How to make your own pole spear grip
So why do i need a grip?
Most pole spears on the market at an entry and mid-range level are your standard “pointed stick” you have either a flopper or barbed head with a long smooth shaft of either fiberglass or aluminum. for a beginner this is all well and good however is can also come with the issue of a lack of grip.
I have had such an issue with my current setup, a salvimar 18mm spear that comes in at about 233cm. this is a good mid-level spear with a bit of weight behind it for those chunky reef species and when you need a bit more punch. however, for all the punch it has it lacked any real grip along the shaft giving me only a few small notches to hang onto. it doesn’t matter how much i grip it seemed to always be a massive strain on the fingers and wrist holding the band in place.
What do i need?
heat shrink tubing: Most heat shrink comes in a 1 meter length so you will have a bit spare for future grips. a wider diameter tube is recommended as you will need to fit over the width of your pole + the rope forming the grip.
rope: a small diameter rope to form the grip points. about 40cm will be sufficient.
masking tape: to hold your rope in place on the pole while shrinking your tube.
Heat gun /hairdryer: While a heat gun is preferred a hairdryer can also be used, it will just take longer to shrink your tube.
Putting it together
Start by taking your length of rope and taping it in a firm loop around the pole with some masking tape.
begin to wind the rope around the pole down its length trying to give even spacing as you go. remember you want the spaces big enough to comfortably hold your fingers but not so close that they will prevent the heat shrink from wrapping properly resulting in loose spaces.
once it is all wrapped onto the spear finish the other end with tape and twist the rope in opposing directions to tighten the bind it has on the spear.
take your heat shrink cut to the desired length and thread it over the pole gently so you do not disturb the placement of the rope. this is made easier if you have a wide size of heat shrink.
once all is in place you can begin with the heat gun. It’s best to do this outside in a well-ventilated area. begin on the lowest setting at one end of the wrap, slowly working your way along with the spear. it’s very important that you keep rotating the spear so that you get an even shrink on the pole. the heat shrink is tough but not indestructible so always keep the heat gun moving and don’t stop over a single area for too long as it will quickly melt through.
once you have gone over it, repeat again 2-3 times, paying attention to the grooves between the ropes as they may have some baggy patches that have not shrunk the first time over. take your time and be patient as it is very hot at this point and can be easily melted if overdone.
if you have too much excess heat shrink of either end you can tidy it up with a knife and some electrical tape. this will also reduce the chance of a torn or damaged end degrading your grip.