Different Brands of Flouro I've Tried

[cst]

Seaguar Flourocarbon – I haven’t used this as a main line but it is a great fluorocarbon for topshots and leaders. It might not be as thin as the Grand Max but it makes up for it in strength, abrasion resistance and durability. I don’t have too much to say since I don’t really know too much about the technical side of fluorocarbons, but when it comes to just using it, this has left a great impression. It is easy to find, comes in convenient 25 yard spools, ties easily and gets bit. Speaking of getting bit, there have been many times at Catalina where a 25# test Seaguar fluorocarbon leader would get bit when a 10# test mono leader wouldn’t get touched. I wouldn’t fish a big trip without some sort of fluorocarbon leader, and when I’m using fluorocarbon as leader, I’m using Seaguar.

Berkley Vanish – I have used Berkley Vanish for years ranging from 4 through 40# test. The line is cheap, and occasionally, you can buy a 110 yard spool for 2 dollars at Walmart. At that price you can’t beat it. However, it isn’t the greatest line in the world. It has some memory issues which are easily corrected by stretching it out just a little. Secondly, the knot strength is a little weak and the line seems to have random weak spots and I have occasionally snapped off for no real reason. Because of those reasons, I usually stay away from it and only buy it when Walmart has it on clearance.

Toray Bawo Super Finesse – This line is available in half pound increments ranging from 2 to 6 pound test. So not only can you choose 3 and 5 pound test which is unavailable for most lines but you also have the option of 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 pound tests. Does this make a difference? You bet. The jump from 2 to 2.5# test gives you a 25% increase in strength. The line is very thin, limp and amazingly simple to handle and fish with. These characteristics allow you to cast light baits very far. With identical rods, reels and 1/64oz minijigs the 3 pound test Toray Bawo Finesse fluorocarbon was out casting 2 pound test lines by over 10 feet. Manageability, decrease in line diameter and increase in limpness usually result in poor abrasion resistance. However, I haven’t felt this to be the case so far (the places I fish aren’t very abrasive so YMMV). Unfortunately, tying this line is a pain. Many times, I have had to retie because the line would get damaged from me cinching a knot. The other downside of this line is its price and the amount of line on the spools. As far as I know, they only come in 100 meter spools, which cost 30 dollars each!

Future Reviews

• Maxima Fluorocarbon
• Seaguar InvisX
• Seaguar Grand Max
• Trilene 100% Flourocarbon

[MOBassman]

Have you tried the Berkley 100% flourocarbon yet?

[cst]

no i havent. I've tried the ones mentioned in my original post and a Japanese one that had the word Finesse in it's name.

[cst]

I'm going to get those reviews up as soon as possible. Also add Seaguar InvisX, Toray Bawo Super Finesse and Berkley Trilene 100% Flouro to the list.

[BeachBear]

Def Bass is pretty good, only tried 4# though

[Walt]

Thanks for sharing that info CST,

I have tested the Seaguar and the Vanish and can confirm your opinions. However I cannot be as diplomatic as you reguarding the Vanish. I would not let my Mother in Law use Vanish. It is the worst Fluorocarbon I have ever used. Lousy knot strength and inconsistant tensile strength.

I too am a Seaguar Fan. They have recently come out with a new Fluoro product calle "PREMIER" its silightly more expensive but the material has higher tensile strenght. You get a smaller diameter for the same pound test. As an example 15lb std. Seaguar is .013 in diameter while the Premier is . 011 in diameter. Two thousanths of an inch does not sound like much but it is significant. You can see the difference with the human eye.

Walt

[dodoman]

I TOO use the premier floro carbon.

i dont find it as stiff as others.
the knotts tye up pretty smooth without fraying.

[cst]

Try InvisX if you guys think the premier is too stiff. InvisX is one of the limpest one's i've fished with.

[fishtaco]

I used blackwater fluoro once (courtesy of Walt)
and, it is excelent! it has amazing knot strengt and abrassion

A few weeks back, I got lazy and did'nt change the lider
just to see how long it will last, and 2 yellowfin tuna and small albacore
were landed on the same lider, one of them tuna even got
the lider wrapped around the tail, and the line help pretty good
so, for tuna and up, blackwater for me.

I have p-line Cx premium fluoro in a Newell, but I haven't test it yet

let's go Walt, got to try the P-lline CX...

[DementedFish]

This weekend I spooled up my sienna with full Trilene Flurocarbon and I was not impressed at all. The line constantly tangled, coiled, and a good amount of memory. I think I'll stick to Maxima next time.

[cst]

Try the Toray Bawo Super Finesse for the UL stuff. It has GREAT manageability.

[Wahoo!]

Originally Posted by cst

Try the Toray Bawo Super Finesse for the UL stuff. It has GREAT manageability.

I second that. Used it when I borrowed one of Chris' reels and it was very nice.

[seal]

I changed from Vanish to Pline flouro for fly line tippit and am much happier with the Pline. I hate the Vanish as a main line but as a tippit it wasn't as bad but the Pline kicks butt over the Vanish.

[cst]

Just added a review. I recommend that line to anyone who isnt afraid of spending the money.

[keenefish]

Originally Posted by cst

Try InvisX if you guys think the premier is too stiff. InvisX is one of the limpest one's i've fished with.

I use the invisx and so far it works great, 6 lbs for drop shot and 10 lbs in my casting set up.
Keene