TEST: SPEARGUN SEAC SUB GUUN 30 KAMA
SEAC SUB GUUN 30 KAMA TEST AT SEA
It's absolutely positive the judgment of this weapon after the test at sea! A feature that is taken into great consideration by spearos when it comes to purchase an "industrial" speargun is its balance, a characteristic that has always stimulated our skills in “Do It Yourself”. That is, because we have always had to adjust it searching for increasingly innovative solutions.
With this speargun we can definitely use our neurons in other activities because as you can see in the video the speargun has already all the solutions it needs for a perfect balance! The video was made with the original set-up without any modification so anyone who is preparing to buy one will get the same result.
The balanced structure also allows to not stress the articulation of the wrist that can be relaxed during movements, thanks also to its lightness and the intuitive grip on the handle. We further confirm what stated in our previous article in relation to the presence of the float on the barrel: it has no negative implications neither in moving the speargun nor in the aiming.
Finally, in the picture you can see that the camouflage of the barrel and the choice of the bands colour make it uniform with the seascape. In short, an excellent weapon to try!
Here the link to learn more about it: REVIEW
THE NEW SPEARGUN BY SEAC: GUUN 30 KAMA
THE NEW SPEARGUN BY SEAC GUUN 30 KAMA NOVELTY FROM CATALOG 2016
Thanks to the collaboration with Mr Acampora, Nadirspearfishing team has had the opportunity to test one of the new key products by the company SEAC: The speargun Guun Kama 30. SEAC presented in its catalog 2016 this new rifle with aluminum barrel and 28mm or 30mm round section available in black or camouflage version (kama). The two sections, imply the use of two different settings that allow to allocate the speargun to users with different needs. The barrel with the largest section ensures better performance in the presence of heavier loads, in fact, while the 28mm version is equipped with 14mm double bands and 6.5mm shaft, the 30mm one is equipped with 16mm double band and 140cm x 7mm shaft (these settings refer to the 95cm version). This weapon is definitely aimed at the most demanding fishermen engaged in fishing large preys. We asked to be able to test right this model measuring 95cm kama and here you’ll see it in detail.
Barrel The barrel, as above, has a cylindrical section with an integrated shaft-track that is hollow in the middle. The bottom portion has a small rail that runs all along the barrel and that, in addition to contributing to the tightening of the latter acts as a track on which to slide a very useful accessory. Although the Italian company designed a very light weapon, did not fail to take into account the different set-up changes that all spearos usually try and consequently implemented the rail under the barrel to let a "floater" slide on. It is a floater in plastic, large nearly as much as a hand which is fixed without screws or clips and which can be positioned in any point of the barrel to adjust the balance. The normal pressure exerted by this accessory on the barrel allows it to remain fixed in the selected position but at the same time it can easily be moved to another point. In our opinion has no negative implications in the pointing and general movements. The concept behind this accessory is not exactly new, since it was already presented in the past by other Italian and French companies, nevertheless it remains useful and finds particular application in the longer gun measures, so say goodbye to polystyrene and cork attached with electrical tape on the barrel.
Shaft The gun object of this test is supplied as standard with a 7mm mono-upper barb shaft, 140cm in length, made of steel 17-4 PH heat treated to be more resistant and at the same time elastic. The shaft is equipped with three shark fins pins and in the picture below you can see the distances that separate them from the bands.
Muzzles and bands The muzzle was designed to house just at the tip a hard rubber part that allows you to securely hold the passage of the monofilament above the shaft. All spearos who use guns with open muzzles know how uncomfortable it can be to reload the gun in the water, especially in rough sea when the monofilament keep coming out continuously. This trick solves the problem. The gun is supplied with a pair of power green 16mm circular bands. They are progressive bands (amber inside) with a thin dark green coextrusion outside. The length of the bands supplied by the company are equal to 300% elongation coefficient. The eyelets and the wishbones are made with a white cord while bottlenecks are realized by means of plastic rings. The first thing we did was replacing the white cord with some good Dyneema 2mm. To do this, however, it was necessary to saw off the plastic rings, taking care not to damage the band below.
Reel The rifle is equipped standard with a polymer large capacity reel. The main features of this accessory are the small foldable knob, already present in other models from other manufacturers, and the clutch that in just half a turn firmly tightens the cord.
Handle The handle is a small masterpiece itself as it is clear that designers paid a lot of attention to its details. The trigger mechanism is made of stainless steel (laser cutting) and is set back enough to bring the bands working space to 104cm. The trigger is long and very sensitive. The grip is very intuitive and in the photo you can see how a medium sized hand (sizes on the bottom) fits on the handle. The safe is in the space dedicated to the thumb, so once inserted it cannot be unnoticed. Furthermore it can also be switched off easily because the thumb is not engaged in the handle grip. Some other manufacturers on the contrary place it on the opposite side where the index finger is. The colored part may subsequently be replaced with another more voluminous for larger hands but this accessory will be available only later. The overall weight of the speargun is 1.5kg, including all the accessories and the Dyneema cord in the reel. It is a product really well cured in its design and it is very evident even from the robust bag it is sold with. A quality product that will surely not disappoint users.
Soon the test at sea.
2016 NOVELTIES: ANCHOR WEIGHT SIGALSUB AND MUCH MORE
2016 NOVELTIES: ANCHOR WEIGHT SIGALSUB AND MUCH MORE
Its shape makes it easy to place beneath the belt (and to remove if necessary) and slides perfectly in the water.
The knives that we have over the years learned to know and appreciate today also have the some Velcro/elastic bands to secure them on the arm. They are available in black, military green and mimetic camouflage.
Unless you have a very small hand or are the local double of Hulk Hogan, I recommend to get the size L, because the XL has a much wider fit.
TESTING THE SONY HDR AS20 CAM
TESTING THE SONY HDR AS20 CAM EXCELLENT CAM BUT NOT REALLY SUITABLE FOR SPEARFISHING
Today we have tested an action cam that is not really new since it was launched in 2014 but that is still available in several stores. That is the SONY HDR AS20.
Its technical characteristics make it particularly suitable for our sport because it is able to film, according to the setting chosen (see table), up to 120fps which means that you can get top quality slow motions thanks to the high rate of frames per second. All that with a 1280x720 resolution (the same as Midland XTC200).
The best setting for us, unless you need to film a shooting test of a speargun, will be the PS which combines the maximum 1080p resolution with a 60fps shooting rate. If you then select the "SteadyShot" function, that stabilizes the flickering, then you can also benefit from a 120° wide angle instead of the native 170°.
However there are negative points that could direct your choice to other items.
Furthermore the underwater case costs on average € 50 that together with the 160€ of the cam may encourage to direct your attention elsewhere for something that you can instead take full advantage of.
The cam has a wifi system and after downloading an app for your smartphone you can remotely control the camera and see the pictures taken directly on your phone. However you cannot see the movies instead, which makes this function almost useless for spearos like us. The only way we can benefit from this function in our sport involves bringing a smartphone in a waterproof case on the buoy to change the cam settings..provided that you have a wifi connection available ... Below you may notice, however, the quality of pictures taken with the PS + water + SteadyShot setting.
TEST: TEKNODIVER BACK WEIGHT - BALLAST ON BUTTOCKS
TEST: TEKNODIVER BACK WEIGHT BALLAST ON BUTTOCKS
We usually deal with products that have innovative features and that are presented to the market for the very first time but in this case we decided to write about a product with great potential that cannot be exactly defined brand new. It is in fact an item that was designed more than four years ago but which media have not talked much of although it is very useful. Perhaps this might be due to the fact that it has not a well-defined commercial name. TEKNODIVER, the company located in galatone (LE-italy) that sells it, on its website calls it "back-weight" and it is actually a neoprene belt that excellently solves the issue of ballast distribution, especially in winter when the ballast dramatically increases.
The idea is at the same time so simple and so effective, to place a portion of the ballast on the buttocks using a vest-like system. Through the "cuts" in the upper portion, this accessory connects to the normal weight belt on which you can mount your usual weights and then in the pockets with velcro closing you can put 3/4 weights of 1 kilo each (the ones for the belt or other kinds) according to the model you buy.
The lower part of the back-weight is provided with a ring to which you can connect a nylon belt that it equipped with an o-ring on the other end to be fixed to the weight-belt (see photo) on the front before passing it through the buckle to lock it. This step besides keeping the back-weight firm in the desired position prevents the whole ballast to slide towards the chest while diving to the bottom.
Surely you will be asking yourself the following questions: 1. isn’t swimming with weights laying on our bottom uncomfortable, as butt muscles do contribute to the fin movement? 2. doesn’t the nylon band between the legs tend to “cut” the groin area or by the way to bother on long distances?
About the first question, we have to consider that the bags with the weights lay on the coccyx area and therefore do not significantly affect the swimming. Even sitting on the rocks for example can easily be done although, to be honest, you feel there is something … As for the second point, the nylon band passes above the beaver tail of the suit and over long distances has not caused any inconvenience. However this is a subjective matter that can be easily solved by replacing the nylon band with another material such as a piece of elastic cord. The only aspect that could be improved is related to the cuts in which the belt passes because in our opinion they could be coated as the whole perimeter is in order to safeguard their integrity in time. The company informs us that this accessory is available in two colors (displayed in picture) and with 3 or 4 pockets at 42 € including shipping in Italy.
TEST: EPSEALON IMPULSE G2 RED 100% CARBON FINS
TEST: EPSEALON IMPULSE G2 RED 100% CARBON FINS - NEW 2016
The IMPULSE G2 fins have been designed by EPSEALON for spearfishing and are available in three versions: RED hard, ORANGE medium and BLUE soft. The blades are designed to fit the EPSEALON foot-pocket made in thermo-rubber and are already glued to the them when they are sold. These fins offer the advantage of a double water canalisation thanks to the presence of small flaps on the end of the blade and to the grooves on both sides of the foot-pockets. This provides a better grip on the water, avoiding them to drift during flexion.
The fins are made of pre-preg T300-3K carbon fibre but before jumping to any conclusion we should first understand what these acronyms mean. Carbon is a composite fibre obtained by weaving filaments thinner than a human hair in a tissue that can be unidirectional or not. Manufacturers have given us over the years several acronyms like T300, T700, T800 and T1000 while marketing has been convincing us that 1000 is better than 700 and so on. In reality, the evaluation of the carbon fibre must be done in consideration of different variables and especially what use they are meant for, that is, the type of stress that has to bear and in which way.
In regards to the value followed by the letter K, it refers to the number of filaments composing a single fibre while with T300, 700, etc. they refer to the type of fibre that differs for properties of resistance and elasticity. Without going through very specific engineering terms it can be said that as the number after T increases, the resistance is higher but on the other hand the elasticity decreases. For instance if a tissue in T1000 is used to make a fin blade, such a material will probably not be performing as a T300 or T700, without considering the increased related costs. After these considerations it can be understood as, for example, some manufacturers of carbon fins have decided to use the two abovementioned fibre types to produce a single product combining the main characteristics of both materials.
As we said carbon fibre is a material consisting of tissue and resin, and pre-preg is a term indicating that the tissue is purchased by fin manufacturers already impregnated with the necessary resin. The advantage of this type of carbon is that the resin is distributed uniformly on the carbon tissue with processes that allow for example to avoid the presence of small bubbles, which represent potential points of failure. Therefore also the properties of the resin and the way in which it is applied affect the overall performance of the final product.
The G2 have an inclination of 22 ° which, thanks to the EPSEALON foot-pocket is fully exploited. The front tip has a tradition dovetail design. The sizes are the following: width 19cm, length 92cm (overall). The carbon fibre blade itself instead measures 80cm in length and provides a thrust surface which measures 62x19cm. By observing the blade with a certain angle it is possible to note how the fibres are arranged. Towards ¾ of the length, there are 2 sections with different thickness. This helps to avoid stiffening the blade and stress too much the ankles.
This fin is ideal for deep diving, because its reactivity allows you to save energy when operating at more challenging depths. However, the fact that it is slightly shorter than the other models of fins makes it comfortable while swimming on surface. It’s a very nervous fins that responds well to the first kicks on the bottom when heading to the surface but it is definitely suitable for trained and demanding spearos. The weight of a single fin (foot-pocket+blade) is a few grams less than a kilo. They are sold in a handy nylon bag.
EPSEALON VEGA ORANGE FINS: TEST AT SEA
EPSEALON VEGA ORANGE FINS: TEST AT SEA NOT FOR ALL, EXCELLENT IN SHALLOW WATER
For those who do not know them, they are one-piece fins with blade in techno-polymer designed to be as comfortable as possible during long time finning. The main feature is represented by the flexibility and lightness of the materials used that rank them among the lightest ones on the market, only 909gr. The footpocket is made of thermoplastic material, a soft and comfortable material that gives a pleasant sensation to the foot when kicking and really allows user to forget of having it on. The blade is also soft but still responsive and efficient. It is made through an injection molding process and after that the footpocket is molded over. Such a process allows both materials to fuse into a one-piece fin and they destined to never fall apart.
It is a good product, however, is not intended to be used efficiently by all kind of spearos and for all types of fishing. They are ideal for spearos who are used to soft fin and have a relatively small silhouette. They are ideal for prolonged surface swimming and for dives within 10-12 meters depth. I have personally tested these fins and although I do not match with the target size of this product (height: 185 cm, weight 85kg) I could appreciate their performance in surface swimming (it’s me the one swimming in the video below). You can exploit the full power of the leg because the fin allows you to expand the breadth of the kicking and to use all the muscles. Moving on the surface, as you can see, is quite fast although the pace of finning is low. The flexible materials used allow you to not overload muscles and joints, especially after 3-4 hours swimming.
In regards to the fins in relation to different techniques they are suitable for ambush technique at depth no greater than 10 meters and for fishing in the backwash. In the following video you can see the excellent elastic properties of the fin and its performance in water, but you will also be able to note that it is very visible while swimming on surface as the video operator is at about 30 meters from the tester.
SALVIMAR PREDATHOR 100: THE TEST
SALVIMAR PREDATHOR 100: THE TEST MEDITERRANEAN TESTING DAY
The editors of Nadirspearfishing.com had the privilege to test the new Predathor speargun by SALVIMAR within the European project called "mediterranean testing day" of which they were co-ordinators for all Spanish, French and Italian testers.
A plastic tip to help aiming is also missing but it is something with relative importance since many spearos do not use it to point the prey. The line of sight it is therefore very clean. In relation to this all fans of video footages should know that SALVIMAR sells a bracket in carbon fiber for video cameras that can be mounted on all sling spearguns and that thanks to a little support available separately can also be fitted on the predathor.
The top feature is represented by the handle made in nylon loaded with fiberglass that was designed to get as close as possible to the handle of a sling speargun with the right angle and ergonomics. The hilt was enlarged to accommodate even larger hands wearing thick gloves. Furthermore the metal bracket that holds the vertical reel is mounted right on the hilt. On the left side, in a raised position, finally, you can find a useful power reducer snap, adjustable in two positions. Another important feature is the line releaser, directly connected to the trigger that performs well its function safely hosting three loops of 1.5 mm monofilament.
HERE ARE THE LINKS FROM THE OTHER EUROPEAN TESTERS:
pescasub blog (ITALY): http://www.pescasublog.it/pneumatici/salvimar-predathor-100/ pescasub.net (SPAIN): http://www.pescasub.net/index.php?pag=banco_de_pruebas%2Fsalvimar%2Fpredathor_vuoto_100 pasionpescasub (SPAIN): http://www.pasionpescasub.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4737 todopescagalicia (SPAIN): http://todopescagalicia.es/pesca-submarina-2/materiales/fusiles/salvimar-predathor-vuoto/ passionchasse (FRANCE): https://www.facebook.com/notes/stephane-dudon/predathor-salvimar/1013176818693703?pnref=story
EPSEALON SCORPION MIMETIC WETSUIT
EPSEALON SCORPION MIMETIC WETSUIT RED CAMOUFLAGE, NICE FINISHES
The famous French firm EPSEALON at the end of 2014 presented its new product line called "SCORPION" and characterized by a very appealing red camouflage. The line consists of a wetsuit, gloves, socks and vest, all made with the same camouflage.
We had the chance to test the scorpion 5mm wetsuit which at first glance does not disappoint. It is produced with mimetic Lycra outside and open cell yamamoto 019 ultra flexible neoprene inside. You can note how soft it is by just touching it and once you wear it you get the final confirmation as the neoprene adheres to the skin without being constricting.
The suit is entirely mimetic, even the bottom area and the closing stripe between the legs. On both knees and elbows you can find a thick latex protection against abrasion that does not stiffen the wetsuit and once you wear it you don’t feel its presence. On the chest area a 5mm thermoformed neoprene pad makes loading the speargun easier, but the real gem is represented by the finishes on wrists, face and ankles which remind those of a scuba dry suit. They are in fact made of black jersey neoprene outside and lined neoprene inside to prevent as much as possible the access of water from those points. Furthermore, the long john pants also end with a finish with right such a purpose, in fact on the upper end you can find a large stripe of lined neoprene inside and outside.
Finally, much attention on the joints of the various neoprene parts. Each part is glued to each other and subsequently sewn with double blind stitches and at the end of each seam it has been applied a drop of latex to avoid the annoying fraying due to normal use.
Moreover jacket and pants are sold separately, so if you want a larger jacket and a smaller pant or vice versa this is possible with EPSEALON. For example, I am tall 185cm, weight 85kg and I have the following chest measures 102/90/88. A size 4 for both pants and jacket fits me like a glove. Right length for arms and legs and the face oval adheres well without forcing or leaving many air spaces.
Definitely a safe bargain for this summer. In Italy there are unfortunately no distributors but in Spain there is a website that is selling online and it is strongly recommended also because it offers to all the readers of nadirspearfishing additional discount on all products (just ask to our staff via e-mail). Then check it out: http://passionchasse.eu/it/mute/9-scorpion-yamo19.html
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ACID GREEN SALVIMAR A-BOOST BANDSACID GREEN SALVIMAR A-BOOST BANDS A QUICK PREVIEW FROM THE 2015 SALVIMAR CATALOG
The Italian company decided to unveil one of the new features available in 2015 catalog that is dedicated to all users of bands spearguns: the A-boost.
It is a new American rubber band characterized by an innovative manufacturing method that improves its performance and by a singular and aggressive acid green color which makes it easy to recognize among the others on the shelves.
Usually bands are produced by coextrusion, this means that the rubber passes through a die that gives it the tubular shape we all know. The A-boost instead is produced by dipping, in other words the band takes on the final shape through several different dips creating a multilayer structure. This manufacturing difference gives the product an excellent “memory” even after being stretched for long time.
After some tests in fact it has been noticed for example that after 30 min of stretching (370%) at the constant temperature of 20° the band gets (compared to the original) only 2% longer!
This new product is only available in 16mm due to the different method of manufacturing, in fact there is a tolerance of 1.5mm more or less on the desired diameter.
The band is black inside and has a 0.5mm thick latex coating that protects it from external agents. Unlike other bands the central hole is 2mm wide while usually it is 3mm (except for sigal ones that are 1mm). The recommended maximum stretching is 380%.
During tests in water with the carbon sapiens 95, the first thing you notice is the ease of loading despite the exaggerated stretching (380%) and the diameter (16mm). The sensation you get both when you load it and when you shoot is the one you get with a progressive band (amber inside). The shaft infact is not launched but it is progressively accompanied out. The main advantage of this is the extreme reduction of recoil as you can see in the video below.
Finally, once it is stretched, the vivid green color of the coating does not “light up” and remains uniform. During the descent, it tends to take on the pastel tones of the surrounding environment.
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