Braided line is an acquired taste. My first experience with braid, like the first time I tried oysters on the half shell, was unpalatable. The texture and feel was foreign. I quickly developed a hatred for the no-stretch, sharp, and hard-to-tie line.
It took me a few years to muster up the courage to try it again. This time I was a little more stubborn. By this time braid had started to gain traction in the saltwater fishing community, and people were started to sing its praises.
I did some research on how to use braid and read reviews of the different brands that were on the market at the time. I discovered that properly spooling it on a reel and using the right knots were the keys success with braid. I learned to like it but I still wasn’t completely sold.
Over the next year monofilament line experienced a slow miserable death on my reels. Slowly but surely I eventually converted all my reels to braid. The strengths greatly far outweighed it’s weaknesses for my applications.
I’ve been searching for the perfect braided line ever since. I’ve used nearly every line on the market including: Power Pro, Stren, Spiderwire, Sufix, P-Line, Berkley, etc. I’ve developed a few favorites after years of trial, error and abuse.
I’m the type of angler that loves experiment. I enjoy testing new products that might make my fishing more pleasant and/or help me catch more fish. A peek into my fishing closet, which resembles the isles at your local tackle story, can vouch for my keenness to try new products. Until recently I had no reason to try braided lines. There had been very little advances in terms of the technology.
Over the last few years several products have been released that have caught my eye. Like most new products the words revolutionary, proprietary and space-aged are tossed around so much many marketing ploys start to sound like a late night infomercial. Deciphering through the dung begins to become a difficult task.
Fishing advances, more often than not, are purely hype. I don’t typically buy into the hype. Yea right, who am I kidding? As the old adage goes lures (fishing tackle and gear can be lumped into this category) are made to catch fisherman first.
The first new line that caught my attention was Sufix 832, an 8-strand braid that claimed to be rounder, smoother and stronger. With a new crop of braided lines now on the market and the line on my reels needing replacing I decided to buy a spool of three different braids (Sufix 832, Power Pro Slick 8 and FINS Windtamer) I’ve heard good things about. I plan to use each of them side-by-side for several months..
There will be several updates along the way. This review is not meant to be a technical analysis. I won’t go into chemical composition or examine the physical attributes through a microscope. What you will find here is an unbiased opinion from a guy that spends a lot of time on the water and daydreaming about it. Follow along with me as I put each of these three lines to the test to determine which one suits my needs best.
FINS Windtamer:
I know what you’re thinking. Pink Line? Why use FINS Windtamer instead of the 8-strand FINS XS Braid? First, I couldn’t find FINS XS anywhere locally. Second, everyone I’ve spoken with that uses FINS uses and loves Windtamer. I may eventually throw FINS XS into the fray if I can get my hands on a spool.
FINS WINDTAMER is a 100% spectra braid but with additional processing. Windtamer braid has been treated by means of a proprietary process resulting in a compacted round and smooth structure with a firm body. This enables Windtamer to pack very well on reels without pulling into itself and cuts through the wind to cast without wind knots and rod tip wrapping. Saltwater inshore fishing is a situation where Windtamer stands out, particularly for those using baitcasting reels.
Sufix 832:
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline is the strongest, most durable small diameter braid on the market. R8 Precision Braiding and fiber technology provides superior strength, roundness and line consistency. Patent-pending construction of 8 fibers (7 Dyneema® plus 1 GORE® Performance Fiber) and 32 weaves (pics) per inch. GORE® Performance Fibers improve abrasion resistance, increase casting distance & accuracy and reduce line vibration. Dyneema® fibers provide high strength & sensitivity, hydrophobic water-repellent protection and small diameter.
Power Pro Slick 8
8 yarn Spectra fiber construction braided under high tension to create a live surface that feels smooth as silk. Reduced line friction on the spool and through the rod guides allows Super 8 Slick to cast like a bullet. Smooth surface design reduces friction and line noise, allowing you to fish with stealth and silence. Super 8 Slick is 8 yarn Spectra fiber construction for anglers who demand high performance. PowerPro “EBT” (Enhanced Body Technology) process creates a stronger, thinner, smoother and quieter line.
