How to Put a Band on a Pole Spear (and When to Replace It)

To put a band on a pole spear, thread the loop band through the hole or slot at the back end of the shaft (or over the end cap), seat it, and pull it tight so the knot or crimp sits against the shaft. A screw-on end cap clamps the band in place on many spears; a hole-and-knot spear just needs the loop pulled through. This guide covers band types and sizes, the fitting steps, tying your own band, tuning tension, and when it is time to replace it.

Pole Spear Band Types and Sizes

Pole spear bands are loops of latex rubber tubing. They differ in three ways:

• Diameter. Common sizes are around 14 to 16 mm. Thicker rubber stores more energy but takes more effort to stretch.
• Loop length. Longer loops are easier to load and softer; shorter loops are harder to load and hit harder. Bands are sold to fit a spear length, or by loop size.
• How they attach. Some bands are a closed loop with a knot or crimp, which threads through a hole in the shaft. Others clamp under a screw-on end cap. Some spears use a band with a molded end piece.

Tip choice matters as much as the band; see our guide to pole spear tip types. The safest buy is a replacement band from the spear's maker, sized for your model. A generic band works if the diameter and attachment match.

How to Put a Band on a Pole Spear, Step by Step

Hole-through spears

1. Remove the old band. Cut it if it is perished; there is no need to save it.
2. Clean the hole. Rinse out sand and salt, and smooth any sharp edges with fine sandpaper; a sharp edge cuts rubber.
3. Thread the loop. Push one end of the loop through the hole, then pass the other end through the first, making a lark's head (girth hitch) around the shaft. On knotted bands, push the loop through until the knot seats against the hole.
4. Seat it. Pull the loop firmly toward the tip so the band snugs tight around the shaft and cannot slide.

End-cap spears

1. Unscrew the end cap and remove the old band.
2. Lay the new band's ends into the cap or over the shaft end as the old one sat.
3. Screw the cap back down firmly. The band should not twist when you pull it.

Test it before the dive: hook it over your thumb web, slide up to full stretch and check that it holds without slipping. Our pillar, How to Use a Pole Spear: Loading, Grip, Range and Aim, shows the full loading technique.

Tying Your Own Pole Spear Band

Tying a band from bulk tubing is cheaper and lets you choose the length. You need latex tubing of the right diameter, strong braided line or a band crimp, and a knife.

1. Measure. Use your old band as the template, or start a little longer than you think and trim later.
2. Cut square. Clean, straight cuts on both ends.
3. Join the ends. Overlap the ends a few centimetres and whip them tightly with braided line, or fit a band crimp. Some spearos join the ends with a short plug of rod inside both ends, then whip over it.
4. Test. Stretch it hard several times on land before you trust it in the water.

Store-bought bands are more consistent, so many spearos tie their own only as spares. A home-tied band that fails usually fails at the join, so inspect it closely.

Tuning Band Tension and Length

A well-tuned band lets you reach full stretch with a firm but comfortable grip, about two thirds to three quarters of the way up the shaft from where the band starts. Signs it needs tuning:

• You cannot reach a good grip point: the band is too short or too thick. Use a longer loop.
• The shot is weak and the spear barely runs: the band is too long or worn. Shorten it or replace it.
• You moved to a longer spear: a longer shaft needs a stronger band; our pole spear length guide explains why.
• Your hand cramps holding the load: the band is too strong for you. Drop a size in diameter.

With a knotted or crimped band, you shorten it by re-tying the join. Do it a centimetre or two at a time and test after each change.

When to Replace a Pole Spear Band

Latex ages from the moment it is made, and sun, salt and heat speed it up. Replace the band when you see any of these:

• Small cracks or crazing on the surface, especially at the stretch point and around the attachment.
• Stickiness or a chalky feel.
• A noticeable drop in power: the spear runs shorter or bounces off fish it used to hold.
• Cuts or nicks from coral or rock.

With regular use, many divers replace the band every season. Keep a spare in your dive bag, so a failure costs you minutes rather than a trip.

Band Care That Doubles Its Life

• Rinse it in fresh water after every dive.
• Keep it out of the sun. UV is the number one killer of latex. Cover the spear on the boat and store it indoors.
• Store it unstretched and away from heat, such as a hot car boot.
• Keep it away from oils and sunscreen, which break down latex.

Frequently Asked Questions