What is the best brand of braid?

[aquaholik]

Berkley makes the best braid hands down! Quality spectra or dyneema underlying materials, consistent S/W ratio across all types of braid and all tests whether they are fused, braid, or unifilament. Spiderwire generally have good consistent S/W ratio also in all their varations.

[dodgeguy]

ive used a bunch of different braids since the 90s.here my top picks of the ones ive used. suffix 832 , tufline domin8 , Berkley trilene professional grade braid , diawa j braid ,powerpro super slick in that order. didn't like any of the spiderwire products after original spidewire. 

[crypt]

I just tried the new kastking,and really like it.

[Fried Lemons]

On 1/31/2018 at 3:57 PM, Yumeya said:

Try going off of diameter instead of pound rating, that is when you will find the differences between braids.

 

For example, Seaguar smack down in 10lb is .005" diameter while sufix 832 in 10lb is .008"

Sufix 10lb will actually brake around 30lb while the seaguar will brake around its stated lb rating.

Basically this. The absolute "best" braid has the highest ratio of breaking strain to diameter. Most braids stated breaking strain is so much lower than the actual breaking strain that it's basically false advertising. Find the diameter you want and pick the strongest line. Alternatively find the weight class you want and pick the thinnest line.

 

This doesn't have all the brands but it's a good start. 

http://www.paulusjustfishing.com/4linetestingbuy.htm

[Team9nine]

9 minutes ago, Fried Lemons said:

Basically this. The absolute "best" braid has the highest ratio of breaking strain to diameter. Most braids stated breaking strain is so much lower than the actual breaking strain that it's basically false advertising. Find the diameter you want and pick the strongest line. Alternatively find the weight class you want and pick the thinnest line.

 

This doesn't have all the brands but it's a good start. 

http://www.paulusjustfishing.com/4linetestingbuy.htm

 

Braid can easily lose 40-50% or more of its true breaking strength once you put a simple knot in it, so manufacturers under rate it so that the listed breaking strength is closer to actual breaking strength of the knotted line (since nobody fishes braid without tying a knot to their bait or leader).

 

On diameter...it can be very difficult to judge braided lines based on stated diameter because A.), there is no standard of measurement for braid, and B.), since it is a braid/weave, it easily compresses under pressure. What you don't know is how much pressure was applied, if any, to get the stated diameter measurement.

 

Personally, I have very little interest in "the best" since that is totally subjective in nearly all cases, and not universally applicable. Instead, and this is partly my R&D background, I tend to fish with what I refer to as "standards." Standards or 'controls' are placed into experiments because we know exactly what to expect from them, time after time, and can then use those controls to compare other similar things against them (for better or worse). For me, basic Power Pro is that standard, with a proven reputation and a consistent track record. I always know what I can expect out of that line without any surprises, so it is my braid of choice 90 percent of the time.

 

YMMV 

[soflabasser]

Powerpro 

[PatrickKnight]

I have used the following braids:

Suffix 832 10 lb

Power Pro 10 and 20 lb

Suffix Performance 10 lb

Smackdown 10 lb

Power pro slick 8 10 lb

Spiderwire stealth 10 lb

Fins Windtamer 10 and 12 lb

Gamma Torque 8 lb

 

Of all of those I can safely say the best for my uses is what ever I can find on sale, other than the Spiderwire that stuff just sucks. Currently running 832 moss green 10 lb on all but one set up which has 20 lb Power Pro original on it. The only reason is I got a stupid good deal on a bulk spool of 832.

 

BTW Bass pro has 832 for $9.99 for 150 yard spools. Best deal going right now imo.

[Further North]

12 hours ago, Team9nine said:

Personally, I have very little interest in "the best" since that is totally subjective in nearly all cases, and not universally applicable.

Nailed it, IMO.

[Jimmy Green]

Im using Bushido, super smooth 8 strand and very strong!

[Owen_007]

Power pro is my go to. I run braid and a leader on all my setups. Crazy Alberto knot.. Picked up some sunline braid and I have no complaints about that either. I do avoid spiderwire like the plague though....

[Fishin Dad]

i agree it is subjective and technique specific.   i might be in the minority, but i hate the noise of power pro.   Hate it.   i have found i really like Suffix 832, again subjective, but it has just really worked for me.   Smooth, quiet, easy to tie knots, lasts forever.    i have tried Daiwa J x 8 and some others, but really just like 832.    The Bass Pro sale made me like it even more!   Good luck with your search!   

[EGbassing]

One word. PowerPro.