When I open the Saplast package, the attention to detail is immediately evident. The Lombardy-based company, with over 65 years of experience in fishing accessories, has built a solid reputation by producing gear that blends innovation, durability, and environmental care.

That’s the philosophy behind the new Hannibal quick-release handle — designed to enhance the experience of variable-weight dives.

First Impressions
Right out of the box, Hannibal impresses with its clean and technical design. The white handle, made from high-strength fiberglass-reinforced composite, features an ergonomic shape with indentations designed to perfectly fit the hand.

From the first grip, it's clear that this handle is made to feel secure, natural, and muscle-tension-free — even on the longest, most demanding descents.

Looking toward the top, one of the standout elements becomes clear: the AISI 304 stainless steel quick-release mechanism, now enhanced with a white pin that makes it easier to operate.
Sturdy and well integrated into the structure, it’s mounted on an axis that ends with a tilting steel plate. This detail — discovered by holding and testing it dry — already proves a hydrodynamic advantage, reducing water resistance and improving descent positioning.
At the end of the handle’s shaft, there’s a hole designed to attach the line used for surface retrieval.

Bottom Section
At the lower part, there’s a stainless steel buckle for attaching the Cordura belt that holds the weights. But that’s not all: thanks to an integrated hole, a retrieval line can also be connected directly from the surface.

Gripping the Hannibal as if ready to descend, another unique feature becomes apparent: its shape allows it to be held with just two fingers, meaning you can hold the speargun with the same hand — leaving the other free.
A detail that radically changes dive ergonomics, making both movement and equalization easier.
What’s more, Hannibal is fully symmetrical and suitable for both right- and left-handed divers.

Customizable Weight System
The entire system can be completed with your personal choice of weights, making the load fully adjustable based on individual needs — ensuring optimal buoyancy and balance at all times.

Hannibal is sold as a package including the Cordura belt to hold the weights, all for €50.

In the Water
Spring is well underway, the water is warming up, and keeping good late-winter habits, it’s time to gradually increase dive depth, safely.

Variable-weight spearfishing is becoming increasingly common — not just for deep explorations within one’s limits, but also to reach typical depths with greater safety margins. Especially useful when you need to work on a fish wedged in a hole, due to either misjudgment or an unexpected complication.

The sea today is perfect: clear water, calm surface, and pleasant temperatures both above and below. Ideal conditions to test the new Hannibal quick-release handle by Saplast.

Setup
Before diving, I carefully prepared the setup, adjusting the weight based on the wetsuit (a 7 mm full suit) and the depth to be reached.
Using the Cordura belt, I added two-kilo Anatomic weights at the bottom and one-kilo weights on top. Above those, two belt plates for Eleny weights, to make the setup adjustable — easily adding or removing 1–1.5 kg depending on the target depth.

Once chosen, the belt is secured to the steel plate with a weaving pattern through its slots. A flexible setup, easy to tweak last-minute based on different factors.

Descent
Arriving at the spot, I’m ready to get in the water. Before jumping in, I attach the handle to the electric winch line. Standard procedure would involve using the designated hole on the handle, made from reinforced material.

However, for convenience and extra peace of mind, I opt for a different hole: the semi-triangular one on the steel tilting plate. This area feels safer to me — not only during descent but especially when retrieving today’s heavy setup of 12 kg.

Now I’m truly ready. As soon as I grip Hannibal, I realize it’s a well-thought-out product: perfect ergonomics, solid materials, and a natural grip.
The indentations fit the hand like a glove, and the fiberglass-reinforced composite instantly conveys sturdiness without being heavy. Its smooth shape allows a firm grip for both right- and left-handed users.

After a proper breath-up, I activate the release with a simple thumb movement — the stainless-steel mechanism is precise, smooth, and reliable.
Although I could hold the gun and handle with both hands, I challenge myself: right hand only, keeping my left hand free as if I needed to equalize.

Underwater Performance
The first descent already reveals its strengths. The tilting plate keeps the speargun vertical. The setup is stable, the body glides smoothly, and the handle follows the motion effortlessly, without resistance.

A small detail — but one that makes a big difference in the depths.

The combination of handle, Cordura buckle, and coated weights is extremely quiet underwater, eliminating the metallic clatter of gear made with recycled parts. Another small detail that can make all the difference when aiming for a successful catch.

After several dives, I’m pleasantly surprised by how quick and simple the release system is — smooth and secure when opening, and just as efficient when reattaching it to the boat’s fastening ring.

After these first dives, I struggle to find faults with the Hannibal. Of course, nothing is perfect. After several repetitions, I think of one possible improvement: adding texture or grip to the shaped handle area, which would improve hold even when not wearing gloves.

Still, a truly remarkable product. Hannibal isn’t just a handle — it’s a real upgrade to keep onboard, ready for use not only during exploration but for any advanced freediver wanting to stay within a safe margin on their deep dives. All with the legendary reliability of Saplast.

Handle
Ergonomic, symmetrical, and made from reinforced fiberglass. Provides a natural, firm grip — suitable for both right- and left-handed users.

Quick-release System
AISI 304 stainless steel, cast in one piece with the handle. Smooth and secure, activated easily with one finger thanks to the easy-grip white pin. Quick releases, immediate reattachments.

Line Attachment Hole
Located on the handle, allowing you to clip on the retrieval line from the surface.

Tilting Plate
Made of steel, highly hydrodynamic thanks to its pivot pin. Connects the handle to the Cordura belt that holds the weights, allowing a natural descent position and keeping the speargun vertical. Also serves as an alternative attachment point for the retrieval line.

The Verdict

Ergonomics: 9/10
Comfortable, natural grip with no tension or strain. Major advantage: you can hold both handle and speargun with one hand, leaving the other free for equalization. Ambidextrous.

Build Quality: 9/10
Strong, well-chosen materials: fiberglass handle, stainless steel release. The tilting pin and lower buckle add functionality and durability. Simple, robust, and effective.

Design: 8.5/10
Technical and clean look. Every detail improves the dive experience. Design enhances hydrodynamics and simplifies operations.

Value for Money: 8/10
At €50, it includes top-quality materials and accessories like the Cordura belt. A fair price for a significant gear upgrade for experienced freedivers.