Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Johri Speargun Review

Leonard Van Wyk 65kg Yellow Fin Tuna -
Shot with a 1.3 Johari Carbon Speargun


At a Glance: The Johri Speargun is a rugged looking gun, you notice right away this was not something designed in the Med, this is a real South African type design.  The gun has a fairly bulky handle covered in a blue latex material over the grip. The barrel fits into a full sleeve on the handle, with 2 stainless bolts to secure it, and has a deep plastic rail mounted on top.
The barrel is noticeably different its not like the other carbon barrels on the market and has a matte finish to it. Maybe they have been looking at Europe as the trend is now tending to have everything in a matte finish.
The muzzle is the standard tried and tested closed muzzle, able to take 2 rubbers.

First Impressions: I was a little slow to warm up to the gun, but after actually having the grip in my hand I realised that it was actually very comfortable and it sat in my hand really well even tho I have small hands.
The mechanism was very smooth and the line release does not work off the spear, but the sear. Which I will eliminate any jamming or problems with the line release not holding the line.
I was curious to see how strong the barrel was so I put it against a table and put all my weight on it. To my surprise there was absolutely no flex!  I had a small off cut and wanted to see how tough it was, so I smacked it with a lead weight. It took a real hard knock before it cracked. I think the barrel is amazing!
Pool testing the Johari Speargun

The Testa: I guess the proof is in the pudding as they say, I jumped into a pool and took a couple shots at a target. The 1.3 that I was using was very accurate, hitting the middle at various distances. But it is one thing to shoot a target, another to hit a fish! So when the opportunity came up to go and dive the west coast for yellow tail I jumped at it.
I landed up using a 1.2 reelgun, and landed up getting a Yellowtail and a Hottentot, both with good distance shots.
 My first Cape Yellow Tail in years with a 1.2 Johari Carbon Speargun and Reel

Overall Impressions: My overall impression of the Johri speargun is good.  Like I said took a while to get used to its rugged looks, but the more you have the grip in your hand the more it grows on you. I also cant fault the mechanics and the functionality of the gun, the mechanism is very smooth and the line release works perfectly. All the guns I used were accurate and there is definitely something about the angle of the gun in your hand that works.
I think that the Johri will be a faithful speargun, one that will shoot straight and will go the distance for years to come. They are also priced right! A gun with a carbon barrel will only set you back about R1600.00 which is really good value for money. I think the best thing to do is try one for yourself.

Coatesman

2 comments:

Ian said...

Do you find these guns to be as good as the freedivers guns? as i love the freedivers guns but i can get a good deal on a johri carbon gun over here in Western Australia at the minute.

Cheers Ian

Unknown said...

will have to agree about the johri guns they are rugged looking but are really awesome guns thats why i import them into west australia now