So im about to upgrade to a new gun as soon as I get my tax return back this year and im curious. I always see the reports and things of that nature and im curious what gun people are shooting. and also where are my fellow freeshafters at?

right now im at a dead toss up between one of Ken's Deathstick's and a commerical rigged 52" SS 1 piece.

If you pretty much always freeshaft, I would get the SS. The shafts are cheaper and the reload is quicker since you can load the shafts from the rear.

I would vote deathstick, You might as well just buy it first as you will end up with one eventually anyway.

Reload times are overrated. + you can put as much or as little power as needed + lifetime warranty.

Yes I have had two different rhino's, and a one piece commercial gun also owned an MGS and a regular biller.

I like the enclosed track - shoots dead on target no shaft drop to account for with one band and within about ten or so feet to target.

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I dont know when you will need more than 2 5/8 bands freeshafting anyway. Basically they are boath great gun and you cant go wrong with either.

I'd go with the commercial rigged 52" SS 1 piece.

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Have you ever shot a a Deathstick? If you did, you wouldn't be recommending a SS gun.

Like Roland said, just buy the Deathstick now, because you will end up buying one later, might as well save the money and do it right the 1st time.

Only need one on my deathstick, used to use two on my SS to get the same range due to shaft drop which is normal for open track guns.

Just a WAG. You sell these for a living?? So your opinion may be a little biased.

Ever picked up one of Ken's guns?

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I'll sell you my commercial so I can get a deathstick

B- havent you shot them both, or did Tim hog his gun from you?

only problem with an enclosed track gun like a deathstick is if you shoot into a hole you risk messing up your enclosed track

That shouldn't be a problem because the art of freeshafting is to stone the fish or at the least to shoot it in the neck so the shaft comes out of the gills. This will greatly impede the fish's ability to move

For your purposes Wicked I would without a doubt go for a deathstickle.

PP you are correct for wood track guns but somewhat less correct for the deathstick as it has a poured epoxy track. Still a good idea to at least take shots where the shaft will clear the gun.

BUT i have shot a lot of holed up fish with my gun where the shaft is still partially in the gun.

Same here and the first thing I do when I know my shaft isn't going to exit the track is to pull the gun back after pulling the trigger.

I started off with Biller's (48 and up) and got a DeathStick 3 years ago and I haven't looked back.

No matter which you choose you'll be happy with either one. Both produce a quality gun and quality service.

I'm not being biased, i was shooting ss guns before i ever started working for sq.i have not shoot one of kens guns but have heard great things about them,

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I shot one of Ken's guns 1 time at a Mango snapper that was literally 5ft from my spear tip and I missed him bigger than a set of donkey balls enflamed with elephantitus!

Better watch what you ask for Jerry, that gun hanging on your wall is purdy and exactly what I want. and i also have the money to buy it....

As of right now im shooting a standard 48" classis sea hornet. I know it can take down big fish and it has been proven time and time again. But I just think its time to invest in a big boys gun and stop messing with these 54" shafts. yeah I know I know, 6" of shaft isnt really that much of a change but I feel what could it honestly hurt?

1 thing about Ken's deathstick's you guys dont know is I will be "taking care" of one for the next 4 months. Mr. Gixxer is going to Honduras for 4 months and im gonna be handling his pride and joy. so I will have the best of both worlds for that period of time. and if It comes down to it, I know where Ken lives and I have his number. its nothing for me to pay him visits with Yengling in hand.....

BUT im still torn...I love how accurate Ken's deathstickles are and how easily one can put a quick slide ring on it for a instant line gun in under a few seconds.

but I like the SS cause I can throw Freeshafts like a wild man!!!!

I call bullshit. Christ Roland, you are killing me. I never shoot two bands on my SS commercial gun. I have shot Ken's gun and one band won't do it unless you are very close with small fish. The enclosed track slows the shaft down way too much for one band. I owned one. They are great guns and in my opinion are best for tournament shooting.

Not all bands are created equal, with that said I'm shooting an enclosed track freeshafting gun, and it is like a lazer. I have plugged fish from longer distances than I ever did with three bands on my Biller. I bought a used Wong, wood enclosed track. Like I said the Gun is a LAZER. I will not own another open track gun.

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It's not your "I know" but your "I will" that counts.

Theres way to many bad ass spearfisherman on here for me.

I'm still laughing and shaking my head in disbelievement on some of these comments.

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Ok I guess its all in my head, back to my delusional world now. I am no expert so I will defer to you guys.

My opinions are based on MY experience - YMMV.

teh ive shoot both and have both and in all reality its what you plan on doing with it. the death stick is not the gun for rock hunting. it is a very accurate gun and if you dont stonem the riffe shaft is a plus with the fins. however in what i do it does take to long to reload even with ample practice. when you are harvesting fish time is of the essence. best of luck