Best Spearfishing Gear for Every Budget: 7 Epic Sets from $200-2000!

The REAL Guide to Spearfishing Equipment Without Breaking the Bank 💰

Let’s get real about the best spearfishing gear for every budget – because this sport can burn a hole in your wallet faster than a triggerfish can nip your finger! I’ve spent 15+ years collecting gear, making costly mistakes, and finally figuring out what’s worth your hard-earned cash.

When I first started, I blew $300 on a wetsuit that was entirely wrong for my local waters. Ops! That mistake (and several others) was what I needed to learn how to make the perfect spearfishing equipment set regardless of whether you have $200 to $2000 to spend.

In this no-BS guide, I’ll explain exactly what top spearfishing gear looks like at different price points. There are no affiliate links or sponsored recommendations—just honest advice from someone who’s been there, done that, and still has the receipts (way too many of them 😂).

Whether you’re just dipping your fins into underwater hunting or looking to upgrade your arsenal, I’ve got you covered with honest comparisons between budget and premium options. Let’s dive in!

Ultimate Starter Kit: $200-350 Range 🔰

Yes, you CAN start spearfishing without dropping a grand! The secret to getting affordable spearfishing equipment is knowing exactly where to invest your limited money.Here’s my tried-and-tested starter setup:

The $350 Beginner’s Package:

• Mask & Snorkel ($50-80): Cressi F1 or Mares X-Vision – comfort trumps fancy features here!
• Entry-Level Fins ($60-90): Mako Freediving Fins or DiveR Composite – skip the plastic scuba fins!
• Starter Speargun ($100-150): Rob Allen Tuna 90cm or Beuchat Mundial – perfect for learning without frustration
• Basic Wetsuit ($60-100): 3mm Mako or Salvimar suit – nothing fancy but gets the job done
• Essential Accessories ($30-50): Weight belt, basic float, dive knife

Trust me, I started with even less than this! My first spearfishing kit was a hand-me-down mask, rental fins, and a pole spear. I still managed to bag dinner most days, proving you don’t need fancy gear to enjoy the sport.

For beginners, focus on gear that’s easy to use and forgiving. That $80 mask that doesn’t fog up will bring you more joy than a $300 carbon fiber gun you can’t aim properly yet! Take a look at this in-depth guide to beginner-friendly gear for even more specific suggestions.

Pro tip: Many dive shops offer “package deals” on starter spearfishing equipment sets. These can save you 15-20% compared to buying pieces individually. Just make sure they’re not offloading outdated stock!

Weekend Warrior Setup: $500-750 Range

Once you’ve caught the spearfishing bug (and trust me, it’s incurable!), upgrading to mid-range best spearfishing gear for every budget makes a noticeable difference in your hunting success. This is the sweet spot where performance jumps significantly without premium prices.

The $750 Weekend Warrior Kit:

• Quality Low-Volume Mask ($80-120): Omer Zero3 or Salvimar Noah – wider field of vision makes spotting fish easier
• Mid-Range Fins ($150-200): Mako Freediving Carbon or Beuchat Mundial – the extra power is worth every penny
• Reliable Speargun ($180-250): Rob Allen Tuna 110cm or Mako Predator – more accuracy and stopping power
• Proper Wetsuit ($150-200): 3.5mm open-cell from Omer or Salvimar – the comfort difference is HUGE
• Better Accessories ($70-100): Proper float line, dive computer, weighted belt system

This is the range where I spent most of my early years, and honestly, it’s all most weekend warriors will ever need. The jump from entry-level to mid-range spearfishing kit is the most noticeable upgrade you’ll experience.

I remember the first-day diving with my upgraded carbon fins – suddenly I could reach depths that had been impossible before, with less leg fatigue! That single upgrade doubled my bottom time and improved my hunting success dramatically.

At this price point, prioritize versatility.Choose gear that works in multiple conditions rather than specialized equipment. Avoid common beginner mistakes like buying gear that’s too specialized for your skill level!

Serious Enthusiast Package: $1000-1500 Range 🏆

For those who’ve caught the spearfishing fever bad (like me!), stepping up to enthusiast-level spearfishing equipment collection opens up new hunting possibilities. This is where specialized gear for specific conditions starts making sense.

The $1500 Serious Hunter Kit:

• Premium Mask ($100-150): Omer Alien or Hammerhead Spearguns MX – ultra-low volume for deeper dives
• Performance Fins ($200-300): Leaderfins Stereofins or C4 Pietro Formenti – efficiency equals longer dives
• Quality Spearguns ($300-450): Rob Allen Tuna 120cm carbon barrel OR mid-range wood gun – accuracy is everything
• Tailored Wetsuit ($300-400): Custom-fit 5mm open-cell from Mako or Omer – like a second skin!
• Complete Accessory Set ($200-300): Float system, reels, proper weight system, dive computer, flashers

At this level, you’re investing in top spearfishing gear that truly enhances performance. My personal game-changer was upgrading to a custom-fit wetsuit. The difference in warmth and comfort added HOURS to my dive sessions!

For enthusiasts diving weekly, consider having multiple guns for different scenarios. A compact 90cm for reef hunting and a 120cm+ for open water creates a versatile arsenal. Learn more about the equipment that is required vs not required to make knowledgeable purchase decisions.

Regional considerations matter too! What works for cold California waters won’t be ideal for Florida’s tropical reefs. The best spearfishing gear for every budget varies by location, so tailor your purchases accordingly.

Pro-Level Arsenal: $1500-2000+ Range 🔱

Ready to go all in? Pro-level spearfishing equipment sets aren’t just about showing off (though let’s be honest, we all like having the cool gear).Here, you’re receiving expert gear for expert hunting conditions, more durable materials, and performance upgrades that count with serious hunters.

The $2000+ Professional Setup:

• Custom Mask ($150-200): Hand-picked for your face shape with anti-fog treatments
• Elite Fins ($300-500): Full carbon C4 or custom Leaderfins – the Ferrari of freediving propulsion
• Premium Spearguns ($500-800): Custom wood guns or high-end carbon models – surgical precision
• Technical Wetsuit ($400-600): Custom-fitted with specialized camo patterns and reinforced padding
• Professional Accessories ($400-600): Dive computers, camera systems, multiple floats, specialized tools

Is all this high-end underwater hunting equipment necessary? Not! But for those pursuing trophy fish or diving in extreme conditions, these investments make sense. My custom wood gun takes down pelagics that my old Mako would struggle with.

When investing at this level, prioritize items that affect performance most: fins, guns, and wetsuit comfort. A $50 improvement in your fin efficiency will pay bigger dividends than the fanciest float line! Check out tips for traveling with high-end spearguns to protect your investment.

Remember: no amount of fancy best spearfishing gear for every budget will replace experience and technique! I’ve watched newbies with $3000 setups get outfished by veterans using basic equipment and superior hunting knowledge.

Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have: The Essential 5 Pieces ⭐

Regardless of your budget, certain pieces of spearfishing equipment should get priority in your spending. Following are the five things that make or break your underwater hunting experience:

1. Proper Mask & Snorkel

Vision is everything underwater! A mask that fits YOUR face perfectly is worth its weight in gold. Skip the fancy features and focus on comfort, seal, and low volume. The best mask is one you forget you’re wearing. For snorkels, simpler is often better – those fancy dry-top models can actually be cumbersome when diving.

2. Freediving Fins

Your power plant! Proper freediving fins (not scuba fins!) will determine your depth range, bottom time, and maneuverability. This is where spending extra makes a HUGE difference in your spearfishing gear collection. I upgraded from $80 plastic fins to $200 fiberglass models and instantly added 10+ feet to my comfortable hunting depth.

3. Appropriate Wetsuit

Being cold ends more dives than any other factor. Get the right thickness for YOUR local waters (not what your buddy uses). Open-cell neoprene makes a massive difference in warmth-per-thickness. Remember: a 3mm open-cell suit often outperforms a 5mm lined suit while offering better mobility! This is an area where the best spearfishing gear for every budget varies dramatically by region.

4. Reliable Speargun

Start with something manageable! A 90-100cm gun is perfect for beginners. Focus on reliability over fancy features – a simple band system you can service yourself beats complicated mechanisms that fail at depth.As you become more experienced, your firearm requirements will vary depending on quarry species and country terrain that you hunt.

5. Safety Gear

Float, knife, and surface marker are non-negotiable safety equipment. Your spearfishing kit MUST include these regardless of budget. No fish is worth risking your life! A quality float line prevents entanglement issues that budget lines often cause. Learn proper maintenance of safety equipment – it could save your life!

The beauty of this sport is you can add specialized spearfishing accessories gradually as your skills and interests develop. Start with these five essentials, master their use, and then expand your arsenal thoughtfully!

Smart Buying Strategies That Saved Me Thousands 💡

After 15+ years in this sport (and many costly mistakes), I’ve developed some buying strategies for finding the best spearfishing gear for every budget without overspending. Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I started:

Timing Is Everything

The spearfishing industry has predictable sales cycles. Late winter/early spring often sees massive discounts as shops clear inventory for new models. I scored my $400 wetsuit for just $240 during a February clearance! Set price alerts on major retailers for specific items on your wishlist.

Buy Used (Selectively)

Some spearfishing equipment is perfectly fine to buy used – guns, weight systems, and some accessories. Other items like wetsuits and masks are highly personal and generally better new. Facebook groups and forums like Spearboard often have quality used gear at 40-60% off retail from people upgrading their kits.

Package vs. Piece-by-Piece

Sometimes bundle deals offer legitimate savings, but they often include items you don’t need or want. I typically recommend building your spearfishing kit piece by piece unless you find a package that matches your exact needs. This approach also lets you upgrade individual components as your skills develop.

Modularity Matters

Choose systems that work together and grow with you! For example, a weight belt system that can add/remove weights easily as your wetsuit changes or diving conditions vary. My top spearfishing gear recommendation is always equipment that adapts to multiple situations rather than single-purpose items.

One last tip: make friends with local spearos! The community is incredibly generous with advice, trying gear before buying, and even hand-me-downs. My first proper gun was a gift from a mentor upgrading his spearfishing equipment collection. Pay it forward when you can!

Finding Your Perfect Underwater Arsenal 🎯

In conclusion, finding the best spearfishing gear for every budget isn’t about spending the most money – it’s about making smart choices based on your specific needs, local conditions, and skill level. Whether you’re starting with a $300 basic setup or investing in a $2000+ professional kit, focus on quality where it matters most: mask fit, fin efficiency, and proper exposure protection.

I’ve hunted successfully with gear across all price ranges, and the truth is that technique and experience trump fancy equipment every time. Start simple, master the basics, and upgrade strategically as your skills demand better tools. Remember that the most expensive spearfishing equipment collection won’t make you a better hunter – time in the water will!

My upgrading from budget gear to premium gear was an education in patience. Build your kit piece by piece, focusing on versatility and quality over quantity. And above all, have fun! With every new bit of gear, there’s something else you can do underwater.

How is your spearfishing gear experience? Have a favorite budget find or premium piece that changed your game? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your underwater arsenal!And if you’re just starting out spearfishing, check out my comprehensive guide for full beginner’s guide!!

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

What’s the bare minimum gear I need to start spearfishing?

The absolute essentials for beginning spearfishing are: a mask and snorkel, a pair of freediving fins, a basic wetsuit appropriate for your water temperature, a beginner-friendly speargun (or pole spear), a weight belt, and a dive float with flag. This minimal spearfishing kit can be assembled for around $300-400 if you shop smart and focus on functional rather than fancy gear.

Are expensive spearguns worth the money?

It depends entirely on your target species and hunting environment! For reef hunting in moderate depths (under 30 feet), a mid-range gun ($150-250) will serve you perfectly well. The performance advantage of premium spearguns ($400+) becomes apparent when hunting in blue water, targeting larger species, or requiring extreme accuracy at a distance. As part of the complete best spearfishing gear for every budget strategy, I recommend starting modest and upgrading your gun as your skills demand it.

What spearfishing gear should I never buy used?

I generally recommend buying masks and wetsuits new since they’re such personal items. A mask needs to fit YOUR specific face shape perfectly, and used wetsuits often have compression damage or may have been stretched to fit someone else’s body. Additionally, be extremely cautious about used spearguns with complex mechanisms or any gear with safety implications. Some spearfishing equipment like weights, basic floats, and simple accessories are perfectly fine to purchase used.

How much should I budget for my first complete spearfishing setup?

For a functional beginner setup with all the essentials, budget around $500-700. This gets you quality basic spearfishing equipment without breaking the bank. If you’re on a tight budget, you can start with just a mask, snorkel, fins, and a pole spear for under $300. As you progress, plan to invest an additional $500-1000 over your first year or two as you identify which aspects of your kit need upgrading based on your specific diving style and local conditions.

What’s the best speargun for a complete beginner?

For most beginners, I recommend a reliable, simple speargun in the 90-100cm range from established manufacturers like Mako, Rob Allen, or Beuchat. Something like the Rob Allen Tuna 90cm (~$180) or Mako Predator 90cm (~$160) offers an excellent balance of maneuverability and stopping power while you develop your skills. These mid-range options belong in any list of best spearfishing gear for every budget because they’re simple to maintain and offer room to grow as your skills improve.