Favorite braid for spinning reels

The single most important aspect of your tackle providing that vital link between yourself and your catch. What's everyone's favorites and why? Come on in and find out!
rando
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by rando » Tue Jan 12, 2021 5:22 am

Cracker wrote:
Mon Jan 11, 2021 8:59 pm
New Sunline braid designed for spinning reels.

Sunline - Defier D-Braid

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Sounds like a 4 strand 832

BigG
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by BigG » Wed Jan 13, 2021 12:28 pm

Cracker wrote:
Mon Jan 11, 2021 8:59 pm
New Sunline braid designed for spinning reels.

Sunline - Defier D-Braid

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Been using SX1, will have to try this.

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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by DenhamBruce » Fri Jan 15, 2021 1:31 pm

Sunline Xplasma

eagleriver1_fish
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by eagleriver1_fish » Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:08 am

For me spinning gear is for light applications. I don't think any of my spinning rods are rated for anything above 15lb line. Given that, and the fact that the braids I've used (primarily Sufix 832/PowerPro) seem to have an actual strength that is higher than their rating, I don't see a need to go above 10lbs. The lighter strength also provides smaller diameter which allows me to throw longer distances.

While I use both Sufix and Power Pro Super 8 braid on my baitcasters I primarily used the Power Pro on spinning because the diameter is smaller on the 10lb and below lines. I know some people complain about wind knots with the smaller diameter lines, this has never been a big issue for me, but it is probably worth noting.

Another line I recently started using that I really like is Seaguar Smackdown. It has a very thin diameter for the rating, although (for me) it tests out closer to actual rating vs PP and Sufix. I've read some complaints about Smackdown being weak, but I think some of that is because so many braids are stronger than rated and Smackdown is truer to its rating. I personally like a line that is rated properly. The downside is that Smackdown is expensive, but if you want to throw a really light jig a mile try the smackdown on a wide spooled reel and a 7'+ ML rod. It is awesome. The one caveat is that I just started using the Smackdown last year, so I can't comment on longer term durability.

reason162
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by reason162 » Mon Feb 01, 2021 1:50 pm

eagleriver1_fish wrote:
Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:08 am
...snip...
This bears repeating - YGK Upgrade x8 - 14 or 16lb. Best spinning braid and now available domestically from tackle trap.

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slipperybob
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by slipperybob » Mon Feb 01, 2021 9:02 pm

Becuz I started with spinning reels and braid. Yes I did use spiderline fusion back in the days. :doh: Over the past few years, I'll buy again Berkley Fireline Ultra 8 and Diawa J-Braid x8. The Grand x8 is softer so actually don't prioritize that.

What I've used...
Diawa J-Braid x8 .06 mm 6# knot break 8# 4 oz.
Diawa J-Braid x8 .15 mm 10# knot break 13#
Diawa J-Braid x8 .19 mm 15# knot break 18#
Diawa J-Braid x8 .23 mm 20# knot break 19# 14 oz.
Diawa J-Braid Grand x8 .06mm 6# knot break 6# 4 oz.
Diawa J-Braid Grand x8 .13 mm 8# knot break 10# 12 oz.
Diawa J-Braid Grand x8 .15 mm 10# knot break 16# 14 oz.

Berkley Fireline Crystal .06 mm 1# line break 3# 5 oz.
Berkley Fireline Crystal .08 mm 2#knot break 3# 9 oz.
Berkley Fireline Crystal .10 mm 3# line break 6# 4 oz.
Berkley Fireline Original .13 mm 4# knot break 6# 12 oz.
Berkley Fireline Crystal .15 mm 6# knot break 8# 8 oz.
Berkley Fireline Original .18 mm 8# knot break 11# 6 oz. (old Cyrstal 12# 1 oz.)
Berkley Fireline Original .20 mm 10# knot break 14# 10 oz. (palomar knot 13# 5 oz.)
Berkley Fireline Original .23 mm 14# knot break 19# 12 oz. (palomar knot 16# 2 oz.)

Berkley Fireline Ultra 8 carrier .12mm 4# knot break 8# 4 oz.
Berkley NanoFil 6# .13mm knot break 9# 14 oz.
Berkley NanoFil 4# .10mm knot break 7# 5 oz.

ASSO Power Braid .12 mm 10# knot break 11# 0 oz. Mfg claim break of 15.9#
ASSO Power Braid .14 mm 12# knot break 11# 8 oz. Mfg claim break of 18.0#
ASSO Micro Finish braid .08 mm 10# knot break 8# 4 oz. Mfg claim break of 13.2#
ASSO Micro Finish braid .10 mm 12# knot break 9# 12 oz. Mfg claim break of 16.5#
ASSO Sinking Braid .16mm 10# knot break 12# 5 oz.
ASSO Sinking Braid .18mm 12# knot break 13# 10 oz.

...and I would like to try YGK Upgrade x8 and even that Hitena Silky braid $$$$..I mean 16 $trand$ in the future.
slip bobbing is the laziest way to fish

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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by BRONZEBACK32 » Mon Feb 01, 2021 9:23 pm

slipperybob wrote:
Mon Feb 01, 2021 9:02 pm
I would like to try YGK Upgrade x8 and even that Hitena Silky braid $$$$..I mean 16 $trand$ in the future.
The Hitena Silky is a waste of money, the YGK is smoother and nicer, even smackdown is a better braid IMO.

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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by eagleriver1_fish » Wed Feb 03, 2021 5:49 pm

A couple questions for the guys using YGK.

Does it come in a strength lower than 16#? If not what do you like about it aside from the thin diameter?

I'm primarily interested in why you like it better than say Smackdown (if you've used both). The Smackdown I've been using is smooth, thin, casts great and I've not had a break off yet. I realize my needs may be different than yours, as I do not have a need for spinning line that is more than 10 -15# test.

Thanks

reason162
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by reason162 » Thu Feb 04, 2021 2:35 pm

eagleriver1_fish wrote:
Wed Feb 03, 2021 5:49 pm
I realize my needs may be different than yours, as I do not have a need for spinning line that is more than 10 -15# test.
YGK is true to rating, meaning it actually breaks at 14lbs. Guarantee smackdown 8# is breaking at over 14lbs etc.

14lb YGK is thinner than 8lb Jbraid x8, for instance. Noticeably thinner in fact.

eagleriver1_fish
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by eagleriver1_fish » Thu Feb 04, 2021 4:03 pm

reason162 wrote:
Thu Feb 04, 2021 2:35 pm
eagleriver1_fish wrote:
Wed Feb 03, 2021 5:49 pm
I realize my needs may be different than yours, as I do not have a need for spinning line that is more than 10 -15# test.
YGK is true to rating, meaning it actually breaks at 14lbs. Guarantee smackdown 8# is breaking at over 14lbs etc.

14lb YGK is thinner than 8lb Jbraid x8, for instance. Noticeably thinner in fact.
Thank you that is very helpful, I will need to put the YGK on my "to buy" list. I'm embarrassed to admit I sometimes get so caught up with rods, reels and tackle I don't spend enough time learning about the various lines. Given it is what connects us to the fish it is pretty darn critical. Thanks again!

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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by amso4 » Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:14 pm

njbasscat wrote:
Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:07 am
I was comparing YKG G Soul to some other lines and suspect the rated pound test is way off.
G Soul 22lb = .0067
Daiwa J Braid Grand 10lb = .006
Sunline Sniper 4 lb = .0065
Phenix Hydra 10 lb = .007
It seems to me judging by diameter that G Soul 22lb is in line with other 10lb braid and 4 lb fluoro. The only strength test I could find had the 40lb breaking way below the rated strength but the line diameter explains this. For anyone using this line, how does it compare with other lines in the same diameter for strength?
I agree with the ratings of the YKG G Soul being way off. I have the 22lb and it breaks at about 10lbs. I have the 50lb and it breaks at about 15lbs. The line breaks in the middle, not at the knots. It is really smooth and thin, but unfortunately way over rated in line strength. For comparison. Superslick 8 15lb breaks at 17lbs based on my crude testing methods.

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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by Bronzeye » Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:25 pm

slipperybob,

Thanks for the data. What was the knot you used?

reason162
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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by reason162 » Thu Feb 04, 2021 7:23 pm

amso4 wrote:
Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:14 pm
I agree with the ratings of the YKG G Soul being way off. I have the 22lb and it breaks at about 10lbs. I have the 50lb and it breaks at about 15lbs. The line breaks in the middle, not at the knots. It is really smooth and thin, but unfortunately way over rated in line strength. For comparison. Superslick 8 15lb breaks at 17lbs based on my crude testing methods.
No offense but your methods must be very crude indeed.

Aquoholik posted up ABS and various KBS results for YGK, and found it to be one of the most accurately rated PEs on the market. You can check out his findings but I don't want to post to another forum...google aquoholik ABS and KBS line testing and take a gander.

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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by amso4 » Thu Feb 04, 2021 7:42 pm

reason162 wrote:
Thu Feb 04, 2021 7:23 pm
amso4 wrote:
Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:14 pm
I agree with the ratings of the YKG G Soul being way off. I have the 22lb and it breaks at about 10lbs. I have the 50lb and it breaks at about 15lbs. The line breaks in the middle, not at the knots. It is really smooth and thin, but unfortunately way over rated in line strength. For comparison. Superslick 8 15lb breaks at 17lbs based on my crude testing methods.
No offense but your methods must be very crude indeed.

Aquoholik posted up ABS and various KBS results for YGK, and found it to be one of the most accurately rated PEs on the market. You can check out his findings but I don't want to post to another forum...google aquoholik ABS and KBS line testing and take a gander.
I have seen that evaluation of the YKG line. It was one of the reasons I got the line. All I can offer is what I found with the line that I have and that it breaks as I have reported. My method consists of attaching one end to a swivel attached to my bench and the other end to a ring. I use a fish scale and pull it until it breaks. I repeat this 3 times or unit I get consistent results.

I agree my method is nowhere near as sophisticated as the one used by Aquaholik. Honestly, I think what I am doing is not too far from the reality of what happens when I am fishing with a line. I pull on it against a load (fish) and hope the line does not break.

As far as my results, maybe I got a bad batch. I always check a new line to see how it breaks before I spend time fishing with it and possibly loosing expensive baits or nice fish. I have tested many lines and most break at or above their rating. This YKG G Soul and the YKG sinking braid both break at about 50% or less of their rating.

Sorry for seeming defensive, but I thought I should clarify what I was doing and put it in perspective. I am just trying to help fellow anglers in selecting a reliable line.

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Re: Favorite braid for spinning reels

Post by Cracker » Thu Feb 04, 2021 8:39 pm

I have YGK Soul on one of my Stella's spools, and from my experience it is rated properly.

At the moment, my new favorite PE line

Gosen Samon PEX8, super slick and strong.

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