Sunline SX1,FX2 Daiwa Samurai or Seaguar Smackdown Braid?

[TxHawgs]

Need to buy braid for Mentaniums, Aldebaran i just ordered. Going to need it for topwater, pitching, frogs not sure what else kind of depends on water clarity. Anyone use it for buzzbaits with like a Sunline Reaction Fluro leader? Anyway the only braid I have used has been PP 20lb. On my spinning reel w a leader. Want to try one of the above mentioned. Thought the Daiwa was really good stuff but I think there was more bad than good reviews on TW site, so input on that braid would be great. FX2 vs SX1, thought I have read guys preferring the FX2? not sure that's why I'm asking and finally, Smackdown. So opinions on what you use and why, and if you tried more than one out of the group which ones and why you choose the one your currently using over the other please. I also want to try new high quality braid for the spinning rods also, one will be a dedicated DSR and other a SHR both with a leader. And I fish Fork so tons of timber, Thanks guys.

[iabass8]

I'm not a big braid junkie but I got some 50# FX2 dirt cheap last year and I'm pretty impressed. I throw buzzbaits on straight braid. No need for a leader. I fish the Blue stuff. I like it. 

[TxHawgs]

1 minute ago, iabass8 said:

I'm not a big braid junkie but I got some 50# FX2 dirt cheap last year and I'm pretty impressed. I throw buzzbaits on straight braid. No need for a leader. I fish the Blue stuff. I like it. 

Thanks man, off subject but what gear ratio do u throw chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits on?

[iabass8]

Just now, TxHawgs said:

Thanks man, off subject but what gear ratio do u throw chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits on?

7:1:1

[Master Bait'r]

I've used SX1 & FX2 extensively, and even though they are extremely durable they're also pretty rough and so are loud.  

 

I have switched over completely to Smackdown.  It's thinner, smoother and more supple.  I love it.  Best braid by far!  

[TxHawgs]

1 hour ago, Master Bait'r said:

I've used SX1 & FX2 extensively, and even though they are extremely durable they're also pretty rough and so are loud.  

 

I have switched over completely to Smackdown.  It's thinner, smoother and more supple.  I love it.  Best braid by far!  

Are u using the Smackdown for every technique u use braid for on a casting rod, topwater ect. not just on a pitching rod? If you were fishing in a ton of stumps and timber would u continue to use the Smackdown?  Thanks

[Master Bait'r]

I use 15# smack for finesse on my  MXF casting rig and loooooove it.  Just have to use epoxy-sealed eye hooks, because it's so thin it can get caught in the wire end crimping of normal hooks and break off.  

I also went from 50# FX2 to 40# Smackdown on my frog rod and picked up at least a good 30% in casting distance.  No discernable loss in any aspect of heavy cover muscle or bait action either, just crazy quiet and never had a nest either.  

 

Smackdown is just the best braid I've ever found.  Most of my rods have Ti recoil guides as well so noise can be a factor with low carrier count or coarse braid, but I love how smooth and supple it is.  

 

If you aren't afraid of the price, just do it.  It's awesome.  

Oh and if you're reeeeeally concerned about breaking off in uber cover, you can likely go another rating higher with the Smackdown vs. other stuff and still be ahead in casting and handling.  

[DenhamBruce]

I just got  some FX2 because it was super cheap and figured I'd try it. The stuff performs rock solid and is thinner than lots of brands for its rated strength. I feel like it has no problem tangling with the brush so if you're going like frogs or pitching I would definitely look into it.

[TxHawgs]

2 hours ago, Master Bait'r said:

I use 15# smack for finesse on my  MXF casting rig and loooooove it.  Just have to use epoxy-sealed eye hooks, because it's so thin it can get caught in the wire end crimping of normal hooks and break off.  

I also went from 50# FX2 to 40# Smackdown on my frog rod and picked up at least a good 30% in casting distance.  No discernable loss in any aspect of heavy cover muscle or bait action either, just crazy quiet and never had a nest either.  

 

Smackdown is just the best braid I've ever found.  Most of my rods have Ti recoil guides as well so noise can be a factor with low carrier count or coarse braid, but I love how smooth and supple it is.  

 

If you aren't afraid of the price, just do it.  It's awesome.  

Oh and if you're reeeeeally concerned about breaking off in uber cover, you can likely go another rating higher with the Smackdown vs. other stuff and still be ahead in casting and handling.  

No don't care about price just want the nicest stuff. I also have the recoil guides on my loomis rods so that's a plus that it's quiet. I picked up a spool of FX2 a little while ago and the Daiwa Samurai  but wanted to see who was using what and likes and dislikes. Really was surprised with the reviews on TW of the Samurai, more bad than good and they either loved it or hated it. The majority of them said it would just break unexpectedly and send a lure to the land of the lost. Well looks like I'm gonna grab the Smackdown, wonder if they make it in 600+ or 1200yd spools? Will get green but would also like a high viz color for pitching rods, not sure if they make a high viz color. Another reason I asked about the braids is because I did find 1200yd spools of Samurai for a good price but after reading I doubt I will be buying it unless it blows me away when I try it. Really suprised about the Sunline also thought that was a hit amongst guys. Their fluro and the Tatsu is all I fish. Well thanks a lot for the advice I appreciate it.

[Master Bait'r]

Yeah Sunline makes great lines too but Seaguar flat out kills it with their high end products like Tatsu and Smackdown IMO.  

 

CXX and Gliss are the only non-Seaguar lines I even buy anymore.  

 

 

[JGBassinAL]

I use FX2 for frogs and punching and SX1 on my top water rod and spinning rigs. I don't find either to be noisy and both are awesome performers. I haven't used Smackdown but I'm sure it is great as well. If you already have some FX2 then I would try it and see how you like it before buying something else. I've never read any bad reviews on FX2 or SX1 and I have never had a bad experience in my time using these lines either. 

6 hours ago, TxHawgs said:

Really suprised about the Sunline also thought that was a hit amongst guys. 

No one on here said it is bad stuff. You can't go wrong with either it's just personal preference. 

[Glenn]

I used to use PowerPro, until I started using Seaguar Kanzen.  It handled better than PP, so I made the switch.

Then Smackdown was introduced, and it changed everything.

Now I use Smackdown for all my braid needs except two: one is for frog fishing.  I still use Kanzen for that because it's a thicker diameter braid, and thus it floats more.  Granted, it doesn't cast as far as Smackdown, but the hook-up ratio on a frog out at the end of a long cast gets worse the further out it is anyway. 

The other braid is the new Flippin' braid.  I have that spooled up on a couple rods to see how it compares to Smackdown.  So far I'm really impressed with it.  But I have yet to whack a monster in some thick brush with it, so I'm waiting to see how it holds up under that stress test.

[TxHawgs]

39 minutes ago, Glenn said:

I used to use PowerPro, until I started using Seaguar Kanzen.  It handled better than PP, so I made the switch.

Then Smackdown was introduced, and it changed everything.

Now I use Smackdown for all my braid needs except two: one is for frog fishing.  I still use Kanzen for that because it's a thicker diameter braid, and thus it floats more.  Granted, it doesn't cast as far as Smackdown, but the hook-up ratio on a frog out at the end of a long cast gets worse the further out it is anyway. 

The other braid is the new Flippin' braid.  I have that spooled up on a couple rods to see how it compares to Smackdown.  So far I'm really impressed with it.  But I have yet to whack a monster in some thick brush with it, so I'm waiting to see how it holds up under that stress test.

Glenn have you tried the Samurai? 

[Glenn]

No, I have not.  I've tried other brands, but you aren't asking about them.

[hookset on 3]

Going on my third season with Seaguar Smackdown and I love all the qualities mentioned in the previous posts. Quiet, thin, length of cast, etc...

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

With smackdown go by dia. Smackdown 30 is not as strong or is equal to others 20 when dia is the same. Smackdown is my 2nd favorite (due to noise level-price)braid but havent tried samurai.

[TxHawgs]

3 hours ago, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

With smackdown go by dia. Smackdown 30 is not as strong or is equal to others 20 when dia is the same. Smackdown is my 2nd favorite (due to noise level-price)braid but havent tried samurai.

So what's your favorite? 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Super8Slick 20# is quieter stronger and costs less than 30# smackdown. I like both though and bought 40# Smackdown and 30# S8S. I also bought some 30# GAMMA Torque braid(good deal at fishing show w/hat) to try out it is more limp than both, falls straight off the spool not curled like Smack or S8S new. Its clearly not as smooth though.

[dam0007]

I'm running 15# SX1 with a 8# FC leader tied on. Liking it over Regular PP so far. Casts great and color seems to retain fairly well. Only other braid I've used are the 2 Sufix makes but those are 50 and 65#. They way I take it sx1 is for all the lighter stuff and fx2 is for heavy applications. Flipping frogs a rig etc. plan on trying that one this year. 

Update* ordered some FX2 for frogs and ARig in 65# looking forward to it. It was a no brainer for the price I got it for on the bay.