Kyle Faust, Spear Monger and Associate Product Manager for Omer America, provided an overview of their Umberto Pelizarri Signature line to DeeperBlue.com at this week’s DEMA Show 2015.
The centerpiece of the line is the UP-F1 fin, which features a 29-degree downturn. Kicking at the surface, the carbon fiber blade has the feel of a soft- to medium-hard blade, but at depth, the position of the fin creates a feel more like a harder blade. The fin booties are made of two different materials, but lacks rubber sides. Overall, the design provides more surface area and full flex of the blade during the kick cycle. Priced at US$850, the UP-F1 comes in sizes 41/42, 43/44, 45/46, and 47/48.
The UP-X1 Freediving Computer is a rechargeable freedive computer and heart-rate monitor that also doubles as a wrist watch. When diving daily, the UP-X1 will likely require charging only once per week. Out of the water, charging once per month is likely sufficient.
The Umberto Pelizarri signature line also includes the UP-W12 2mm wetsuit, the UP-W14 4mm wetsuit, the UP-M1 mask, the UP-M1C carbon fiber mask with case and UP-NC1 nose clip. Retail for the UP-X1 computer is $595.
Similar to the UP-X1, the OMR1 Freediving Computer is also rechargeable, but additionally includes brown camouflage and black camouflage bands. It has a large display that shows the last dive time, depth, and surface interval. Users can set alarms for various depth targets and time increments as well as maximum depth. Retail is $425.
Omer has expanded its offering to include additional spearfishing floats. The large bluewater float offers 70 pounds of lift, a modular MOLLE system with 1000-pound webbing allowing the spearo to attach numerous accessories, stainless steel D-rings on both ends, a hole for adding a flag, 3 separate grip/tow handles, and can be inflated orally or fully to 15psi. The small float offers 50 pounds of lift.
Omer’s new Dry Bag Float sandwiches a dry bag for storage between two air-filled bladders. Once sealed, air can be added to the bladders to provide more secure waterproofing of the items you want to keep dry during the dive. A tow-out leash comes standard, and the unit can be orally inflated to about 4psi. Of course, all of Omer’s floats work well with their float line, which comes in lengths of 60 or 100 feet and include 1,100-pound tuna clip and 600-pound Spectra.
Omer’s Cayman E.T. Roller Gun is available in lengths of 75cm, 85cm, 95cm, 105cm, and 115cm. To increase power, the double-ended band is stretched across the bottom as well. At maximum settings, the 95cm gun approximates the power of a 110cm gun, and the 115cm approximates a 130cm. The semi-closed muzzle also allows the option of an additional band. The shaft features 3 shark fins, and a slide-on reel is optional. The cuddlefish profile design allows the gun to swing easily in the water.
Ladies, be sure to check out Omer’s new Yemaya wetsuit — one of the only blue camouflage wetsuits currently available on the market for women. Omer America was acquired by Aqualung in 2013, but distribution officially transferred to Aqualung on October 1, 2015.
Dr. Branon A. Edwards is a PADI Divemaster and former Scuba Editor for DeeperBlue.com. He is an avid diver, spearfisherman, and sailor who lives aboard a 32-foot sailboat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
