up a booth between mako and weird board with a smile.
I would like to - but work and family commitments are keeping me from doing anything this month and next.
I recently inquired about MIA Don Paul with Chris Oak and word is Don Paul is doing OK and plans to resurface soon - but I've been hearing that for some time.
Don Paul - if you are reading this - come back!!!!!!! Just to say Fxxk off if nothing more.
Curious how many of you that live in Florida plan to attend?
Dan - do you have a booth ths year?
I'll jump in in case it helps put a different perspective on your selection. I started off with little/short stiff fins until I went with Omers Plastic long fins in 2000. They worked fine but I had issues with blisters. Then. I tried a couple of different plastic fins in various foot pockets but they were just OK. The stiffer fins put a lot of stress on my Knees.
Someone I repect told me to try the Moana's Hybrids in Pathos foot pockets and they are the best most comfortable fins I have ever used. I can swim all day in them with ease and doesn't put pressure on these old worn out knees. I did the heat treatment on the Pathos Pockets and they are very comfortable. I know Dan used to carry tem and thinks they are bad pockets - but for me, an old guy with worn out knees, the Moana's Hybrids with Pathos Foot Pickets are very easy on me and very comfortable.
Caveat: I no longer dive 100 feet or push myself but I personally know many deep hard divers that use and swear by the Moana's Hybrids in Pathos Foot Pockets. The hybrids are said to be medium tapering to soft on the tips. Not sure were they fit in - but feel softer and easier than most plastic fins I tried.
Hans along with Cousteau were my heros in the late 40's early 50's - boy those are some early rebreathers. Thanks for sharing.
Nicely done video - look forward to your YFT video.
With no fish taken - they had a $14,000.00 raffle and gave away all the prizes including the $3,500.00 custom Speargun.
Coming along beautifully! How was ATC school? Working ATC at center, Tracon or Tower? Can't wait to see final project 
Hopefully those thugs have had their day in court and justice has prevailed???
George you are killing it - nicely done. Any video of the Bull Shark coming at you? Maybe your pink weight belt kept him from coming closer than he did - respect for the feminine. <img src= " class="smiley" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x" height="23" width="23" loading="eager" data-tooltip="biggrin" aria-label="biggrin">
Display MoreHey everyone,
Just wanted to show you guys my new gun that I recently purchased from Dan at the Freedive Store. It's his newest speargun in the Speardiver brand of dive gear. The Speardiver Rear Handle Classic. I chose mine in 125cm with 2 x 16mm small ID Speardiver bands and a 7mm stainless steel high profile tabbed shaft custom cut to fit my stock length. It comes with an enclosed track and can accept shafts up to 8mm (5/16). Everything on the gun is stainless steel and wood. The entire laminated stock is epoxy coated to protect it from the elements. The handle is gorgeous and contours to the hand so naturally with the handle being recessed into the stock as well as the heavy duty line anchor on the muzzle. This gun is extremely light to swim around with, but still has the mass to handle 3 bands with no problem. The shape of the stock is almost like a pipe gun. I was shopping around for a while looking at a few other brands, mainly Riffe & Koah. This gun is not only superior in design, but Dan is offering these at a great price IMHO. Oh, and the trigger mech and safety are all stainless, smooth as ice, and absolutely beautiful.
Hope you guys like it, I sure do! Cant wait to shoot some fish with this beast.
Later,
Chase
Chase - thanks for the photos and review. I could never go back to a rail gun myself. Been a woodie for a dozen years. Is it this gun? I ask because your photo looks different than shown here:
Thank you.
Beautiful looking wood Euro!
I better not go to the website and price them <img src= " class="smiley" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x" height="23" width="23" loading="eager" data-tooltip="biggrin" aria-label="biggrin">
Would be bad for my budget since I really do not need a new speargun :nono:
Let us know how it shoots <img src= " height="23" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x">
All good advice given by both George & Hank - I lived in Washington State and what you really need is a good 7mm wetsuit and Dan's is your best bet. The water is always cold brrrrrrrr.
Regarding spearguns for your type of hunting - a powerful short mid- handle is MY recommendation but they are mostly wood and far more than your budget allows.
I would consider a used speargun - check in with some local dive shops and/or clubs and talk with others that dive in your conditions (cold & low viz with most shots in holes with short range) and you might get lucky and find someone that will sell you a good used speargun for your conditions.
I strongly agree - get a good speargun and with your budget it might have to be a used one.
Welcome and good luck.
Option 80 mm Phantom but a bit over $200 - https://spearfishing.store/30-spearguns
I sometimes see these monsters, quietly swimming deep 25mts
Holy shit I thought I had speared some big one in Panama but that is a Monster! :@
WE'RE the old farts now Marco. ...well....almost as old as Oscar...haha
Careful Hank - 72 is the new 60, or is it the other way around <img src= " class="smiley" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x" height="23" width="23" loading="eager" data-tooltip="biggrin" aria-label="biggrin">
Don Paul surfaced briefly elsewhere saying he was going through some issues but was doing ok and expected to surface soon. Unfortunately that was a few months ago and we are still waiting to hear from Don.
Hau is enjoying the bikini clad gals on Guam and may never return (not sure I would).
Like everyone has said - this is serios stuff. Take care of yourself - fish & diving are hobbies/sport/therapy but you need to get well first. Good luck and please keep us informed to the appropriate level.
Welcome. I lived in Montana for 7 years and backpacked and fly fished most Wildetness areas including two 100 mile plus hikes down the Bob Marshall Wilderness. But never attempted to dive or spearfish those beautiful lakes and streams. Look forward to stories & photos. You live in a beautiful corner of the state. Welcome!
Wishing everyone a very good, happy, healthy new year.
What a fish - would love to hear/read the full story.
I haven't visited weird board in a couple of years - but this brand name is king on weird board and anyone that says anything negative about this brand gets banned. I heard elsewhere that his AR 15 handles are cracking and the potential to cause serious harm does exist from the poor handles. Also heard that someone brought it up on weird board recently (the bad AR 15 handles) and he got banned. :nono:
