Best Braided Fishing Line – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Many fishermen know that there is such a beautiful line as a braided line. But few know when and how it should be used, what are its differences from a conventional monoline. There is a lot of information and theory about the braided line on the Internet, but it is all unstructured and difficult, especially for a beginner.
Therefore, in this article, I decided to put together the most concise and useful guide for you, and also selected the 13 best-braided line models that are currently available on the market. If you read this article to the end, you can be sure that you are an expert on fishing lines. Because I compiled this article based on my own experience and the experience of other professional anglers. All in all, let’s get started!
What’s A Braided Fishing Line?
A braided line is a cord woven from several very thin threads. Most often 3, 4, and 8 cores are used. But some models have 5 or 6, but this is rare. 3-wire braided line is always the cheapest. Such a cord is usually quite loose, loosely wound around the spool, and when casting it constantly gets tangled and loops appear. I highly discourage taking this type of cord unless you have a very, very small budget and are going to use it for the backing.
A 4-wire cord is a golden mean. It is devoid of almost all the drawbacks that a 3-wire cord has. Has good characteristics: strength, elongation, density, etc. Spools with this line are marked with “4x”. If you want to catch medium-large fish at a medium distance without entanglement and any problems, then this is your choice.
The 8-wire line is the highest quality and strongest. It has the tightest weave, is very smooth to the touch, and allows for long, smooth casting. The spools are marked “8x”. On the line packaging, it can be written when, in what conditions, and what kind of fish you can fish. Especially Japanese manufacturers like to use such markings. But it is impossible to indicate all fish on the packaging, so be guided by the weight and water in which the fish lives. For example, if a braided line is suitable for heavy trout, then it will definitely work for perch, carp, salmon, etc.
Braided Line Advantages
First, the braided line is almost inextensible. Why is this good? The non-extensibility of the cord provides very strong sensitivity because the cord transmits any vibration and movement of the hook without wasting time stretching. Thanks to the braided lines, it is much easier to determine when a fish is biting, when the bait touches the bottom, or various obstacles. You control the lure much more effectively thanks to the braided line.
Second, you get great strength with a small diameter. This quality allows you to make a long-distance casting of the bait without worrying that the line will break under the weight of the fish:
- Durability. Braided cords are never bought for one season. A good cord can last you several seasons. But you should still check the line for breaks and damage.
- Immunity to the external environment. The braided line is not afraid of rain or sunlight. It will never break due to high or low temperatures, and will calmly endure exposure to saltwater.
Braided Line Disadvantages
Despite all its good qualities, the braided line has several disadvantages. The first of these is the same low elongation. Since the braided line hardly stretches, it loses its cushioning. Because of this, much more stress falls on the rod, reel, and angler’s arms.
- Braided line wears out quickly. No matter how hard manufacturers try, the braided line will never catch up with the monofilament line in abrasion resistance. Therefore, after each fishing, examine a piece of line that has got caught in a snag or caught on something and cut it off.
- High absorbency. Any braided line begins to become shaggy over time, absorbing water, grains of sand, and other particles. The line does this especially quickly in muddy and dirty water. After that, the cord starts sawing the guides on the rod and the spool eye. But this disadvantage only applies to cheap lines. The materials used in expensive models do not allow anything to be absorbed into the structure of the line. This is why I do not recommend saving on a braided line again.
- Poor cold resistance. Braided lines are very bad for winter fishing. They are soaked in water, which then begins to freeze. Ice prevents the line from passing through the guides and makes it very difficult for your further fishing.
Top-13 Best Braided Fishing Lines on the Market
Now that you know what a braided line is, its pros and cons, and where and when it is best to use, let’s take a closer look at the 13 best braided lines available on the market today.
1# KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line – Best Pick Overall
After all the tests, I decided to choose this line from KastKing as the winner. Despite the price, this line performs better than most of the expensive products on the market. KastKing has always high-quality things for little money, and this line is another testament to that. The good things start as soon as you put this line on your reel. Due to the built-in dynamic strands, the line allows you to tie it easily and firmly on the reel. Any knots like Uni or Double Clinch sit great on the reel and the hook.
The line has excellent abrasion resistance. It never gets loose or torn by friction, even when fighting a strong fighting fish. But the guides wear well, so take a harder rod. This has a very small diameter, which allows you to wind much more line on the reel and make longer and deeper casts. Plus, this line has zero stretch giving you superior sensitivity and bait contact. But this line has one drawback – it paints the hands very much when used and wound. The pigment that is applied to the surface of the line is very caustic and permeates everything: your hands, the spool of the reel, and the rod. It goes away after a while after use, but it’s still not a very pleasant thing.
I have been using this braided line with a diameter of 0.18 mm for many years (sea fishing from the shore) and can confirm the following advantages and features of the product from KastKing:
- Very tear-resistant – heavy-duty braid
- The best selection of colors to suit all water conditions
- Incredible abrasion resistance and knot strength
- Round and sleek design increases throw distance – minimal friction
- Very low torsional memory
- Zero stretch
The convenience of casting the line and the quality of the fishing itself is at the highest level.
2# Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line – Best Pick For Fresh & Saltwater
Power Pro is a fairly well-known brand in the production of fishing lines. She supplies an extensive line of high-quality braided lines in a variety of ranges and colors. This model is woven using 4 strands, each made of durable, unique Spectra fibers. Although flat strands are used here, in general, the line is rounded, which is very convenient when weaving knots. Each strand is coated to give the line a thinner and firmer profile.
But for a line with a thin profile, it does a great job of handling heavy fish in both fresh and seawater. The line also performed well on the water in terms of strength and abrasion. Compared to Mono, this model is less likely to cast, but it does it better than most braided lines nonetheless. Power Pro is very durable. You can even cut your hand on this line, the line quietly saws through the side of the wooden boat.
Besides, this line has the same disadvantage as the previous one – it leaves traces of paint on all things that it touches. Especially the first time of use. Otherwise, it is an excellent braided line for salt and fresh fishing.
3# SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braided Fishing Line – Best Budget Pick
A great line from the SpiderWire brand. The line comes in several colors, including camouflage, translucent, and even glow-in-the-dark, which is great for night fishing. Thanks to this, you can choose a line for different conditions and types of water. The manufacturer uses durable Dyneema fibers for its lines. The same fibers are used in the manufacture of body armor for the police, so you are guaranteed strength and durability.
The number of strands differs depending on the model. 6 to 20 pounds – 4 strands, 30 pounds – 8. I think this is a great solution because the manufacturer uses the optimal amount of strands for each type of fish. You don’t overpay for more strands if you don’t need them.
Regardless of the number of strands, the line casts very smoothly and quietly. Extraction is always very fast, leaving no loops on the line. Due to its material, the line does not stretch. Absolutely. The sensitivity of this line is so great that many anglers have to get used to this line at first. On the other hand, you will feel even the smallest fish bites. Despite a large number of positive reviews from many fishermen, the most common complaint is the quality of production. Some people receive defective copies. Another disadvantage is the use of a fluoropolymer coating. Although this coating improves the performance of the line, it will fade over time.
4# Berkley NanoFil Uni-Filament Braided Fishing Line – Best High-Quality
Berkley has introduced a new generation of fishing lines – Uni-Nanofil. This new and unique super line consists of several hundred polyethylene fibers, which are more durable and reliable than steel, bonded together at the molecular level, and processed using nanotechnology. Allows you to enjoy casting on longer distances with less effort.
Nanofil fishing line is the thinnest line on the market at the moment! Despite its immense strength, the line does not harm you or your fishing rod guides. It is completely safe and durable. This line has a minimum diameter, maximum strength, and casting accuracy. It performs better than any mono or braided line. Recommended using light or medium weight fishing tackle.
5# Power Pro Spectra Braided Fishing Line – Best Durable Pick
These braided lines are super strong, sits on the water well. Due to the high sensitivity, the line communicates with the angler about what’s happening on the end of the line like no other super line you have ever used. The premium quality of materials will pleasantly surprise you. Braided lines are produced from the finest fibers of various high-strength materials. Power Pro fishing lines are made in the USA from 100% Spectra Fiber microfiber. The finest fiber, dense weave, and extra coating provide the highest strength at knots. This braided line is highly reliable in the most extreme conditions. Doesn’t matter which fish you chose to catch, these fishing lines will enhance your experience incredibly.
6# Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line
The Piscifun brand has proven itself quite well. They make reels, fishing lines, and other fishing accessories that are popular with many anglers. This company produces quite interesting products and monitors their quality. The ONYX series of cords replaces the earlier Piscifun BRAID series. The main difference from the old series is that the manufacturer added thinner diameters, which were not in the BRAID series. Apart from it, there were some other improvements like color lasting longer and the fishing line has a low stretchability. Piscifun ONYX is perfect for beginners to use in various conditions and at a low cost. The fishing line is quite enough for several seasons even with fairly active fishing.
7# Berkley Fireline Braided Fishing Line
One of the first and finest of modern fused lines. BERKLEY FireLine Crystal made from Dyneema material with MicroFused technology. This manufacturing method involves sintering the top layer of PE fibers by heat treatment, which then forms a monolithic structure. The result is a tougher material with several advantages. Firstly, these are casts like a dream, secondly, excellent abrasion resistance, and thirdly, excellent sensitivity. Exceptional strength and knot integrity make this line a real durable. It is also worth adding that these super lines practically do not absorb moisture and cling to less debris during wiring. It has a different color indication, for every 5 meters of depth. The anglers who chose this line don’t even think about trying any other brands.
8# Suffix 832 Advanced Braided Fishing Line
The Suffix 832 fishing line has a round cross-section and is highly durable. All thanks to R8 Precision weaving technology. The line consists of seven Dyneema fibers and one Gore-Tex, which gives this kind of line increased durability and a uniform diameter throughout the length. Premium fiber provides extra strength and sensitivity. Knots hold better than the other lines with less fraying near the bait from dragging over structures and grabby treble hooks. Excellent line, strong withstands rocky and weed waters, and has a small diameter with big test strength. Represents premium sector of fishing tackles and guarantees you an impressive fish catch any time you go out for fishing. Such a super line deserves to be in your tackle box.
9# Daiwa J-Braided Fishing Line
This is a new, eight-strand braided fishing line, all characteristics of which can surprise you! Firstly, unlike many inexpensive eight-core cords, J-BRAID is perfectly round in cross-section. It allows you to cast lures far and accurately and allows you to reduce the weight of the lures and increase tactile sensitivity. The bright-line color is clearly visible even in low light, making it easy to control bait.
Whether you are going to catch heavy marine predators such as trout and pollock or your target is perch or bass – with the new J-Braid, you will always ensure optimal contact with the fish. The J-Braid line is available in diameters to suit every fishing technique. It allows you to go fishing in the sea, river, or lake. This model slides along the guides smoothly and quietly, allowing you to cast longer distances, even with light fishing spoons.
10# Reaction Tackle High-Performance Braided Fishing Line
One of the most popular choices among anglers is the Reaction Tackle fishing line. It is super strong, slick, and very pliable. You can catch a wide range of fish with it: sea bass, red snapper, trout, pike, etc. This fishing line has a low diameter with almost no water absorption. This fantastic braid can be used in both fresh and saltwater and it is easy to tie knots with this model. The casting is smooth with this line that is a big plus for beginners. The braid produced with high-quality fiber and has a special coating to increase durability. Your fishing experience with the Reaction Tackle Super Line will be effortless and joyful. You will have a chance to focus more on the beauty of nature and have fun with friends without stressing yourself about fixing or adjusting your braid.
11# Runcl Braided Fishing Line 8-Strands Ultra Strong
Great line. It is silky smooth and super strong. You can use this one for bass, both with leaders and straight braid. No slippage, no breaks. When you hook a decent fish you can be confident that the line won’t let you down. It has 8 strands and very thin which works well for slow jig fishing. This fishing line doesn’t have a lot of painty coating. Excellent quality and for such price. The most important feature with this line is the rainbow colors which helps to measure how deep is the water, with changing of color every 3 feet. Can be a great gift for experienced anglers.
12# Rikimaru Abrasion-Resistant Braided Fishing Line
Rikimaru is a brand, which is famous for producing high-quality fishing tackles for 28 years. If you are looking for a line with castability and abrasion resistance then Rikimaru is a perfect one. In terms of durability, this line definitely outperforms Power Pro and similar brands. The line is strong and has extremely low memory. There is no limitation on where to use this tackle. Doesn’t matter you choose a lake, river, sea, or ocean. Which season is the best for fishing with this model of line? You are free to use it the whole year, Rikimaru showing optimal performance even in ice fishing. Catch tuna, bass, trout, and many other varieties of species with fishing lines.
13# SeaKnight Monster W8 Braided Fishing Line Super Smooth
If you don’t want to spend much on the fishing line and at the same time quality is important for you, then there is an optimal option. Seaknight line has good quality and has all features that much more expensive lines offer. The line is reliable and durable, you can use it continuously for a few seasons. This fishing line has a smooth surface and an innovative design. Manufacturers used such technology that this super line avoids twisting and fading. The 8 strands have a big advantage over the 4 strands, impressively smooth. You can feel every nock on the fishing line. This model is perfect for use in deep waters. Your experience will improve with this super line, and it certainly will help you catch trophy fish.
How to Choose the Diameter of the Braided Line
What is the diameter of the braid to choose for the fishing rod? You can rant about this topic indefinitely, saying that not everything is so simple here, but we will try to be more specific.
The diameter of the braided line depends mainly on three parameters: the test of your rod, the weight of the baits used, and the size of the fish you are going to fish.
When it comes to choosing a braided line, it should be borne in mind that it is two or more times stronger than usual. Therefore, if you used monofilament with a diameter of 0.3 mm, you should choose a braid no more than 0.15 mm thick. You will be surprised at how far your bait flies.
To make it clearer, let’s look at a specific fish. for example a pike. If you used to catch pikes up to 3-5 kg and monofilament with a diameter of 0.3 mm was enough for you, then such a weight can hold a braid with a thickness of 0.08 – 0.1 mm. A braid with a diameter of only 0.1 mm will definitely go for pike up to 5 kilograms.
A thicker braid will be able to withstand more, but the casting distance decreases with thickness and when it gets stuck it is very difficult to break it. Excessive thinning is also not worth getting carried away, since the thinner the braid, the faster it wears out and less serves. A compromise must be found here.
For pike fishing up to 5 kg, a braid with a diameter in a wide range is suitable – from 0.06 mm and thicker. For light lures and ultralight spinning rods we use up to 0.08 mm, for an average jig weight, braid up to 0.14 mm is suitable, for heavy jig spinning, choose from 0.14 to 0.18 mm. So we figured out what kind of braid is needed for pike.
Conclusion: the diameter of a suitable braided line for spinning is more tied not to the type and size of the fish, but the power of the rod and the weight of the lures used. It doesn’t matter what you fish – perch, pike, or other fish, it is important that the braided line matches the power of the equipment as a whole (rod + reel + bait).
Braided lines from different manufacturers can differ significantly in breaking load for the same diameter, so this must also be taken into account.
Each manufacturer has its own types of sizes. Usually, when buying online, this is always indicated in the table. There is a test, line length, and diameter. Alternatively, the diameter can be found in the size selection chart. When choosing a fishing line, the basic information about the diameter should be looked for there.
FAQ about Braided Fishing Line
Braided line is not as simple a thing as it might seem at first glance. Therefore, we have collected your most frequently asked questions in this section. If you have not found an answer here to a question that interests you – ask it in the comments! Our experts will be happy to answer you.
Summing Up
If you want to get the maximum benefit and pleasure from fishing, then the acquisition of a braided line is a very important condition for this. A braided line is a tool that can make your life much easier and make your fishing easier and more enjoyable.
We made this guide so that you can quickly understand all aspects of braided lines and choose a model with which you will hunt fish. In compiling the article, we relied on our experience and the experience of professional anglers. With this guide, you can now easily pick the best-braided line. So make your choice wisely, compare products, read reviews, pros and cons, and descriptions. We hope this article helped you understand what the braided line is and why you need it. If so, share it with your friends. Have a nice fishing!
Tags: #best braided fishing line for spinning reels / #best braided fishing line for baitcaster / #best braided fishing line knot / #best braided fishing line for catfish / #best braided fishing line color / #best braided fishing line cutter / #best braided fishing line saltwater
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
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This article provides a great overview of braided fishing lines. There are so many factors to consider when selecting the right line and this article covers them all! For example, I now know that braided lines are more sensitive than mono-filament lines and can hold up against strong predators like muskies. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an informative read on braided fishing lines.
J-braid is usually my first recommendation, but if that doesn’t suit your needs then Sufix 832 is the next best option. If you don’t like either of those, I’m confident that it’s just a matter of finding the right braid for you – because J-braid and Sufix are two of the top contenders.
PowerPro and Daiwa Jbraid are great options for those looking for a reliable and strong braid line. Anything with a 10lb test or stronger should make untangling bird nests relatively easy. Recently, I spooled up some Kastking Silky 8 – it’s a great option if you’re looking for a smoother braid on the cheap. Looking forward to hearing the results of my experiment!
If you’re after the best braid, then Sufix or Cortland are your top choices. I personally prefer Cortland due to its thickness but be aware that it does come at a higher price. However, for the extra money, you get a trusted and reliable line – so it may be worth the investment.
Power Pro, J-braid, and Sufix are all great options for fishing lines. If you can’t find any of these brands, then Spiderwire is a decent alternative – although it is more stiff and may not work as well.
Braid has many advantages: it’s perfect for fishing in areas with weeds, and it offers better sensitivity and high strength with a reduced line diameter. Thinner lines give you the advantage of extended casting distance and more capacity if needed.
Hey everyone! I’m a newbie angler here and am looking for some advice on braided lines. Does the color of the line really make a difference, or can I just go with whatever? I usually use monofilament but I’m willing to give the braid a try. Plus, I’m kind of feeling adventurous and have decided to give Baitcasting a shot (even though it’s not recommended for beginners). Any opinions or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance and tight lines!
I’m currently using 20lbs Suffix 832 on my casting reels and I’m really happy with it. Before, I was a Power Pro user, but the suppleness of the Suffix line makes up for the lack of sensitivity. Plus, abrasion isn’t even an issue! I’d definitely use it again. 👍🏻
The color fading is natural – I’m using the bright green/chartreuse line and after five months of use, it has faded a bit. But if you can still make out the line that’s good enough for me.
I’ve been a loyal fan of Runcl Braids for a few years now – it’s definitely softer and thinner than Fireline and PowerPro, and I’ve never had any issues with it. Whether I’m baitcasting or spinning gear in the rivers, Runcl is my go-to!
I’m a big believer in the Power Pro braid. For most applications, I use a 20-30 pound braid and switch up to 40-50 pounds when I’m fishing heavy cover. If I’m going for the finesse game, then a 10-pound braid on a spinning setup works great. For leaders, 12-17 pounds is usually enough, except when it comes to heavy cover – then I switch to 30 pounds. For finesse fishing, 8-12 pounds is plenty.
After testing out many braids, I’ve concluded that J-Braid X8 is my top pick. It outperforms in almost every category, the only exception being line color retention – but that’s an aspect I’m willing to live with.
After years of using PowerPro, I decided to give Yo Zuri a try on an experimental rod. Unfortunately, the coating wore off after only a month and the line caused huge backlash issues. I switched back to PowerPro and the issue was immediately resolved.
P-line is a great option, considering its price point. The sturdiness of the line makes it suitable for larger poundages like 65# and higher. In my opinion, Power Pro isn’t as good; I’ve found it wears out my rod eyelets more easily.