How to Choose the Correct Speargun Band Size

Choosing the wrong speargun band size is one of the most common mistakes divers make — and it quietly costs them range, accuracy, and spear life. Too much power and your spear bends. Too little and you lose penetration on larger fish. Get it right and everything clicks: smooth loading, consistent power, and shots that go exactly where you aim.

This guide walks you through every factor — band diameter, band length, spear size, and muzzle type — and wraps up with a complete reference chart for MAKO aluminum and carbon guns.

Why Band Selection Matters

Spearguns are a finely balanced system. The band is the engine — and like any engine, it needs to be matched to the load. A band that's too short (too much power) overstresses the spear and shaft notch, causes bending, and shortens the life of your wishbones. A band that's too long sacrifices range and penetration.

Beyond length, diameter determines raw power output. MAKO carries three standard diameters — 14.5mm small ID, 16mm standard ID, and 20mm — each suited to different gun sizes and target species.

Step 1 — Choose Your Band Diameter

14.5mm Small ID (9/16")

MAKO's most recommended band for aluminum and carbon guns with open, closed, and double roller muzzles. It delivers an excellent balance between power and ease of loading — which directly translates to better accuracy because you're not fighting the gun on every load.

16mm Standard ID (5/8")

Slightly more power than the 14.5mm with a marginally harder load. Used on single roller muzzles and as an alternative on open/closed muzzle guns. Most divers targeting mid-size to large pelagics will feel the advantage in penetration.

20mm Standard ID (3/4")

Reserved for larger guns and serious bluewater setups. Significantly more power and requires considerably more strength to load. Not recommended for beginners or smaller gun sizes.

Step 2 — Choose Your Band Length

Once you've picked your diameter, length determines your power-to-loadability ratio. The charts below give the baseline recommended length for each gun size. From there, you can tune:

Step 3 — Match to Your Muzzle Type

Muzzle type affects which band diameter you can use and changes the effective band length needed. Make sure you're reading the right chart for your gun.

• Open & Closed Muzzles — Use 14.5mm Small ID or 16mm Standard ID. The most common setup across MAKO's lineup. Refer to Tab 1 in the chart below.
• Single Roller Muzzle — Use 16mm Standard ID. The roller geometry changes band routing, so band lengths differ from open muzzle specs. Refer to Tab 2.
• Double Roller Muzzle — Use 14.5mm Small ID. Available for 90cm+ guns only. Requires an 8mm spear. Refer to Tab 3.

Why MAKO Uses Primeline Latex

Not all latex tubing is equal — and the difference isn't marginal. MAKO power bands are produced exclusively by Primeline Industries of Akron, Ohio, the only major manufacturer that skips the mastication process entirely and works with pure liquid latex only.

Their continuous dip process is slower and more expensive, but results in a band with superior tear resistance, more consistent wall thickness, and significantly longer life compared to latex from France, Greece, Italy, or China.

Band Length & Spear Reference Charts

Select your muzzle type, then find your barrel length to get the correct band length and spear size for your MAKO aluminum or carbon gun.