The latest creation from the Puglia-based brand is an incredible concentration of innovation. Its monocoque composite barrel features the Vela system, which guarantees ranges well beyond 5 meters with virtually no recoil. Top-notch finishes and futuristic design
NILO MAZZARRI
During my latest outings at sea, I had the chance to try this gem from Cetma, a spear gun with truly remarkable performance. I'm talking about the Canova 95 R1, a speargun with an elegant and modern design, a mix of the old Canova and the new Uragano 115.
The study of geometries and volumes, which was not only aesthetic, was aimed at load balancing, maximizing rigidity, and minimizing recoil. Indeed, during the test, one of its strengths became evident: maximizing power without sacrificing nearly perfect accuracy. For several years now, Cetma Composites has been known for its expertise in composite materials and engineering applied to underwater sports, and this speargun represents an advanced synthesis of technology and performance, a model made with particular attention to both design and performance.
The Canova 95 R1 is designed to house the Vela system, with a side profile much more functional than previous versions, enabling smooth and fast movement without any noise that could disturb the fishing action. It has been developed with a focus on ergonomics.
The grip is well-shaped to ensure a firm and comfortable hold, even during long sessions at sea. The balance is optimized to reduce recoil and improve handling.
The Canova 95 R1, ready for use, is equipped as standard with a 7.5mm shaft, 125 centimeters long, but it is also possible to fit shafts up to 8.5mm in diameter. This allows the user to choose according to their needs and the setup they want for the gun. Moreover, this depends on the presence of an additional rubber band. In fact, with a mid-range shaft size, three Magnum Plus bands (which are more than enough to ensure a range of up to 6 meters). With a heavier shaft and the addition of an external rubber band, the range reaches truly impressive levels.
In addition, the gun comes with a Carbon Reel V50, already spooled with V90 Dyneema line, rigging (the company allows you to choose the position of the line release, left or right), and a mount for a camera. The components and accessories that make up the speargun are made from 316L stainless steel, with only the pulleys being made from Delrin.
For the rest, it’s worth noting that we are talking about a speargun made from a single high-modulus carbon monocoque with a closed-cell structure, which houses an internal part made from a very low-density multifunctional polymer material. This is a high-level process derived from aerospace applications (the core is a closed-cell polymer with vibration damping properties).
For my usual standards, this represents an entirely new world to explore. However, based on the considerations made during my time in the water, I believe this is a truly complete speargun.
The Shape
The Canova R1 has an extremely slim geometry, tapering towards the muzzle. The lower part of the barrel, the "engine group" consisting of the rubber bands, is properly spaced from the barrel to facilitate loading and eliminate any friction or vibrations during the shot.
The thickness is minimal, with an average of just 18 millimeters, peaking at 2.4 centimeters, while the width varies from 96 millimeters near the reel area to 5 centimeters at the muzzle.
The Finish
One important thing to note: Cetma Composites products are not painted. They come out of the mold exactly as you see them. This is a sign of great quality. In fact, many lower-quality carbon products are painted to conceal potential defects from the production process.
Speaking of the production process, it’s worth emphasizing that it’s entirely innovative, developed and perfected by the company and identified as the "Zero-Defects Technology." This process allows for the creation of a monolithic carbon fiber piece with zero voids, maximizing the structure's performance and making it as rigid as possible and impervious to changes over time.
Considerations
Thanks to its carbon construction, the rubber band system, and structural rigidity, the Canova 95 R1 guarantees extremely precise shots, even at the end of the barrel’s travel. The power is excellent, allowing for the capture of medium to large-sized fish.
The carbon provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, making the speargun a durable and reliable choice even after many dives.
The 95 cm length is a really effective compromise for those who want a versatile speargun for different types of fishing, from shallow waters to more demanding open-water hunts. The technique that best suits this speargun is stalking or hunting large groupers.
Being a high-end product, the Canova 95 R1, as expected, comes with a higher price tag compared to other models. However, I find the investment justified for experienced spearfishers looking for high-quality equipment with superior performance.
In summary, the Canova 95 R1 by Cetma Composites is a speargun that offers an optimal combination of power, precision, and lightness, thanks to the use of advanced materials and meticulous engineering in the details.
To better understand what I’m saying, here are some technical details. As mentioned, the Canova R1 features the Vela system, which maximizes performance, allowing for shots well beyond 5 meters with zero recoil and centimeter-precise accuracy. You can also add an extra 14mm rubber band to further increase power.
In short, the speargun features a pair of 19mm central rubber bands and a pair of 17mm external rubber bands. These are the new Magnum Plus bands by Cetma Composites.
Depending on the shaft type and the diameter of the rubber bands used, performance can vary. The recommended elongation factor for the rubber bands is from 305% to a maximum of 320%, and this can be adjusted to your needs (you can check the chart on the website).
All of this leads me to say one thing: we are dealing with a true high-performance masterpiece, a weapon for which nothing is impossible. A real concentrate of top-tier technology and materials.