The Most Sensitive Fluorocarbon? Shooter, Tatsu, Superhard

[skeletor6]

I created a thread a while back asking about upgrading from yozuri to fluoro and was wondering which to choose. Now that I have had some experience with an average fluorocarbon (Trilene 100%) I am looking to try the most sensitive fluorocarbon out there and see how sensitive fluorocarbon can be. After speaking with a couple trusted and helpful associates It seemed to come down to these three.

Sunline Shooter vs. Toray Superhard Upgrade vs. Seaguar Tatsu

Here's what I know as of now. That shooter and toray are both very similar in stretch, with shooter being slightly less 'stretchy'. Shooter and Toray are both stiff lines and do not manage well. Also, that shooter and toray are very close in terms of sensitivity. I have read both TT's review of fluorocarbons and their stretch ratings etc. These do not include tests on Tatsu

My confusion really begins when considering Tatsu. I have read many mixed reviews regarding this line's stretch and sensitivity. I understand that its handling characteristics are top notch, but sensitivity wise how does this line pair versus the other two mentioned? Seaguar's website even lists their "Red Label" as having less stretch than Tatsu, but there are claims that its sensitivity is the same or even better than shooter or toray. I have also read claims that it is too stretchy and its only downfall is its sensitivity. Hence the confusion.

So, are there other factors besides stretch that make a fluorocarbon more sensitive than one another? I would believe one has to consider density because take braid for instance, it has no stretch and therefore is very sensitive on a tight line, but on a slack line it feels dead. Whereas, a slack line fluorocarbon will transmit vibration. Does the dual structure fluoro of Tatsu increase its sensitivity perhaps? I would like to hear your comments.

Also, does line diameter have any effect on sensitivity? For instance, would 10lb shooter be more, less, or the same sensitive as 20lb shooter?

So, those of you that have had the opportunity to use these lines, could you explain to me which one is the most sensitive and why? It would be very helpful to me. Thank you!

[ClackerBuzz]

I haven't tried them but my guess is you won't have any complaints about any of them b/c you are at the top of the Fluorocarbon hill. I use Seaguar Invisix and am 100% satisfied. I've never had a knot or line failure. Its price point is middle of the road for fluoro and I don't mind paying a little more for it. (I just spooled 6lb red lable on my finesse set up and I'm looking forward to see how it holds up). I use braid as my main line and will only ever have a 10-20ft leader. This means I don't loose lots of line in the event of a professional over-run/backlash. Its well worth the extra .05c a yard compared to cheaper lines especially I only buy 2-3 spools per season fishing 150+days a year. Keep us posted on ur experiences

[barroncooper]

I've tried all three and toray was the most sensitive but also least manageable. it's like winch cable. tatsu is most definately the most manageable and I would gladly trade a tad of sensitivity for tatsu's manageability. just my 2 cents

[skeletor6]

I haven't tried them but my guess is you won't have any complaints about any of them b/c you are at the top of the Fluorocarbon hill. I use Seaguar Invisix and am 100% satisfied. I've never had a knot or line failure. Its price point is middle of the road for fluoro and I don't mind paying a little more for it. (I just spooled 6lb red lable on my finesse set up and I'm looking forward to see how it holds up). I use braid as my main line and will only ever have a 10-20ft leader. This means I don't loose lots of line in the event of a professional over-run/backlash. Its well worth the extra .05c a yard compared to cheaper lines especially I only buy 2-3 spools per season fishing 150+days a year. Keep us posted on ur experiences

Seaguar invisX is one of the lines that is extremely manageable, but very stretchy. Those softer, more supple fluorocarbons are great for tying knots, but are not great in terms of sensitivity. With braid as your main line you certainly are getting all of the sensitivity one could desire when the line is tight. I use braid on a few of my setups, but I figure on the setups where slack line presentations are key, I need to implement fluoro. I figure I mind as well see how sensitive fluorocarbon can actually be so I can maximize out my sensitivity on my 893c NRX. With trilene 100% I felt there was something left to be desired, which is why I want to try the best to end my questions on fluoro.

I believe both braid and fluoro have their places where they should be used. I have found samurai braid to be my favorite and now I am trying to do the same with fluorocarbon. Being able to sense and perceive what is happening with my bait comes with time and experience, but I want to make sure that I have the best tools I can to help me gain such experience.

Thanks Adam.

I've tried all three and toray was the most sensitive but also least manageable. it's like winch cable. tatsu is most definately the most manageable and I would gladly trade a tad of sensitivity for tatsu's manageability. just my 2 cents

How big of a sensitivity loss would you consider there is between the tatsu and shooter? Out of all the lines you fished where does tatsu fall in terms of sensitivity? I'm worried that tatsu may be lacking in the sensitivity department. I know it is extremely good for all other aspects that one measures for a fluorocarbon (abrasion resistance, knot strength, manageability, etc.), As with most fluorocarbons, the more manageable they get, the less sensitive they get vice-versa. Does this happen with tatsu?

Thank you for your response Barron

[barroncooper]

skeletor, you're really splitting hairs as far as sensitivity goes. Toray is a little more sensitive than tatsu but only of a tight line. toray likes to coil up and it definately loses sensitivity when this happens. the tatsu will lay flatter under most conditions making it more sensitive. I wouldnt base my selection of these 3 lines based on sensitivity because they are all 3 super sensitive lines. I would base my selection on manageability and abrasion resistance and thats another paradox in its self. toray is more abrasion resistant, tatsu is more manageable. Under most conditions though, tatsu will hold up extremely well. It is my all time favorite line when excluding cost. hope this helps

[skeletor6]

skeletor, you're really splitting hairs as far as sensitivity goes. Toray is a little more sensitive than tatsu but only of a tight line. toray likes to coil up and it definately loses sensitivity when this happens. the tatsu will lay flatter under most conditions making it more sensitive. I wouldnt base my selection of these 3 lines based on sensitivity because they are all 3 super sensitive lines. I would base my selection on manageability and abrasion resistance and thats another paradox in its self. toray is more abrasion resistant, tatsu is more manageable. Under most conditions though, tatsu will hold up extremely well. It is my all time favorite line when excluding cost. hope this helps

It does help, thank you very much. If the sensitivity comparisons between these three are like splitting hairs then I figure it is close enough to choose the line based off the other factors that you mentioned. Sensitivity right now is weighed the heaviest when deciding which line to choose. The other factors are weighed less, but are weighed in my decision. If on a slack line, tatsu becomes more sensitive that is a huge consideration to take into account and also is an argument for making Tatsu a more sensitive line as well! In the type of conditions I fish, manageability is weighed heavier than abrasion resistance.

I will be choosing Tatsu if it is, in fact more sensitive during slack line conditions, and contains almost unnoticeable differences during tight line conditions as well. Clearly, Tatsu is a very manageable and enjoyable line to use. That I read from others experience, but I can see their point and yours. Thank you

[barroncooper]

If youre on a budget skeletor, give sunline sniper a try. it's less manageable than tatsu but is almost as sensitive and very well priced. give tatsu a try though you'll love it. if you ever get tired of paying for it, give sniper a try!

[Brian Needham]

I really like my 10# tatsu that I have on my spinning set up.

when using KVD LL, no coils what so ever, and can feel "ticks" on a shakey head.........all you ever would want I guess.