Essential vs Unnecessary Spearfishing Gear: 7 Must-Haves & What to Skip

Let’s cut through the marketing hype and get straight to the point – not all spearfishing gear is created equal, and your wallet will thank you for knowing the difference. As someone who’s blown way too much cash on fancy gadgets that now collect dust in my garage, I’m here to give you the real scoop on essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear.

Whether you’re just dipping your fins into this incredible sport or looking to upgrade your setup without bankrupting yourself, understanding what gear is truly essential can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars. Trust me, I’ve made all the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to!

The Truth About Spearfishing Equipment: Need vs Want 🤔

When I first started spearfishing, I thought I needed everything in the catalog. My garage quickly filled with fancy gear while my bank account emptied. The reality? About 70% of what I bought wasn’t necessary at all. The essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear debate is something every diver faces.

Here’s what experienced spearos know: the core equipment that keeps you safe, comfortable, and successful underwater is what matters most. Everything else is just bells and whistles that the marketing departments want you to believe you can’t live without.

Before dropping serious cash on the latest spearfishing gadget, ask yourself: “Will this improve my diving experience or hunting success?” If the answer isn’t a clear “yes,” your money is probably better spent elsewhere.

7 Truly Essential Spearfishing Items You Can’t Skip

Let’s talk about what deserves your hard-earned cash. These are the non-negotiable items that form the backbone of any serious spearo’s kit. I’ve experimented with numerous alternatives in each category myself, and they’re all worth the price.

1. Quality Mask & Snorkel

Your mask is your window to the underwater world. A poor-fitting mask that constantly leaks or fogs will ruin your dive faster than anything else. Don’t cheap out here! The difference between a $30 mask and a $80-100 quality mask is night and day.

 What constitutes a good mask? Look for:

• Low-volume design (less air needed to clear)
• Silicone skirt (not plastic) for proper face seal
• Tempered glass (not plastic lenses)
• Comfortable fit with no pressure points

For snorkels, a simple J-tube with a comfortable mouthpiece is all you need. Those fancy dry-top snorkels with purge valves look cool but add unnecessary complexity and potential failure points. Getting the right beginner spearfishing gear starts with mask comfort.

2. Proper Exposure Protection (Wetsuit)

A wetsuit isn’t just about staying warm it’s also your protection against scratches, stings, and sunburn. Your essential spearfishing wetsuit should be:

• Open-cell neoprene (for better insulation)
• Properly sized (too loose defeats the purpose)
• Appropriate thickness for your water temperature
• Reinforced in high-wear areas (knees, chest, elbows)

This is one area where spending more usually gets you better quality. A good wetsuit should last 3-5 years with proper care. Remember, being cold underwater is not just uncomfortable it’s dangerous and will cut your diving time short.

3. Fins That Match Your Diving Style

Fins are your underwater engine. The right pair will propel you effortlessly while conserving energy. The wrong pair will leave you exhausted after 30 minutes. When choosing spearfishing equipment essentials like fins, consider:

• Longer blades for deep diving
• Medium/shorter blades for reef hunting
• Comfortable foot pockets (prevent cramps)
• Durability (cheap fins break at the worst moments)

I recommend investing in mid-range fins to start (around $100-150). You can always upgrade later as your diving style develops and you understand your preferences better.

4. Reliable Speargun

Your speargun is critical, but you don’t need the most expensive model to start. What matters is reliability and appropriate size for your hunting environment. For essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear, focus on:

• Wood vs. aluminum (wood is more buoyant, aluminum is more durable)
• Appropriate length (shorter for reef/caves, longer for open water)
• Simple, reliable mechanism over fancy features
• Quality bands and shaft

A 90-110cm gun is versatile for beginners.  You can learn more about affordable vs expensive spearfishing masks in our detailed comparison guide.

5. Weight System

Proper weighting is crucial for safety and hunting efficiency. You need:

• A comfortable belt (rubber or nylon with quick-release)
• Enough weights to achieve neutral buoyancy at 30ft
• Weight distribution that works for your body type

Don’t overlook this essential spearfishing equipment improper weighting either leaves you struggling to dive or creates dangerous positive buoyancy at depth. Your weight needs will change with different wetsuits and as your technique improves.

6. Dive Knife or Cutting Tool

A knife isn’t just for the cool factor it’s a safety essential. You need something to cut yourself free if you become entangled in a fishing line or kelp. Your knife should be:

• Easily accessible (mounted on arm or leg)
• Corrosion-resistant (titanium is worth the extra cost)
• Sharp and ideally serrated for cutting line
• Secured with a reliable sheath

You don’t need a massive Rambo knife a compact dive knife or even trauma shears work well. This is a non-negotiable necessary spearfishing gear for safety reasons.

7. Fish Stringer or Catch Bag

Once you start landing fish, you need a way to keep them secure. Options include:

• Float lines with stainless clips
• Mesh catch bags
• Kill-spike for humane dispatch

This prevents fish loss and keeps your hands free for continued hunting. Plus, it keeps your catch away from your body, reducing attention from predators. This essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear distinction matters for successful hunting.

Unnecessary Spearfishing Gear You Can Live Without

Now for the fun part let’s talk about all the stuff that manufacturers want you to think is essential but isn’t. I’ve wasted money on all of these so you don’t have to! When evaluating essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear, these items rarely justify their cost.

1. Fancy Dive Computers for Recreational Depths

While dive computers are crucial for scuba.com, most freedivers operating in the 30-60ft range don’t need a $500+ computer. A simple $100 watch with a depth gauge is sufficient when you’re starting. Your body is your best computer—learn to listen to it.

The exception? If you’re pushing past 80-100ft regularly, then yes, a properly freedive computer becomes more valuable. But for your first year or two? Save your money this falls firmly in the unnecessary spearfishing equipment category for beginners.

2. Expensive Camouflage Wetsuits

That fancy blue camo pattern wetsuit might look amazing on Instagram, but fish don’t care nearly as much as you think. Your movement and silhouette matter far more than whether your suit has the latest designer pattern.

A quality solid black or dark blue wetsuit will serve you just as well at a much lower price point. Spend the savings on a better mask or fins instead. Many newbies fall for marketing hype around spearfishing gear essentials vs luxuries like expensive patterns.

3. Multiple Spearguns When Starting Out

One properly sized, reliable speargun is enough to begin with. I made the mistake of buying three different guns before I even knew how to use one properly! Learn to master a versatile mid-sized gun (90-110cm) before expanding your arsenal.

The tools are less important than the skills. I’ve seen experienced spearos with basic gear consistently outperform newbies with expensive equipment. Take a look at our beginner gear mistakes guide to avoid making these expensive mistakes.

4. Overly Complex Float Systems

While a float and flag are important for safety in boat traffic areas, beginners don’t need elaborate float systems with multiple compartments, built-in spearguns holders, and other bells and whistles. A simple torpedo buoy with a dive flag will serve you well.

As your hunting style evolves, you can upgrade your float setup. But when distinguishing between essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear, an expensive float system is definitely in the “nice to have” category.

5. Expensive Gloves Right Away

Yes, gloves protect your hands and help with loading powerful bands. But $80 Kevlar-reinforced gloves are overkill when you’re starting. A simple pair of 3mm neoprene gloves for $20-30 will serve you fine until you’re regularly handling powerful guns or hunting in challenging environments.

This is a perfect example of necessary vs luxury spearfishing accessories—functional protection doesn’t have to break the bank.

6. GoPro and Mounts Before Mastering Basics

I get it everyone wants awesome footage. But focusing on filming before mastering the fundamentals is putting the cart before the horse. Cameras add task loading underwater when you should be focused on technique, safety, and catching fish.

Give yourself at least 10-15 successful hunting dives before adding camera gear to the mix. When you’re ready, check our guide on traveling with spearguns and gear which includes camera packing tips!

Starter Kit: The Perfect Beginner-Friendly Setup

If you’re just starting, here’s my honest recommendation for a solid beginner kit that balances quality and budget. This setup includes all the truly essential spearfishing gear without unnecessary frills.

The Complete Beginner Package

• Mask: Mid-range low-volume mask ($80-100)
• Snorkel: Basic J-tube with a comfortable mouthpiece ($20-30)
• Wetsuit: 3mm or 5mm open-cell (depending on your water temperature) ($200-250)
• Fins: Plastic or fiberglass blend medium-stiffness blades ($100-150)
• Speargun: 90-100cm wood or aluminum gun with single band ($200-250)
• Weight belt: Basic rubber belt with 4-6 pounds of weights ($60 total)
• Knife: Compact dive knife with leg or arm mount ($30-40)
• Simple float: Basic torpedo float with a flag ($60-80)

Total investment: Around $750-950. This might seem like a lot, but it’s quite reasonable for a complete setup of quality gear that will keep you safe and help you succeed. Compare this to the $2000+ that many beginners spend on unnecessary items!

Remember that when deciding between essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear, functionality always trumps flashiness. You are always welcome to replace individual components as your skill level and tastes change.

Balancing Quality and Budget: Where to Invest vs Save 💰

Not all gear requires the same level of investment. Understanding where to splurge and where to save is crucial when separating essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear. Here’s my breakdown after years of experience:

Worth Every Extra Dollar:

• Mask – Your interface with the underwater world needs to be comfortable and reliable
• Wetsuit – Comfort and proper insulation dramatically extend your dive time
• Speargun reliability – Focus on mechanical simplicity and quality materials over fancy features

Save Your Money Here:

• Accessories – Basic versions of floats, catch bags, and knives function nearly as well as premium ones
• Aesthetic upgrades – Colorful muzzles, custom handles, and fancy patterns add cost without performance benefits
• Multiple similar items – Master one tool before expanding your collection

The difference between budget and premium spearfishing gear necessities often comes down to longevity rather than immediate performance. A $300 wetsuit might last twice as long as a $150 one, making it a better value over time.

For specific brand recommendations at different price points, check out our detailed guide on affordable vs premium spearfishing gear that breaks down what you get for your money.

Gear Longevity: How Proper Care Makes Everything Last Longer 🛠️

Here’s something manufacturers don’t emphasize enough: well-maintained budget gear often outlasts neglected expensive gear. Proper care of your essential spearfishing equipment can double or triple its lifespan.

Simple Maintenance Habits That Save Money:

• Rinse all gear thoroughly with fresh water after every use
• Store wetsuits on wide hangers away from direct sunlight
• Apply silicone grease to gun mechanisms and O-rings regularly
• Inspect bands for wear and replace before they fail
• Dry gear completely before storage to prevent mold

I’ve seen $200 guns outlast $600 models simply because their owners took better care of them. Our detailed guide to spearfishing gear maintenance has step-by-step instructions for keeping everything in top shape.

This aspect of essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear often gets overlooked—sometimes the best “upgrade” is properly maintaining what you already have.

Travel Considerations: Packing Smart for Destination Hunting 🧳

If you plan to travel for spearfishing adventures, this adds another dimension to the essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear equation. Airline baggage restrictions and travel practicality make gear selection even more important.

Travel-Friendly Essential Gear:

• Modular spearguns that break down for transport
• Lightweight travel fins (some models separate from foot pockets)
• Compact weight systems (rubber vs. lead for some airlines)
• Multi-purpose tools rather than single-use items

For destination hunting, versatility trumps specialization. A medium gun that works in various conditions is better than a perfect gun for specific scenarios. Check out our in depth travel with a speargun tutorial that includes airline-specific advice.

Sometimes the best approach is to bring your must-have spearfishing equipment (mask, wetsuit, fins) and rent or borrow location-specific items like guns and weights at your destination.

Conclusion: Invest Wisely in What Truly Matters

The distinction between essential vs unnecessary spearfishing gear ultimately comes down to what enhances your safety, comfort, and hunting success versus what merely looks cool or has marginal benefits. I’ve wasted plenty of money learning this lesson the hard way.

Remember that the best spearos aren’t the ones with the most expensive gear—they’re the ones who’ve mastered the fundamentals and chosen equipment that suits their specific hunting style. Start with quality basics, develop your skills, and let your actual needs (not marketing) guide your upgrades.

The ocean doesn’t care about brand names or price tags. Focus on the gear that keeps you safe, comfortable, and effective everything else is just extras. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll be a better hunter for it!