Saplast: A Sea of Accessories
Seac BM30 Fins
11 September 2023
From the port of Cefalù to Capo Rais Gerbi
11 September 2023
With over 65 years of activity, the Lombardy-based company presents a line of weights, backplates, and other items ideal for a truly "customized" weighing experience.
It's late December when the shipment from Saplast arrives. The historic Lombard company, founded in 1957 and specialized in mold construction and plastic molding, has been offering a series of products for some years now to facilitate and improve the lives of us fishermen.
Saplast's mission has been, and still is, to accompany various aquatic activities, both open water and indoor, by offering eco-sustainable and environmentally friendly weights and accessories.
Upon unboxing, I am pleasantly impressed by the quantity of products and their design. The materials are sturdy, and there is a well-defined rubber coating on all items, soft but resistant, with a highly mimetic gray color.
The range of products includes classic-shaped weights with varying weights, from half a kilo to one kilo and two kilos, named Anatomic. Then we have the revolutionary Eleny weights, spherical in shape at the front and flat at the bottom, featuring stainless steel threading that allows for multiple uses.
Another eye-catching product is the Tortuga backplate, which starts with a base weight of three kilos but allows for the insertion of an additional Eleny weight, bringing the total to four kilograms.
Pedagni, quick-release weights, ankle weights, and a myriad of accessories that spark my curiosity: I decide to conduct not just one test, but two, based on the season of use.
On the phone with the friendly and helpful Cesare (son of Alessandro Negri, founder of Saplast), we finalize the arrangements: we will conduct a first winter test with the Tortuga backplate, the belt with Anatomic weights, and Charly ankle weights. Then a second test in spring/summer when we can demonstrate how, through the Eleny accessories and weights, one can quickly change their weighting based on the operational depth.
All the accessories used and their prices are visible on the Saplast.it website.
At Sea
As the thickness of the wetsuit increases, and the depths decrease due to the rich life along the coast, finding the right weighting becomes crucial to feel comfortable on the seabed.
I start by carefully selecting the products provided by Saplast at home, in order to structure a weight similar to what I already use.
Let's start with the belt. For safety reasons, I choose without hesitation the Marsigliese, to which I attach two rear Anatomic weights of two kilos each and two lateral ones at hip height, weighing one kilogram each, for a total of six kilograms.
Now, on to the Tortuga backplate. I immediately decide to use the additional Eleny weight to ensure a higher weight, similar to what I have been using until now.
After the "dry" evaluations, it's time to go fishing. Dressed in all the necessary gear and with the belt in place, I proceed to apply the ankle weights and put on the Tortuga. Saplast's backplate comes as a single plastic-coated mold that covers the entire upper surface of the back.
It is secured with two rubber straps, finding additional stability thanks to an elastic tube at the bottom that, combined with a buckle, is locked under the belt.
As for the Charly ankle weights, they are made with two Velcro strips, but not being elastic, they are somewhat "loose" on the ankles. Their movement is the only slightly out-of-tune note in this truly tailored setup.
Once in the water, as I alternate between hunting actions, I find the stability and almost total lack of movement of the products worn to be surprising. This is thanks not only to their design but also to the plastic materials used, which provide excellent grip on the smooth surface of the wetsuit.
Another positive note is the complete absence of noise in case of impacts. As mentioned before, the weights are covered with insulating rubber, allowing for optimal cushioning in case of contact with the seabed. This solution is not only functional but also tactical for hunting purposes.
The correct weighting allows for smooth movements in the first few meters, without being overly negative or positive, but with the right balance that allows for imperceptible adjustments.
The positioning of the Tortuga, both during descent and ascent, remains securely in place on our body, thanks also to the locking system of the buckle under the belt.
At the end of the dive, after securing two fish for dinner, it's time to evaluate the results. We achieved a weighting that was close to perfection for the chosen depth. The excellent stability was provided not only by the choices made but also thanks to the rubber protection, which proved to be soft, resistant, and "silent" in case of impacts. The total camouflage achieved by wearing accessories made with zero polluting impact materials is remarkable.
The sea thanks us
Ratings
Ergonomics 7.5
Pleasant fit for both the belt and the Tortuga backplate. No loss of position during movements, thanks also to the tube and buckle. Half a point less due to the lack of elasticity of the Charly ankle weights.
Construction Quality 10
It is the flagship of Saplast. For those accustomed to rough weights and backplates that damage wetsuits, they will have to change their minds after trying the rubber that the Lombard company applies to its products. No imperfections, products defined in the smallest detail, all while presenting completely eco-friendly articles.
Design 10
Very youthful, with shapes that not only fulfill practicality but also please the eye. Particular attention is also given to the camouflage used, which does not have flashy colors but instead has shades that blend in perfectly with the surrounding environment.
Price/Quality Ratio 7.5
The cost of the products is proportionate to their quality. Prices range from an average of 12 € for a one-kilo weight to 56 € for the Tortuga backplate (base model).
Tortuga Backplate It is molded in 45 sm EPDM rubber, patented by Sarplast. It consists of four fixed weights of 750 grams each, with the possibility of adding a central Eleny weight, for a total of four kilograms. Its shape is designed to have an optimal placement on the upper surface of the back, all in a rubber pre-mold that absorbs any noise produced during use.
Anatomic Weights They have the classic shape of weights used until now but are covered in rubber to limit movement on the belt and avoid the use of weight stoppers. They are available in half a kilo, one kilo, and two-kilo sizes, and in the colors yellow, black, blue, fuchsia, and camouflage.
Charly Ankle Weights They consist of two weights joined by a pre-molded rubber band and a Velcro closure. There are two versions: half a kilo and one kilo.
Top
These accessories always remain in position during use, all with a choice of eco-friendly materials.
Flop
The Velcro of the ankle weights lacks elasticity.
