So you’ve got the pole, and the reel and the best bait to catch the fish’s eye. Now it’s time to put some line on the spool of that reel. Then the question comes to your mind. Should you use the same monofilament (aka mono) that your grandfather used? Or should you try that fancy, new braid?
It’s a question that deserves a more thorough review.
For over 5000 years, man spent nearly all of his waking thoughts on how to make fishing line invisible within the water, so that the fish couldn’t detect it. And then, in the 20th century, he invented nylon. With this invention, he created another, even more amazing product: clear, transparent fishing line. He called it monofilament.
After all of this hard work, why in the world should we switch back to line that is opaque, dark and easy for fish to see? It’s really not that complicated. The best fishing line results from a combination of 4 factors.
- Cast-ability
- Durability
- Tangle resistence
- Visibility
Translucent monofilament does well in the visibility factor, but braid generally wins the day in the other areas. Furthermore, this is the very reason is why God invented monofilament leader 🙂
Braided fishing line comparison
We compared braided fishing line which advertised 20 pound break strength.
Line | EMD* | Break Strength | Price |
PowerPro Spectra Fiber | 0.23 mm (6 lb test) | 9.0 kg | Check Amazon Price |
Beyond Braid | 0.20 mm (4 lb test) | 9.1 kg | Check Amazon Price |
Daiwa J-Braid 8x | 0.23 mm (4 lb test) | 9.5 kg | Check Amazon Price |
SpiderWire Stealth | 0.25 mm (8 lb test) | 9.0 kg | Check Amazon Price |
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline | 0.23 mm (6 lb test) | 9.1 kg | Check Amazon Price |
EMD
EMD is equivalent monofilament diameter. This is a characteristic of the braid that impacts cast-ability. By the nature of the braid being narrower & thinner than mono, it makes it easier to cast. You can cast lighter line further.
Break Strength
Break strength is the amount of force that is required to break the line. Keep in mind the conversion factor for kilograms to pounds is roughly 2.2 kg per pound. This break strength is also what we commonly refer to as pound test.
Memory
This describes how the line behaves when it comes on or off the spool. Line with memory will retain the form that it had while on the spool, and potentially twist & tangle. On the other hand, line with little or low memory will not.
Our braided fishing line buying guide
When selecting braided fishing line, these specific factors, along with some personal preference should go into the buying decision. Each of the lines come in different colors, like moss green, red, blue & yellow. Some of the braids are multi-color and described as camouflage. The camo color options are very popular currently.
Finally, don’t forget price.
Shall we get with the reviews?
Our Top Overall Pick
Sufix 832 is a fishing line made from 8 braided fibers. It’s known for being extremely tough, abrasion-resistant, having great casting accuracy and distance, all while having a small diameter.
Casting
One of the areas where the Sufix 832 really shines is in its casting distance. The line is really smooth and it slides easily off the reel to cast long distances with ease. It also helps you cast pretty accurately compared to other fishing lines, which is a good thing.
Diameter
Another one of the better things about this line is the small diameter compared to other lines. The fishing line is called “832” because its made of 8 braid fibers woven together 32 times per inch. What you end up with is a smooth and strong small diameter line.
Line Memory
In terms of line memory, this one performs like your standard braid. The lower weights don’t really have much memory but as you get to stronger test lbs you do get a little bit of memory.
Knot Strength
Braided line typically has a pretty weak knot strength so this isn’t the best in that area.
Abrasion-Resistance
Abrasion-resistance is another strong spot for this line. The GORE performance fiber provides enhanced abrasion-resistant which will help you fish near rough terrain without having to worry about line breaks. This is a good thing if you’re trying to fish rocks or other rough areas.
Best braided fishing lines reviewed
PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braid
PowerPro practically owns the braided fishing line market. Their Spectra Fiber line is based on the same technology used in military grade products like bullet-resistant helmets & bullet proof vests.
Pros & Cons
- Round line
- Durable & strong
- Tangle resistent
- Expensive
- Limited colors
Beyond Braid
Beyond Braid is an up-and-comer in the braided fishing line market. With headquarters in Florida, they have direct proximity to the best testing grounds for their salt water product lines. Beyond Braid has a terrific combination of strength & equivalent diameter.
Pros & Cons
- Low stretch
- Little to no memory
- Smallest equivalent mono diameter
- Tangles
Diawa J-Braid x8
Strong, and resistant to abrasion yet well-bodied enough to lay smoothly on the spool. J-Braid x8 is a complete line up of high quality 8 carrier braid made of the finest materials from Japan.
Pros & Cons
- Low cost
SpiderWire Stealth
SpiderWire Stealth® is made from Dyneema®, The World’s Strongest Fiber! Available in Moss Green for low-visibility underwater and Hi-Vis Yellow for visibility above water.
Pros & Cons
- Polymer coating helps prevent tangles
- Memory performance
- Large equivalent diameter
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid
R8 Precision Braiding and fiber technology provides superior strength, roundness and line consistency. 832 Advanced Superline has 8 fibers (7 HMPE fibers plus 1 GORE® Performance Fiber) and 32 weaves (pics) per inch.
Pros & Cons
- Abrasion resistent
- Very strong
- Retains color well