Berkley Vanish vs. Seaguar STS

[govallis]

Received the 12# Red Label from Walmart. It has exactly the same diameter as the STS, 0.32 mm, and also labeled as the same as 0.31mm/0.012in. They feel exactly the same too, in terms of stiffness. They behaved exactly the same as well in my strength test: beaten the C21 10# and then SB 12#, but lost to C21 12#; after won C21, there are some fray on one loop knot.

 

For a 18" leader, at least, I don't see apparent reason to pay more than the Red Label. I'll be using it from now on. If it'll break due to abrasion, then I'll give STS a try. On a forum, one guy claims that even a pike cannot break STS, but he never tried Red Label though, only Blue Label.

[govallis]

Used the Red Label as a leader for two days and landed a dozen largemouth, each is about 18"/3lbs. No breakage, nice, but now the first 1.5" of the leader become white and slightly rough. I'm going to switch to STS and see if it'll be as easy to become white.

[govallis]

Used STS leader for the whole morning and caught about a dozen LM (a lot more escaped). The first 1.5" did not become white nor rough, but there are two nicks. So, STS is more abrasion resistant but still needs to be replaced frequently. I'll keep both and use STS for tough conditions such as river. Although STS is priced higher than the Red Label, but in the end it may cost the same or even less because it needs to be replaced less frequently. Either way, no more reason to buy Vanish again, because it is actually priced higher than Red Label and only $1.5 less than STS. Note that 8# Vanish equals to 10# Seaguar on actual diameter and strength.

[FishDewd]

I like the Berkley Vanish for one use and one use only... as the weight leader for a spinshot drop shot rig. I like it cause it'll break with a firm snap of the rod, leaving the hook untouched. Tie on a new line with a new weight stopper knot, slide in a new dropshot weight and rock on! With that said, I don't have any issue with it and knots. But yeah for actual fluorocarbon leaders for every other use... the seaguar red label has treated me well. It holds knots well, I can use the same knots on it that I would for braid, mono, or co-polymer. Never had any issues with slippage. For the money it's my #1 choice right now, although I know there may be slightly better options. As a mainline I hate FC... but it's very useful as a leader for sure. But yeah... compared to any Vanish, in terms of stength and abrasion resistance... no contest!

[govallis]

Now I have been using the 12# red label as an 18" leader for couple months and caught numerous bass and other fish. Still using the very first 18", never broke, never needed to retie. When I'm gonna to use up the 200 yds? Wish Seaguar sell a 20 yd pack for $2. Never needed to use the STS either. What a "waste of money"!

[burrows]

200 yards of red label is only ten bucks ? At my Walmart?

[govallis]

Red Label 12# at Walmart 200 yd for $10.87 free S&H for store pickup.