I have noticed my bungi rubber on both my guns hav

[Depatron]

I have noticed my bungi rubber on both my guns have started(for a while now)to "melt" and perish.
The one on my 1m gun broke and was replaced about 6 months ago or less,it too has started to melt at the ends.The mid section still looks brand new.
My 1300 has it the whole way.
I have hardly used the guns and when I did I rinsed them in fresh water.
The rubber is tacky,if you squash the tube closes they stick together.
Anyone have the same problem?
Any suggestions on prevention?

 

[Ledge]

Hey Depatron,

Not sure what happened, but it seems that you posted the topic 5 times with all the different images...

That looks like the shock chord at the end of the barrel. I have only had to replace that on my gun once in my very short stint as a spearo. Like you, I also try to rinse my equipment as soon as I get home after a dive. I use a hand broom to scrub it as I wash it with the hose... It seems to be fine.
I was chatting with Eckart the other day about some silicone spray that he has. Not sure what it is, but I think it might be worth looking into. There must be a place in your area that sells something like that? Tackle shops sell a similar product for your reels and nylon... Possibly the same thing?
Guys, your thoughts?

Maybe you could chat to one of the guys from the new club in your area? Speak to Gromit?
Check this topic posted not too long ago:
http://www.sealine.co.za/view_topic.php?id=58179&forum_id=68

How often do you use the guns? Maybe they are crying out for some more Salt water?

Cheers,
L

 

[Depatron]

Hi Ledge
Sorry, had some internet problems.
Got to get into the water again soon. Pity the swell is up for the next week.

 

[Adrian B]

Depatron, try using a gun bag to store your guns in. I store my guns in their bag and I take them out on the boat in their bag as well.

My rubbers last probably 5 times longer that way including my bungi's.

That bungi rubber isn't the most durable stuff anyway

 

[MOGGY]

Some of the thinner rubber tends to perish.

Mike sell a blue one that looks good.

 

 

[ph03n1xkny]

I've had the exact same problem on 3 different shock cords.

What i did was get some surgical tubing from a friend that works at a pharmacy and made my own shock cord...Works like a charm and doesn't perish like the pre made ones

 

[mundis]

Beware of any solvents coming into contact with the rubber, even spilt fuel on the deck from filling fuel tanks if diving off a boat.

 

[jensent]

I find they perish way less if I unhook my spearline when I store my guns, so they are not stored under load.

 

[henry.g]

I've sprayed both my speargun rubber and bungie rubber with silicone spray and then covered them in cling-wrap. I have also seen people cover them in tinfoil.

Hopefully this will help to extend there life span. Will let you know how things progress.

 

[henry.g]

I've sprayed both my speargun rubber and bungie rubber with silicone spray and then covered them in cling-wrap. I have also seen people cover them in tinfoil.

Hopefully this will help to extend there life span. Will let you know how things progress.

 

[Rob1981]

Watch out for Q20 and other petroleum based lubricants, they react a bit like vaseline to Condoms when it comes to spearfishing rubbers.Make sure you only use 100% silicon spray for anything near your rubbers.

 

[Depatron]

hi pho3n1xkny
I had the same idea- to use surgical tubing as a replacement rubber.
Will definitely give it a go.
Thanks everyone for the replies

 

[fishlips]

Departron, unfortunatly gun rubbers are not made to last forever. Here are a few tips that I use to prolong the life of my rubbers:

Obviously always rinse your gun (and all dive gear) thoroughly in fresh water after it has been in contact with salt water. I unclip the rubber from slots on the sides of the muzzle (i.e. the slots that hold the rubber flush with the gun barrell) to take the strain off it. I regularly spray the entire rubber with Sanjaard Silicon spray (available at most hardware stores), particularly around the ends where the wishbone has been tied off and where it clips onto the muzzle.

This silicon spray works very well on all rubber parts associated with your dive gear (i.e. mask strap, fin foot pockets etc.), it creates a waterproof silicon coating over the rubber preventing UV damage and perishing.

It is also very important you stow your guns out of direct sunlight and in a cool place. Perished, pap rubbers can reduce the power of your rubber by half - not what you want when that record dagga swims past you!

Tight rubbers!

 

[fishlips]

Sorry, I now see my post not really relavent here as your concern is with the bungie. However, I still recommend the above.

I had the same problem with the black bungies and change to the blue ones available from rob allen. The blue rubber is more durable to UV rays and seems to last a lot longer.

Have you ever considered putting a reel on your gun? In which case the bungie is avoided completely, eliminating the noise of the mono clip bumping against the gun barrel. This has made a big difference for me and your attacks are far mor stealthier particularly in the white surgy water.

 

[Dooma]

Hi Depatron

Another little trick I learnt over the years is baby powder. When you have rinsed all your rubbers off and dried them out, cover with babby powder. Also really good for storing extra spare rubbers, put in a sealabel jiffy bag with baby powder, lasts for years in there.

Big breath, big fish

All the best

 

[Depatron]

Iv heard of baby powder on fishing hooks-stops the ones in your box from rusting.
When I used to to stay in Jhb I put my rubbers in a sealed bag and kept them in the deep freeze for the next trip.There was only 2 or 3 trips a year.

Fishlips-
I found the blue covered rubbers do last longer than the black ones,havent seen a blue bungi yet,will check Mikes Dive.
Still considering using of a reel gun.

 

[MOGGY]

Mikes has the blue bungi rubber.

 

[Flippie]

Silicone Spray works good on mine but i also gonna change to surgegal rubber it is more durable.