Need A New Mono

[.ghoti.]

Berkley, in their infinite wisdom, saw fit to change the formula, or process, to my favorite line, XL. It is no longer acceptable. I don't know what they did to it, but I wish they would undo it. ARE YOU LISTENING, BERKLEY?

I have a few spools of flouro to experiment with for a few applications, but I need a new mono for the majority of my setups. I used 10, 12 and 14 XL on my casting reels, and need something in that strength or diameter range. Braid is not an option.

So far this year I've tried the following:

Trilene XT no

Trilene Sensation a more emphatic NO

Trilene Big Game a big $@ NO

Pline C21 maybe (6lb test on a spinning reel was OK)

Sufix Elite the best option so far

YoZuri Hybrid NO

Tectan not bad at all but very hard to source

What else should I look at?

[tomustang]

What changed that you noticed/didn't work for you?

 

 

We use C21 on everything, 6lb on spinning 1000-2500 reels and mainly 12lb for all around gear, and 15lb for med-hvy

[.ghoti.]

XL got a lot stiffer, and has a lot more memory that it used to. I used to by two 1000yd spools of 10, two of 12 nd one of 14 every year. I bought 330yd spools this year of the new stuff, in blister packs instead of boxes. There is a definite difference. And I don't like it at all.

[00 mod]

You should check out Maxima Ultragreen!

 

Jeff

[KSRonH]

I used Sunline Super Natural this year on a crankbait set up, and a top water set up and really liked it. I would recommend you try it but use the line diameter as a guide line instead of pound test of the line. I am looking forward to trying Sunlines' Defier but it is a little pricy for a mono. Let me know how you like Super Natural, as I think you'll like it more than the old XL.

[JeziHogg]

Suffix elite is a great option. Casts very well, it's super smooth sand has low memory. My only con about it is that it's really stretchy.

[retiredbosn]

Original Stren, nuff said

[dam0007]

spider ez mono, Sufix elite and siege, are my picks. I'm looking forward to trying Seaguar Senshi soon.

[webertime]

I just got turned on to Maxima Ultra Green and I love that stuff.

[thehooligan]

Dont use mono anymore but i always liked berkley transoptic. 

[KDW96]

The berkley xl was changed first of the year,and has been crap ever since. All year ive been experimenting,but only tried a few. Ande,Maxima and Seaguar senshi. So far SEAGUAR has done the best for me.I dont  know why berkley couldnt just leave a good thing alone?

[The Next KVD]

Don't fear you can still get the XL in the old original formula. You can order it from Mills Fleet Farm.  Unfortunately there are none of these stores in Illinois from what I can see on there website.   http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/berkley-trilene-xl-fishing-line/0000000010913   Right now through the 18th they got Free Shipping. Only available in clear though.

[nwmike]

not mono but mccoy mean green is great line izorline platinum and xxx are also good

[ariess]

Check out the Sunline site. They have many different options for all sorts of situations. Of course they do come with a price tag :/ P-line C-21 is good.

[A-Jay]

  Another vote for Maxima Ultragreen - Seriously.

 

On some sites it's called a Co-poly but  according to the Company it's a mono and a very very good one.

 

A-Jay

[Kevinator1]

Hey Ghoti,

 

 If you would consider a copolymer, I've always thought that Excalibur (Silver Thread)  was one of the best lines I have ever used. I still use it to this day. Low memory and very strong. 

[Todd2]

Mccoy in the blue fluorescent is my fav and Ive tried a bunch of them. Low memory.. strong.

[new2BC4bass]

Too bad about the XL.  It is all I used in my youth.  This past spring I put some 6# XL on a b/c reel being used for light lures.  Although I have been trying other lines, it isn't because I was dissapointed with XL's performance.  Simply wanted to try some other lines I have been reading about.  Picked up some 6# Siege to try on a couple other b/c reels.  Need to try Maxima and McCoy.

 

I've been using 12# Elite on a few reels, and it is my favorite so far.  Have 10# Super Natural on one reel, and 17# Super Natural on another.  Read good things about this line, but haven't used it long enough to have a solid opinion yet.  I've got a few other brands to try.

 

Same 12# Elite has been on my Zillion 50th for the past 4 fishing seasons.  (Realize that I don't fish as often as 99% of you, and have enough combos that not every reel gets used each time I go out.)  I am totally satisfied with this line.  Guess the only reason for trying others is curiosity.  Seem to think anytime someone praises a line that I need to try it. 

 

I think you should also give Silver Thread AN 40 a look.  A guy whose opinion I highly respect swears by it.  This thread has reminded me that I need to order a few spools for testing.  Got to keep the Bait Monky happy! 

[johnD.]

I bought 15 lb Hi Seas Grand Slam mono on sale , it has very little stretch for mono (feels more like Fluoro). With KVD L & L conditioner the memory is managable.

[Topwaterspook]

Maxima or Gamma

[new2BC4bass]

I bought 15 lb Hi Seas Grand Slam mono on sale , it has very little stretch for mono (feels more like Fluoro). With KVD L & L conditioner the memory is managable.

 

Appreciate the mini review.  Although I have a couple bottles of the same line conditioner, I found that I have no desire to keep applying it in order to manage memory.  One less line to think about trying.  Thanks. 

[roadwarrior]

The answer is probably still sitting in the back of your truck!

 

Sunline Super Natural

 

110 yard spools are on sale for $2.99; 330 yards $9.99.

 

 

 

 

[bighed]

Izor XXX is the best one I've run across.  Suffix is a close second.

[retiredbosn]

Bass Pro's mono is pretty good as well.

[McAlpine]

One of the guys here turned me onto McCoy Mean Green and it is really great stuff.  I highly recommend it.  I am using it in 15lb for spinnerbaits now.  Switched over after I had an ~8lb'er bust some 10lb flouro clean in two at the boat and break my heart simultaneously.