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All About Guns What's your weapon of choice, and why? Discuss the beloved speargun here!

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Old 09-02-2021, 12:12 PM   #1
Castor
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14 mil bands that are "softer"

My go to gun is a 62" Alexander with a 5/16 shaft and mori slip tip. It has about 54" of band stretch. I typically set this gun up with 4x9/16 bands. A while back I had used some bands that had a lot of stretch in them but were smooth as silk when I pulled the trigger and the gun was shooting super accurately. Problem is I cant remember where I got them from. I replaced my bands at the begining of this season (with 14 mil bands) and they have a lot of snap so I just replaced them with some 14 mm bands from MAKO and these have even more punch or snap. Yesterday at the islands I ended up just using three bands instead of four.

My question is, does anyone know of a band that has a real smooth power delivery?
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Old 09-02-2021, 12:55 PM   #2
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

Sounds like Kent Elastomer vs. Primeline.. Primeline are more snappy. Not sure where to get Kent. But, you should be okay with PRimeline 14.5mm small ID bands. but just run 3 bands at higher stretch.
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Old 09-02-2021, 01:17 PM   #3
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

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My go to gun is a 62" Alexander with a 5/16 shaft and mori slip tip. It has about 54" of band stretch. I typically set this gun up with 4x9/16 bands. A while back I had used some bands that had a lot of stretch in them but were smooth as silk when I pulled the trigger and the gun was shooting super accurately. Problem is I cant remember where I got them from. I replaced my bands at the begining of this season (with 14 mil bands) and they have a lot of snap so I just replaced them with some 14 mm bands from MAKO and these have even more punch or snap. Yesterday at the islands I ended up just using three bands instead of four.

My question is, does anyone know of a band that has a real smooth power delivery?
Primeline Optiband
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Old 09-02-2021, 04:04 PM   #4
Spear One
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

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Originally Posted by Behslayer View Post
Sounds like Kent Elastomer vs. Primeline.. Primeline are more snappy. Not sure where to get Kent. But, you should be okay with PRimeline 14.5mm small ID bands. but just run 3 bands at higher stretch.
I believe Biller uses all Kent rubber for their bands.
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Last edited by Spear One; 09-02-2021 at 08:06 PM.
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Old 09-02-2021, 05:28 PM   #5
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

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Biller uses all Kent rubber for their bands.
interesting...
What do you use?
I can buy your bands (pre-made) what are they ( if you don't mind my asking)
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Old 09-02-2021, 08:04 PM   #6
Spear One
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

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interesting...
What do you use?
I can buy your bands (pre-made) what are they ( if you don't mind my asking)
We use Primeline’s “opti band” tubing. This tubing is their low mod version and it is fairly soft right after it is made but still a bit stiffer than the Kent tubing. All tubing gets stronger as it ages depending on the conditions (temp and humidity) it is stored in. From my experience, the Primeline tubing cures at a slightly faster rate than the Kent tubing.

Primeline recommends their latex tubing be stored at 70 degrees and 50% humidity and preferably in a dark or dimly lit location. Basically inside you house in an area out of direct sunlight or lamp type light is best. Many folks store their tubing in the the refrigerator or freezer but they really should not do this as the the humidity in a refrigerator or freezer is very low and this has a drying effect on the tubing. While cold any dry is better than hot and humid, it’s best to avoid extreme cold or extreme heat for storing bands or bulk tubing.
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Old 09-02-2021, 08:20 PM   #7
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

Thanks for that, VERY informative.
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Old 09-02-2021, 09:25 PM   #8
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

Thanks to all of you. I always appreciate the feed back I get here anytime I have a question. When I get some new bands rolling I’ll post the results.

Thanks again my brothers!
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Old 09-02-2021, 09:53 PM   #9
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

Anyone know where I can buy Optiband material?
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Old 09-03-2021, 04:13 PM   #10
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

I tried Epsealon Blizzard in 14mm and they’re quite soft. Colour sticks out like a sore thumb though. Worth a try if you can get your hands on it
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Old 09-03-2021, 04:27 PM   #11
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

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I tried Epsealon Blizzard in 14mm and they’re quite soft. Colour sticks out like a sore thumb though. Worth a try if you can get your hands on it
Which one? White, Yellow, or Orange?
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Old 09-03-2021, 07:27 PM   #12
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

I’ve used 9/16” tubing from a number of sources on my small guns and I know exactly what you mean. Some of the stuff I’ve gotten ahold of feels harder to pull and shoots harsher that some 5/8” stuff. By far the softest, (or smoothest), shooting stuff I’ve found is the black over amber 9/16” standard ID tubing sold by Neptonics.
Ron.
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Old 09-04-2021, 03:55 PM   #13
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Re: 14 mil bands that are "softer"

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Which one? White, Yellow, or Orange?
white
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