Whatever level you are working at - and I'm just a weekend spearfisher - there's no doubt that the best speargun for you to have is a Pneumatic Speargun. They are high powered, massively efficient and ultra reliable.

Here are a few things I've learned in my experiences with pneumatic spear guns.

Best Pneumatic Speargun: Mares Sten

Currently for sale on eBay

Mares Sten 58cm w Power Adjust Pneumatic Speargun    US $249.98

Mares Sten 70cm w Power Adjust Pneumatic Speargun    US $269.98

The Mares Sten 70cm Power Adjust Pneumatic Speargun is an awesome piece of engineering. It's fast, accurate, and has surprisingly light recoil for such a powerful gun. They are at the more pricey end of the market and do require maintenance to keep in top condition, so may not the right for beginners. But for serious spearfishers, they're ideal.

Best Value Pneumatic Speargun: Cressi Sub Geronimo

Currently for sale on eBay

Brand New Cressi Sub Geronimo 75 Pneumatic Spear Gun    US $169.00

Brand New Cressi Sub Geronimo 60 Pneumatic Spear Gun    US $169.00

Brand New Cressi Sub Geronimo 90 Pneumatic Spear Gun    US $179.00

Although not quite as well constructed as the Mares Sten, the Cressi Sub Geronimo still offers accuracy, durability and ease of use way beyond the price would suggest. The Cressi is very lightweight and easy to handle. A very good gun for beginners.

Rules of Pneumatic Spearguns

When you're using a pneumatic speargun, safety is of the utmost importance. They are a powerful and potentially deadly weapon and should not be treated lightly or as a toy. There are three main rules of using pneumatic spearguns:

- Pointing: Never point it directly at another person. That goes without saying, right? Actually, you'd be surprised. Spearguns do have a tendency to put people in the mood for horsing around. As well as that, underwater, it can be easy to lose concentration and find yourself accidentally pointing at your partner.

- Firing the speargun outside water: This is exceptionally dangerous and you should never attempt it. When you use the gun in water, the impact is dulled by the pressure of the water. Outside of the water, the pressure will be more than the gun and you can handle. Besides and damage you might do to yourself, the gun itself will almost certainly be damaged (and you won't be able to get your money back if you've fired it out of water).

- Maintenance: Always make sure that your pneumatic spear gun is in good condition before you take it out. Make sure it is well oiled and the shaft is not damaged. Any bends in the shaft