YGK G-Soul X-8 braid

[Master Bait'r]

I am a big fan of 8 carrier braid's characteristics in general, and have been a Smackdown user for a few seasons now.  I've been looking at the G-Soul X8 since someone I believe on here mentioned it being thinner than Smackdown...  I've never seen it in person so any real feedback on the stuff's overall quality and handling would be appreciated.  Thanks!  

[The Bassman]

Haven't used it but like Smackdown.  One thing is constant between lines, though. Strength is dependent on diameter not stated tensile strength. Other variables like abrasion resistance, smoothness, and handling can vary from line to line.  That said, Smackdown is very thin and tests close to stated strength. I believe G-Soul is at least if not more pricey. 6 lb. 832 is at least as strong as 10lb. power pro and both are as strong as 20 lb. Smackdown.

[Montanaro]

I have 20lb on spinning.  I dont recall diameter but its similar to smackdown.  It is suppose to sink slowly but if it does it isnt noticable.  My high vis yellow bled quickly and is now just white.

 

You arent paying for quality....you are paying for importing it.  There are plenty of domestics that are just as good for less.

[Master Bait'r]

Sweet, that's exactly what I was looking for thanks @Montanaro!  I'll be sticking with El Smacko!

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Ok lets get some corrections.

1st G-soul X8 is LESS expensive than Smackdown

 Example from TW 40# G-soul is $29.99---40# Smackdown is $34.99

 

2nd You get more line per spool with G-soul X8 200m (218.723yds) vs 150yds of Smackdown

 

3rd The sinking yellow G-soul is different line not the same as green G-soul X8. 

Example 20# yellow sinking G-soul SS12 has dia of .009 inches, 20# green G-soul X8 dia .0067 inches

 

I have 60# G-soul X8 that is .012dia, 40# Smackdown is .011dia. 50# Smackdown .015dia

 

I have 30 and two 40 pound Smackdown spools but unless I find it on a sale of 30-40% off wont be buying anymore of the line.

They all are about the same stiffness not limp like Gamma Torque or Samurai.

I would purchase Samurai, Gamma, Super8slick, G-soul X8 over smackdown again.

Dont see any benefits to the more expensive smackdown line. You dont get quieter line you dont get stronger line you dont get more abrasion resistance you just get less money in your pocket.

 

[Montanaro]

Didnt know there was a differenxe between color diameters.  May reconsider it next time I need heavy braid.

[Preytorien]

I use the 14lb on my ultra-finesse spinning rig. That lb-test is unbelievably thin. I had to back it with a good bit of mono because 200m wouldn't even come close to filling a 2500 size Shimano Sustain. 

 

I use it with smaller crankbaits and finesse plastics so I can't really say if it does okay with hard hooksets, mine are usually reel sets. Otherwise I've not had any breakoffs or anything, and seems very good in terms of abrasion resistance.

 

It casts incredibly far, and since the line is so small and light, it almost feels odd while it's casting. Again, this is 14lb, I can't vouch for the larger diameters, but it just slips off the reel so smoothly that it cuts through the air with ease.  

 

I've not noticed a whole lot of bleeding, but mine is yellow with white markings anyways. I'm not too concerned about the bleeding.

 

I definitely wouldn't use the 14lb for anything heavy, no frogging or anything, but it's amazing for finesse presentations. I could imagine if I did any ballpark slam hooksets it'd probably pop the line, but that can be said really of any super thin diameter braid.

 

I've used Smackdown and while I like it also, I think the Soul is thinner and casts very well. I'd place them in a good plane of comparability, only giving the Soul a point higher for the thin diameter giving a bit of a casting edge.