Braided Lines and Number of Carriers

BigBassin144 · 06-01-10, 05:11 PM

When I was at BPS last week, I pulled 6 or so spools of braided line off the shelves to compare the feel. I picked a few different lines based on how many carriers, or strands, they were made of.

1. Power Pro (4 carriers)
2. Sufix Performance Braid (4 carriers @ 10-20lb; 6 carriers @ 30-40lb; 8 carriers @ 50+lbs)
3. Fireline Braid (8 carriers)
4. Spiderwire Ultracast (8 carriers)

What I noticed was brand had a lot less to do with smoothness than the number of carriers, especially when comparing the Sufix.

As you would expect, I found the Power Pro and low test Sufix lines to be the roughest with the sufix maybe being a little smoother. The mid test Sufix lines were in the middle and the high test Sufix, Fireline, and Ultracast were by far the smoothest. They all felt about the same with the Ultracast probably being the smoothest (but not by much at all).

The 8 carrier lines were a bit more supple than the lower ones (although all braid breaks in after some use). I started with Power Pro and never looked back once I spooled up with some 6 carrier 30lb Sufix Performance Braid.

I've had 10lb Sufix on my dropshot rod for over a year now and have been pleased, but again, it's only a 4 carrier line, and there is a VERY noticeable difference in smoothness between it and the Fireline and Ultracast braids in the same test.

Of course, you pay for more carriers. Fireline Braid and Spiderwire Ultracast are both much more expensive than Sufix Performance braid. So if I was using 50lb or above, I'd without question go with sufix. But as I get more and more fed up with line twist on spinning reels, I'm wondering if the extra price is worth it for a low test 8 carrier line.

So, after my rather long winded pre-question, what do you guys think about the number of carriers in different braided lines? Is it worth the price for the extra smoothness?

BB

bassinbob · 06-01-10, 05:31 PM

Only if you prefer the extra smoothness, otherwise not.

Jrob78 · 06-01-10, 06:01 PM

I think it's probably more critical on spinning gear.

keithdog · 06-01-10, 06:12 PM

So far I've ben using Power Pro for all my braided applications and havn't had any problems at all, so I'd guess not.

tim4081 · 06-01-10, 08:57 PM

On spinning tackle I use 10 lb Power Pro. I can't speak to the others since I've never used them other than Spiderwire (not the Ultracast). Once the Power Pro was broken in I never had any problems....it handles great and I'm very happy with it so I guess 4 carrier vs. 8 carriers isn't an issue for me.

WTL · 06-01-10, 09:09 PM

Why do we want smoothness? It seems to be low on my considerations for what makes a good line.

BigBassin144 · 06-01-10, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTL

Why do we want smoothness? It seems to be low on my considerations for what makes a good line.

I'd say, when it comes to braid, that smoothness does matter. First of all, it will be less noisy (which isn't a problem for some), and it will also reduce friction and air resistance making for longer casts. And perhaps it won't be as bad on guides.

BB

BassFeverJohn · 06-02-10, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

I'd say, when it comes to braid, that smoothness does matter. First of all, it will be less noisy (which isn't a problem for some), and it will also reduce friction and air resistance making for longer casts. And perhaps it won't be as bad on guides.

BB

Here comes my ignorance. What are carriers?

islandbass · 06-02-10, 02:20 AM

Carriers is another name for strands. I'm not a genius, but I caught its definition upon reading BB144's post a second time and more slowly, for which my initial skimming of his post was a bit too fast to catch it the first time.

I use 30# ppro, but my reason for using it is economical over smoothness. PPro is usually a little cheaper and comes with 150 yds while some other makers either match that but charge more, or charge the same but only offer 125 yards.

That same ppro has been on my curado for about 3 seasons now and kicking strong.

BassFeverJohn · 06-02-10, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islandbass

Carriers is another name for strands. I'm not a genius, but I caught its definition upon reading BB144's post a second time and more slowly, for which my initial skimming of his post was a bit too fast to catch it the first time.

That is what I guessed, but I wanted to make sure.

Bassboss · 06-02-10, 07:51 AM

Yes I think it would be depending on which like you got, and switched from. If it's sufix to spider wire, with only a 3$ difference (from 30lb Sufix, to 30lb SW), it's not that big of a deal at all IMO, especially for 1 more carrier.

zooker · 06-02-10, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassFeverJohn

Here comes my ignorance. What are carriers?

he's a midwestern yankee dr fever....they use a weird version of english up der.comes from being snowned on 8 months of the year ehhh?

zooker

BigBassin144 · 06-02-10, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islandbass

I use 30# ppro, but my reason for using it is economical over smoothness. PPro is usually a little cheaper and comes with 150 yds while some other makers either match that but charge more, or charge the same but only offer 125 yards.

Don't forget the companies that charge more AND give you less line, lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassboss

Yes I think it would be depending on which like you got, and switched from. If it's sufix to spider wire, with only a 3$ difference (from 30lb Sufix, to 30lb SW), it's not that big of a deal at all IMO, especially for 1 more carrier.

Spiderwire Ultracast actually has (in the lower tests) 4 more carriers than sufix, and is more money for less line.

Here are some price comparisons for 10, 30, and 65lb tests.

10lb
Power Pro - 150yds @ 13.99 - $0.09 per yd
Sufix Performance - 150yds @ 16.99 - $0.11 per yd
Fireline Braid - 110yds @ 18.99 - $0.17 per yd
Spiderwire Ultracast - 125yds @ 18.99 - $0.15 per yd

30lb
Power Pro - 150yds @ 13.99 - $0.09 per yd
Sufix Performance - 150yds @ 16.99 - $0.11 per yd
Fireline Braid - 110yds @ 19.95 - $0.18 per yd
Spiderwire Ultracast - 125yds @ 18.99 - $0.15 per yd

65lb
Power Pro - 150yds @ 16.99 - $0.11 per yd
Sufix Performance - 150yds @ 20.99 - $0.14 per yd
Fireline Braid - 110yds @ 19.95 - $0.18 per yd
Spiderwire Ultracast - 125yds @ 21.99 - $0.18 per yd

So, it seems like in the higher tests where Sufix has 8 carriers it's by far the best value. Fireline Braid is consistently the most expensive, probably due to the slightly smaller 110yd spools. And Power pro is he most economical all across the board, but only contains 4 carriers. Spiderwire seems like the best choice for low tests if you want a line with 8 carriers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zooker

he's a midwestern yankee dr fever....they use a weird version of english up der.comes from being snowned on 8 months of the year ehhh?

zooker

Not quite 8 months, but sometimes, it feels like more!

BB

nofearengineer · 06-02-10, 09:58 AM

I started out with some Stren Super Braid...all I will say is "ugh." Not sure it had to do with the number of carriers, but boy did it suck.

I then moved to Power Pro. It seemed a lot stronger, but it was very rough, due to fewer carriers. It makes a lot of noise casting (does that really matter? personal preference...but with recoil guides like I use, it would definitely be annoying).

On the advice of someone, I then tried Fireline Braid. Like Anthony says, the 8 carriers really make a difference in smoothness. The noise while casting is greatly reduced, and it helps distance as well. It has also proven to be very strong. I probably wouldn't even consider another braid unless it has at least 8 carriers.

geezer1 · 06-07-10, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrob78

I think it's probably more critical on spinning gear.

ditto.....

BigBassin144 · 06-08-10, 09:18 AM

Well, I've got two spools of Spiderwire Invisibraid. I know it's not translucent, but I thought the white would be easier to see when line watching since they don't have a yellow braid.

Anyways, I'm getting sick of mono and fluoro on spinning reels and have now switched over to braid on both of mine. I've only fished with the 10lb test on my dropshot rod, and only for a little bit. But so far, it seems much smoother and quieter than the 4 carrier Sufix performance braid in 10lb. I'll have a more in depth review of the line after I get some field testing done.

BB

Rebbasser · 06-09-10, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithdog

So far I've ben using Power Pro for all my braided applications and havn't had any problems at all, so I'd guess not.

What Keith said.

06-01-10, 05:11 PM	#1
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	Braided Lines and Number of Carriers When I was at BPS last week, I pulled 6 or so spools of braided line off the shelves to compare the feel. I picked a few different lines based on how many carriers, or strands, they were made of. 1. Power Pro (4 carriers) 2. Sufix Performance Braid (4 carriers @ 10-20lb; 6 carriers @ 30-40lb; 8 carriers @ 50+lbs) 3. Fireline Braid (8 carriers) 4. Spiderwire Ultracast (8 carriers) What I noticed was brand had a lot less to do with smoothness than the number of carriers, especially when comparing the Sufix. As you would expect, I found the Power Pro and low test Sufix lines to be the roughest with the sufix maybe being a little smoother. The mid test Sufix lines were in the middle and the high test Sufix, Fireline, and Ultracast were by far the smoothest. They all felt about the same with the Ultracast probably being the smoothest (but not by much at all). The 8 carrier lines were a bit more supple than the lower ones (although all braid breaks in after some use). I started with Power Pro and never looked back once I spooled up with some 6 carrier 30lb Sufix Performance Braid. I've had 10lb Sufix on my dropshot rod for over a year now and have been pleased, but again, it's only a 4 carrier line, and there is a VERY noticeable difference in smoothness between it and the Fireline and Ultracast braids in the same test. Of course, you pay for more carriers. Fireline Braid and Spiderwire Ultracast are both much more expensive than Sufix Performance braid. So if I was using 50lb or above, I'd without question go with sufix. But as I get more and more fed up with line twist on spinning reels, I'm wondering if the extra price is worth it for a low test 8 carrier line. So, after my rather long winded pre-question, what do you guys think about the number of carriers in different braided lines? Is it worth the price for the extra smoothness? BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

06-01-10, 05:31 PM	#2
bassinbob BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pitts. Pa. Posts: 3,801	Only if you prefer the extra smoothness, otherwise not. __________________ you can have my fishin rod when ya take it from my cold dead hands

06-02-10, 02:20 AM	#9
islandbass BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 1,783	Carriers is another name for strands. I'm not a genius, but I caught its definition upon reading BB144's post a second time and more slowly, for which my initial skimming of his post was a bit too fast to catch it the first time. I use 30# ppro, but my reason for using it is economical over smoothness. PPro is usually a little cheaper and comes with 150 yds while some other makers either match that but charge more, or charge the same but only offer 125 yards. That same ppro has been on my curado for about 3 seasons now and kicking strong. __________________ ARX "If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles." Doug Larson (Shimano 2005 Reel Catalog)

06-02-10, 07:51 AM	#11
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	Yes I think it would be depending on which like you got, and switched from. If it's sufix to spider wire, with only a 3$ difference (from 30lb Sufix, to 30lb SW), it's not that big of a deal at all IMO, especially for 1 more carrier. __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.

06-02-10, 09:58 AM	#14
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	I started out with some Stren Super Braid...all I will say is "ugh." Not sure it had to do with the number of carriers, but boy did it suck. I then moved to Power Pro. It seemed a lot stronger, but it was very rough, due to fewer carriers. It makes a lot of noise casting (does that really matter? personal preference...but with recoil guides like I use, it would definitely be annoying). On the advice of someone, I then tried Fireline Braid. Like Anthony says, the 8 carriers really make a difference in smoothness. The noise while casting is greatly reduced, and it helps distance as well. It has also proven to be very strong. I probably wouldn't even consider another braid unless it has at least 8 carriers. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

06-01-10, 06:01 PM	#3
Jrob78 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,671	I think it's probably more critical on spinning gear.

06-01-10, 06:12 PM	#4
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	So far I've ben using Power Pro for all my braided applications and havn't had any problems at all, so I'd guess not.

06-01-10, 08:57 PM	#5
tim4081 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spring Lake, Michigan Posts: 195	On spinning tackle I use 10 lb Power Pro. I can't speak to the others since I've never used them other than Spiderwire (not the Ultracast). Once the Power Pro was broken in I never had any problems....it handles great and I'm very happy with it so I guess 4 carrier vs. 8 carriers isn't an issue for me.

06-01-10, 09:09 PM	#6
WTL BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,466	Why do we want smoothness? It seems to be low on my considerations for what makes a good line.

06-08-10, 09:18 AM	#16
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	Well, I've got two spools of Spiderwire Invisibraid. I know it's not translucent, but I thought the white would be easier to see when line watching since they don't have a yellow braid. Anyways, I'm getting sick of mono and fluoro on spinning reels and have now switched over to braid on both of mine. I've only fished with the 10lb test on my dropshot rod, and only for a little bit. But so far, it seems much smoother and quieter than the 4 carrier Sufix performance braid in 10lb. I'll have a more in depth review of the line after I get some field testing done. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)