MAKO Oceanic ETR 140cm Review

[reelistic]

After a couple months of research, calling companies and lurking on forums, I finally bought a gun and joined this forum. Thanks to all the users who post helpful info, I'll return the favor now.

I had allotted $700 - 800 for a new gun to be used for blue water as well as some reef shooting. The hunt was on and I had narrowed the search down to Riffe or Wong and was ready to pay some extra dollars and get an express or an Ono until I bought a MAKO Wetsuit and started looking at their guns. After many hours on the forums and a few phone calls to the guys a MAKO, I ended up getting the ETR 140 and hoping I wouldn't regret it. I don't, the gun is great.

I have shot the gun both blue water and reef diving and was happy with the results. I will give my best assessment of accuracy, power and ease of loading. BUT I will not compare it to Riffe, or Wong guns as I have never shot them and I could not make an intelligent review of those guns, others on here can.

Accuracy:
Pros:
- Gun is very long and has a long enclosed track which gives very accurate shots. Like an other member said, "it puts laser beam holes in fish."
- Dive buddy and I did a test to see how far the shaft would go strait on a double wrap (my setup) we were perpendicular to each other and I fired into the open. Shaft didn't arc until the last few feet just like the website says.
- The gun also tracks better than I thought it would.
Cons:
- None

Power:
Pros:
- for only having three bands, the gun seems to hold power to the outer edges of the range. When I take longer shots, I do try to shoot more body than face shots so that the shaft has an easier penetration.
- Due to fully enclosed rail, You might be able to shorten up the bands and get some more power without tip whip? We'll see later.
Cons:
- Only three bands due to Euro Mech. Could always use more power.

Ease of Loading:
Pros:
- Once you know how to do it, it isn't so bad.
- Once you shoot, that line is out of your way it is super easy to let the gun float and just deal with line.
Cons:
- If you are scuba, there is a lot of line that has to be positioned in order to load gun which means a lot of line to get tangled in like an idiot (but thats not the guns fault). We've all be there.

Overall, the gun has been outstanding. Especially for the price. I do not think that it would replace an Ono or Express, but I saved $600 when I bought this gun and am yet to regret that. The guys at Mako are also very helpful. I believe that unless you are specifically targeting large yellowfin at long range, this gun would be the best gun. Not for the money, but the best gun period. (no I do not work for mako

Now that I'm done with this review, I'm going to go spearfishing!

[primalpete]

As far as dealing with two wraps of mono while scuba diving is concerned you will get used to it with time. At first you might get some nasty tangles but just remember that that easiest way to fix them is to unhook the mono from the bungie and pull the line free. Just make sure you have the shaft loaded or your arm through the bands while doing so or your gun will float to the surface. (Assuming the ETR mako is bouyant with the shaft out)

[reelistic]

Great suggestion! I will do that if I ever get that wrapped up.

[MAKO Spearguns]

Great to hear you like the gun!

[FiftyFathoms]

that is awesome to hear the gun shoots good. I do believe I'm getting the same gun you mentioned for the holiday celebrations, ETR 140cm with a mako reel of course!

[LoKick]

I have the same gun but with two bands. I was impressed with the quality of the gun and love the trigger mech. The latest fish I have landed with it is a five foot amberjack. With both bands loaded this gun penetrated the gill plate and skull of the AJ on a quartering away shot, right where I pointed it. Approximately 2/3 of the shaft were sticking out of the other side of the fish. The distance of the shot was about 16'. The gun is an accurate, reliable beast. To load the two band version, pack a lunch. Chest loading a must with good technique, 3 bands would be preferable for most. I am 6'4" 220#. It is a great gun and a steal at just under $300. A no brainer. I would like to have an 8mm shaft (a personal preference), though. It comes with a 7.5mm, which obviously works.

[Gonefishing82]

Cool reviews. Anybody done any pool testing with this gun?

[humpinit]

I bought my son the 130 etr for christmas. It was recommended by a couple of friends that we spear with. They carry Herrenens, Koah, and the Mako. That right there told me something. The mako didn't disappoint.

[diveincanada]

I have that same gun... love it !!!