What a Wishbone Does on a Speargun

A wishbone is the forked metal piece that holds the rubber bands or latex tubing on a speargun. It sits at the front of the gun and keeps the power source centered and under tension. When you load the gun, you stretch the bands back over the wishbone's two arms, then hook them onto the trigger mechanism or loading pegs at the rear. The wishbone's job is to keep those bands from slipping sideways, twisting, or losing their grip during the shot.

Without a wishbone, your bands would fray, tangle, or pull unevenly, which kills accuracy and can damage the bands themselves. A good wishbone also spreads the load across both arms so no single point bears all the stress. This matters because spearguns generate serious force — a poorly designed wishbone can snap under the strain, or worse, fail mid-shot and send a band whipping toward your face.

Key Takeaways

  • Wishbones come in fixed and rotating styles; rotating versions reduce band twist and last longer on guns you use frequently.
  • Material matters — stainless steel resists corrosion in saltwater, while aluminum is lighter but needs rinsing after each dive.
  • The width between the two arms must match your band diameter so the bands sit snugly without pinching or slipping.
  • Most wishbones bolt directly to your gun's existing mounts, but measure your attachment points before ordering a replacement.

Fixed Versus Rotating Wishbones

A fixed wishbone is welded or bolted permanently to the gun's frame. It does not move. This design is simpler, cheaper, and works fine for casual hunters or guns that see light use. The tradeoff is that every time you load and fire, the bands twist slightly against the fixed arms. Over hundreds of shots, this twisting weakens the latex and can cause premature failure.

A rotating wishbone spins freely on a pin or bearing. As you load, the wishbone rotates with the bands instead of fighting them. This reduces stress on the latex, extends band life, and makes loading smoother on your hands. Rotating wishbones cost more and add a small amount of weight, but they are worth it if you dive regularly or hunt in tournaments where reliability matters. The bearing or pin can wear out over time, but replacement parts are usually available.

Material and Corrosion Resistance

Wishbones are made from stainless steel, aluminum, or occasionally titanium. Stainless steel is the standard for saltwater diving because it resists rust and corrosion without maintenance. It is heavier than aluminum but the weight difference is small — usually under an ounce. Stainless steel wishbones hold up to years of use in harsh conditions.

Aluminum wishbones are lighter and cost less, but they oxidize in saltwater and need rinsing with fresh water after every dive to stay functional. If you hunt in freshwater only, aluminum is fine. If you are diving the ocean, stainless steel saves you the maintenance and lasts longer. Titanium is rare and expensive but combines the lightness of aluminum with the corrosion resistance of stainless steel — it is overkill for most hunters but shows up on high-end custom guns.

Sizing the Wishbone to Your Bands

The distance between the two arms of the wishbone must match the diameter of your rubber bands. If the gap is too wide, the bands slip and twist. If it is too narrow, the bands pinch and fray. Most wishbones are designed for standard band sizes: 16 mm, 18 mm, or 20 mm are common. Check your current bands or the gun's manual to find out what size you need.

Some wishbones have adjustable arms or come in multiple widths so you can swap between different band diameters. This is useful if you own multiple guns or want to experiment with different power levels. Measure the gap on your current wishbone with calipers or a ruler before ordering a replacement — even a 2 mm error will cause problems.

Attachment Methods and Compatibility

Wishbones attach to the gun's frame using bolts, welds, or quick-release pins. Most modern spearguns use bolted mounts, which means you can unscrew the old wishbone and bolt on a new one in minutes. Some older guns or custom builds have welded wishbones that require a welder to replace — if that is your situation, a rotating wishbone retrofit kit may not be an option.

Before you buy a replacement, check where your current wishbone bolts on. Measure the distance between the bolt holes and the diameter of the bolts themselves. Take a photo of the attachment area. Most manufacturers list compatibility with specific gun models, but a quick email to the seller with your gun's brand and year will confirm whether a wishbone will fit. Buying the wrong size means a wasted order and delays to your next dive.

Maintenance and When to Replace

A wishbone itself rarely fails if it is made from quality material and properly installed. What wears out is the bearing or pin on rotating models. If your wishbone spins but feels gritty or stiff, the bearing is wearing out. Some models have sealed bearings that last years; others need occasional lubrication. Check the manual or contact the maker to learn what your wishbone needs.

Inspect your wishbone before each dive. Look for cracks, bent arms, or rust (on aluminum). If the arms are bent, the wishbone is no longer holding your bands evenly and accuracy will suffer. A bent wishbone is cheap to replace and worth doing rather than fighting a gun that does not shoot straight. If you notice your bands are fraying or twisting more than usual, the wishbone may be the culprit — a fresh one often solves the problem.

Common Wishbone Brands and Options

Most speargun manufacturers — Cressi, Mares, Omer, Rob Allen — sell replacement wishbones for their own guns. These are the safest choice because they are may provide to fit. Aftermarket wishbones from companies like Riffe or custom builders also exist and often offer rotating options or exotic materials. Read reviews from other hunters to see how long they last and whether the bearing holds up.

If you cannot find a wishbone for your exact gun model, a custom builder or machine shop can make one. This costs more but is worth it if you have an older gun you love or a rare model. Provide the builder with your gun's frame dimensions and band size, and they can fabricate a wishbone that works. Some builders also offer upgrades like ball bearings or stainless steel construction that beat the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a wishbone from a different gun brand on my speargun?

Only if the bolt holes and band size match exactly. Wishbones are not universal — different guns have different frame widths and attachment points. Forcing a mismatched wishbone onto your gun can crack the frame or cause the bands to sit unevenly. Measure your current wishbone and contact the manufacturer of the one you want to confirm compatibility.

How often should I replace my wishbone?

A stainless steel wishbone lasts many years with normal use. Replace it only if it bends, cracks, or the bearing wears out. If you dive several times a week, inspect it every month. Casual hunters may only need to check it once a season. The wishbone itself is durable — it is usually the bands that wear out first.

Does a rotating wishbone really make a difference?

Yes, especially if you load your gun hundreds of times per year. Rotating wishbones reduce band twist, which extends latex life by 20 to 40 percent depending on how often you dive. For casual hunters who load a gun a few times per month, the difference is small. For tournament shooters or guides, the longer band life and smoother loading justify the extra cost.

What should I do if my wishbone breaks mid-dive?

A broken wishbone usually means a broken band or lost shot, but you can still surface safely. Do not try to fire the gun — the bands will not be held evenly and could snap. Swim to the boat, rinse your gear, and replace the wishbone before your next dive. Keep a spare wishbone and band set at home so you are ready for your next trip.

Can I adjust the width between the wishbone arms?

Most wishbones have fixed arm spacing and cannot be adjusted. Some aftermarket models have adjustable arms held by set screws, which lets you dial in the perfect fit for your bands. If your current wishbone does not fit your bands snugly, a new one with the correct width is the solution — trying to force bands into a too-wide or too-narrow wishbone will damage them.