Right now I've got a Biller 42 special, but after shooting a 20lb AJ and getting my shaft bent into a U, and then to get it out of the hole only to have it pop my line, made me think that I should get a bigger gun with a reel, im definetly going to get a biller, I'm very happy with mine and the prices are great, so.... what size should I get for big reef, and some open water hunting, I was thinking of either the regular 54 Special or the Floridian 54. Can anyone tell me the difference, and if I should go bigger than a 54.


Thanks

I think Ray Oder sell barrels for biller's. You can order a longer barrel a few shafts and bands and replace them yourself. poof longer gun

I dont want that because I still want a gun I can use when I go on the shallower reefs for hogs, snapper stuff like that, and the big gun for when I go offshore/deeper reefs.

Either one on those guns will work fine for what your wanting to do. Just rig it correctly with a reel and line and work on shot placement. if you had that much trouble with a 20lb AJ, wait till your get your hands on a 45lb+ or a Cobia in the 40lb range.

Also what would be a decent reel to put on it for under $150? And should I go with more line with 500lb line, or less with 1,000? also the differnce between floridian vs. regular

Omer makes some affordable reels that will hold anywhere from 100-250ft of line. What you want to do is select a reel that will hold more line than the depth of water your hunting in. this way you dont loose your gear/gun and fish if you shoot a big boy. I picked up a Omer Ocean Mimetec reel for $35 and ended up giving it to Gixxer to put on his 55 mid handle deathstick. it held about 160ft of line that was rated at 550lb test with about 20ft of 400lb mono shooting line.

Basically you rig the gun normally like you would if you was line shafting and use the reel to tighten up the slack. this way you still have your normal range with your depth greatly increased.

I've got a 42 special and a 54 Floridian. I use the 42 as low vis\ rock gun and the 54 for good vis\ open water gun. Both are great guns. The 54 packs a punch.The difference with the floridian, to my knowledge is just the shaft. Offset floppers one small and one large. Instead of the usual rock point spinner tip then regulars come with. The guys I dive with all shoot billers, 48 specials and 48 floridians. The floridians seen a bit more accurate.

I never freedive in more than 60 ft so I'll go with the heavier line, and probally end up buying the floridian. Thanks again for the help

the floridian has a smaller shaft, 1000 # kevlar shock cordw/ quick disconnect, and a small slide ring for increased speed of up to 15-20% faster, or so they say. They are faster than the regular style Billers though. I converted my gun to a floridian style after not having enough speed.

have you tried any rail guns? rob allen , rabitech, aimrite?

i started with a biller and still have it as a backup, but I like the rail guns way better

I have used them but I like wood better than aluminum/carbon fiber.

I have a AB Biller 54" Padauk LTD That I would be willing to sell. Send Me a PM if interested.

That is what I was using 54" padauk ltd. good gun. I put a jbl reel on it and it worked fine, the biller reels are cheesy.