The "Hero saga" continues. Following the success it garnered among enthusiasts, it returns in the form of the Nightmare models. I open the packaging that contains the 105; the speargun is protected by a semi-transparent hard plastic bag. The package also contains everything needed for assembly (nylon, rivets, instructions for use), the stainless steel bridge for the head, and the left-handed ergonomic cheek pad (the right-handed one is already mounted on the handle).
Salvimar does not provide the reel as standard so that the end user can choose the model they prefer. Personally, since this is a speargun that is designed (in the 105 size) for open water hunting, I opted for the Vertical Reel 70, loaded with 70 meters of Salvimar Green/Black 1.5mm Dyneema line.
A distinctive feature of the Hero family is its generous mass, which I notice as soon as I take the weapon out of the packaging. This is a conscious and well-thought-out choice by the Ligurian company, which aims to offer a model with the performance of a "wooden" gun, but with greater durability over time and at about half the price.
Starting with the aesthetics, this version has been "nightmarized," giving the speargun a matte black color on all components (except for the stainless steel parts that retain the steel color), while the various labels are in gray.
In addition to the aesthetics, the Hero Nightmare 105 differs from the "standard" Hero in its setup. Specifically, the Nightmare models use Salvimar by Primeline rubber bands, made from high-quality natural latex that offers exceptional performance. Extracted from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree, it undergoes a "continuous immersion process" that results in a product with superior physical properties, including increased tear resistance. In the Hero Nightmare 105, we have a pair of 16mm matte black rubber bands, formulated to provide an optimized elastic modulus, ensuring a great balance between loading effort and power return, making it versatile and suitable for all types of hunting.
The standard shaft has a single-fin lower fin. From 75 to 95cm, it features the 7mm Capture shaft, while for the 105cm to 125cm models, the 7.5mm Pacific shaft is used. Specifically, the Hero Nightmare 105 comes with the Pacific shaft featuring three MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technology fins, welded with a laser.
The handle is molded from 30% glass-loaded nylon in black, a highly durable material that has been extensively tested. The non-removable rear support pad curves comfortably without bothering the hand, finishing with a soft black thermoplastic rubber insert to minimize chest discomfort caused by loading.
The release mechanism is an engineering masterpiece called Heavy Metal 350 (with a certified load of 350kg), made entirely from 17/4 PH stainless steel. The release box is compact, and on the right side, we find the stainless steel line release (also mountable on the left), made using injection molding, with smoothed and perfectly rounded corners for obvious reasons. The trigger is made using the MIM technique and has a wide skeletal design with fully smoothed surfaces. Its sensitivity can be adjusted with a screw located under the trigger guard, by unscrewing or screwing it in. The ergonomic buttstock, with a handprint and corresponding thumb support, characterizes the overall shape, offering a comfortable grip. The thermoplastic rubber is black, and the package includes a second pre-formed cheek pad for left-handed use.
At the base of the stock, a removable stainless steel triangular fixing hook is visible, designed to hold a carabiner or balloon line (if hunting in blue water for large pelagics). On both sides, there are two wings to keep the monofilament away from the aiming line and the muzzle. The joint between the handle and the barrel is a critical point, but Salvimar has solved any potential issues by using elliptical O-ring seals (designed in-house) with calibrated seats to ensure water tightness.
The barrel is an elliptical, reinforced, asymmetric tube made from over 1mm thick aerospace-grade aluminum, offering great strength and rigidity. This geometry allows for more air to be "stored" inside compared to circular-barrel models of the same length. By containing a good amount of air within the elliptical barrel, the Hero Nightmare 105 guarantees greater buoyancy and mass, allowing for the use of thicker shafts and more powerful bands. This means more power with a well-balanced speargun and good recoil control.
Upon close inspection, additional internal stiffening ribs can be seen, both above and below the barrel. The shaft guide consists of a series of glass-loaded Teflon inserts, a material with a very low friction index and self-lubricating properties. The inserts are placed in sequence along the barrel’s grooved housing, forming a continuous line. The 105 barrel measures 47mm in width and 32mm in height.
The head is an open type, molded (like the handle) from 30% glass-loaded nylon. It has compact and streamlined dimensions with bilateral "horns." It connects to the barrel via a male cylindrical connector with double O-rings and is finished in such a way that it appears to seamlessly follow the shapes and lines of the barrel.
The Hero Nightmare is produced in sizes 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, and 125.

In the Water
I intentionally waited for the right water conditions to give a thorough evaluation of this speargun. So, here I am in the sea on a late-April day, after a week of calm caused by northern winds, on the day when the winds shift, and a generous sirocco starts blowing from the night. During these periods, dentex come closer to the shallow edges of caves, where the water is warmer; I’m hoping to encounter these magnificent predators, armed with the Hero Nightmare 105.
Loading is done without much effort. The 16mm Primeline bands have a progressive mixture and stretch easily, especially thanks to the pre-load fin positioned three-quarters of the way along the shaft. The rear pad performs its job, alleviating the pressure on the sternum.
After a generous fin kick, I reach the first spot. Already from the surface, the baitfish are nervous, darting around. I take a breath to relax and lower my heart rate. I descend and reach my usual position, which I consider the best in that cave system. The baitfish are now calmer, and a school of gilthead bream is stationed under the ledge, but they are not what I’m after, so I wait…
From the school of bream, after a few seconds, a beautiful gilthead bream emerges, slithering and aiming at me. I align the Hero Nightmare 105, and I immediately notice that the shooting line is clean, and the shot comes naturally, allowing me a great aim.
The fish turns at about two and a half meters of distance; I release the shot, and it hits the fish hard on the head. The sparid reacts to the shot, flailing uselessly. The shot is precise and powerful, with recoil being almost entirely absorbed by the mass of the speargun itself, making it minimal. The unloaded speargun tends to float, which greatly helps the hunter's actions after the shot.
The large bream is on the line, and I decide to move on to other spots, though they won’t give me another catch. Thinking back on my way back, I can confidently say that the Hero Nightmare 105 is a perfect speargun for ambush hunting, blue water hunting, and drop hunting for large serranids, both in length and setup. Thanks to its simplicity and intuitiveness, it is suitable for any level of diver, although the difficulty lies in managing the length of the gun. Therefore, for less experienced hunters, I would recommend a shorter version.
Several outings have confirmed my initial impressions. This Hero Nightmare 105 is truly an excellent adventure companion!

Ratings!
Construction Quality: The Hero has become a "specialty of the house," and with the Nightmare, they raise the bar even higher thanks to the well-thought-out details developed in-house. Each component is made from top-quality materials. 9
Handling: The substantial mass results in slower vertical movements, while lateral ones need careful calibration. It's suitable for techniques like ambush hunting, drop hunting, or blue water hunting. 7
Performance: The speargun has excellent range, and the trigger sensitivity is remarkable. The combination of the 16mm Primeline bands and the 7.5mm Pacific shaft results in a fast shot with excellent penetration at the end of the stroke. 9
Balance: When loaded, the Nightmare tends to be slightly positive at the head. You can correct this by removing the stainless steel ring under the handle. The overall balance is good. 8
Finish Quality: As with every high-quality project, it’s the details that make the difference: the Heavy Metal 350 release mechanism, the handle, the reinforced elliptical barrel, the barrel stiffening ribs, the head, the rubber band attachment, and the shaft. It's almost perfect. 9
Value for Money: The average price of the 105 is around €260 without the reel, but it can be found for less. I'd say it’s excellent for an entirely "Made in Italy" product. 9