I have used the OMER Torpedo float for a while now. It has been a great inshore float that has stood up to quite a bit of abuse. I use it 50%+ of the time. I use it around our local jetty and it's only wear is a slight fading of the outer cover due to the sun. I use my RA's solid foam floats for offshore work though. The only downfall being their portability. They do not travel well.
I have begun to look at portable bluewater floats, and in my mind there are 3 main contenders: Riffe, Aimrite, and OMER's new America float. They are all 3 built very well...they are Hi-Vis, include a mouth inflation valve and a dump valve. They have pockets on the top. The main differences seem to be in 2 areas. Only the Riffe and OMER have Hi-Vis stand up dive flags. Aimrite's flag is sewn to the buoy. Riffe has a built in ballast, the other floats(not 100% sure about Aimrite) have pockets for ballast. I like this better so that you can customize the amount of ballast. As for cost they vary between US$120-150. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them, but I am pushing towards the Aimrite and OMER. In my area, visibility is pretty key due to the boat traffic at some of the inshore spots, so I will probably go with the new OMER float...It has the flag and two silver reflective ends to keep the mullet packing morons from running over me.
If you won't be travelling, get the RA's...awesome for the $$$!
matt
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