Comparing the Different Neptonics Trigger Mechanisms
Speargun Trigger Mechanism Comparisons - A Deep Dive into Neptonics and Ermes Mechs
Speargun trigger mechanisms are one of the smallest, but most important parts of a speargun. Many divers prefer one mech over the other based off of how smoothly the trigger releases the spear shaft or a line release or the quality of the components. Others prefer mechs due to their secure mounting in the speargun. We will be looking at the pros and cons to each type of speargun trigger mechanism we have here at neptonics available to help determine which may work best for you.
Reverse Speargun Trigger Mech
The Reverse Mech is easily one of our most popular speargun trigger mechanisms. It is easy to use and allows for more band stretch than any other trigger mech on the market. The mech has an auto-resetting line release, which is not a given in most stand alone speargun trigger mechanisms. 3/16” stainless steel pins retain the mech, which keep it secure to your gun at all time. All Neptonics Trigger Mechs are overbuilt to be able to perform under extreme tension. In order for a Neptonics Mech to fail, you would have to use over 15 power bands, which means the shaft you use will fail under tension before any Neptonics mech fails.
Reef Trigger Mech
The Reef Mech is the original trigger mech designed by Neptonics. There are thousands of spearguns all over the world harvesting fish using this mech. It is a simple, reliable, and sturdy mech. The only downside to this trigger mech is that it does not come standard with an auto-resetting line release. 3/16” stainless steel pins retain the mech, which keep it secure to your gun. Again, all Neptonics Trigger Mechs are overbuilt to be able to perform under extreme tension, so the spear shaft you use will fail under tension before any Neptonics mech fails.
Tuna Speargun Trigger Mechanism
The Tuna Mech is the sturdiest trigger mechanism Neptonics offers. This mech handles over six (6) 5/8” (16mm) bands on a large tuna speargun with ease. Like the Reef Mech, this mech does not come standard with an auto-resetting line release, but the line release will automatically fall into place by tilting the speargun with the butt of the gun slightly down while reloading. The tolerances on the Tuna Speargun Trigger Mechanism are very tight. This means you need to set this trigger mech exactly right to ensure the spear shaft engages properly. Other trigger mechs can have two to three millimeters of clearance for a shaft to still function. However, because of how much force it has to tolerate, the tuna mech operates with fractions of millimeters of clearance.
All Neptonics Trigger Mechs are overbuilt to be able to perform under extreme tension. In order for a Neptonics Mech to fail you would have to use over 15 power bands. The spear shaft you use will fail under tension before the Neptonics trigger mech. The Tuna Mech is different in that the spring tension is designed to release easier at higher tension.
Ermes Double Roller Mech
The Ermes Double Roller Mech is gaining in popularity for European style spearguns. The mech has an impressively smooth release, and is easy to install because you don't need a jig. Screws on the top of the mech retain it in the speargun. The mech fires smoothly because the spear engages in the housing on a rolling wheel. The shaft releases using another rolling element. It is not named "double roller" because it is supposed to be used in a double roller speargun, but instead because of these two rollers inside the mech.
From an engineering perspective it has the risk of misfiring as a result of the roller components in the mech. Structurally, it lacks a solid locking mechanism, and is only held into the gun by screws on the top. However, it has an auto-resetting line release and is easy to install without a jig.
The Importance of Using a Jig (for most mechs)
A jig is a tool designed to demarcate where, how deep, and how far to cut or drill to achieve a given final product. For speargun-making, jigs are used to make sure the pocket for the trigger mechanism is exactly correct.
A proper jig is critical to ensuring proper placement of your speargun trigger mechanism. We offer jigs that show the precise depth and locations of cuts you need to make all of the Neptonics trigger mechanisms. The reef and tuna jigs also offer proper placement of the line release pocket and the line release pin. The greatest value of the jig is that it ensures proper placement of the retaining pins for the mechanism itself. It takes the mystery, guess work, and frustration out of the speargun build. Here is a video showing how to use them.