CHRISTOPHER H I've had mine for a couple of years now, and it has sustained some serious use and abuse without incident. As far as the shaft wobble, the shaft is secured to the gun with the plastic muzzle in the front and the trigger's release mechanism in the back. Every gun will have some play in it when it is not armed. If you are unsure if the amount of play you have in the shaft, I would recommend having a local dive shop check it out- safety first. Otherwise, it sounds like everything is fine; this is one of three JBL guns I own, and they have all been bulletproof.
Justin R Are you sure you are referring to the elite model? The elite model has an open end with nothing holding the spear end tight to the gun. The spear is able to list up several inches.
CHRISTOPHER H No- my apologies. My particular model is a closed-muzzle design. If yours has an open muzzle, it should still have play in it. The theory on the open muzzle design is to have less resistance on the shaft when firing, and to provide you with a better line of sight when shooting, especially on the longer guns. I still think your gun is fine, but again- the number one rule with the sport is safety first. I would recommend letting someone who is familiar with your gun take a look at it just to be safe. I'm sure you could send it back if you wanted to, but my thought is #1, its always great to connect with a local dive shop or spearfishing group just for the connection, and #2, it's much less down time to just have someone give it a quick once-over to make sure everything is as it should be vs. shipping it back. I'm not sure where you dive at, but I am on the east coast of FL where the water is warming back up and getting clear again- there's no way I would send it out with dive season around the corner.
Justin R Yeah I agree, I'm also on the east coast of FL. I dive Pompano Beach and Key Largo. I live in Boynton Beach though. I have brought it to every shop around and none of them have even seen the elite model. It seems to fire okay in the water but I was just worried about the amount of play w/ no bands attached that it may have a freak accident. Seems to be okay though, just thought I'd check to be sure though. Where do you dive?
Justin
CHRISTOPHER H I'm just north of you in saint lucie county- go figure....I still think it's funny living here and ordering a speargun from New York.....
Justin R LOL, yeah I agree!