On a related note. I was having difficulty holding the spear shaft when it was loaded. My gloves were kevlar and the shaft is painted giving it very little friction.
I found it easier to grip a pole spear if I wrapped a bit of tape around the tip of the shaft (the part you are holding when it is loaded). I used athletic tape and the same method that hockey players use to wrap their hockey sticks.
How To Tape a Hockey Stick Knob - Grip - YouTube