Line Diameter when taking Line Abrasion into Consideration

[TotalNoob]

New to the "premium" flouro game, I picked up a 200yd spool of 12lb and invisX at the bass pro classic earlier this for dirt cheap, later picked up a 10lb spool from amazon for <$15. These are my primary ranges for ~80% of my fishing (including all bottom contact) and I use them exclusively as leaders to braid. This stuff really is great. Prior to that I used spiderwire fluoro from WM (still do on some applications).

 

So one of the main benefits that attracts me to the invisX (aside from the superior knot strength) is the thinner diameter (12lb same diameter as non-premium 8lb fluoros... 10lb same as 6lb etc). This makes my leader knots smaller, longer casting distance on lighter presentations etc. Lately though I've been thinking about the possible downside to that tradeoff, that being the line is still pretty thin in reality despite it's superior shock absorption strength or breaking strength. This probably isn't relevant as you get higher in lb test. 

 

So if I'm fishing 10lb breaking strength line that's the same diameter as traditional 6lb breaking strength line, is the 10lb invisX not more susceptible to nicking and subsequent strength-loss vs "regular" 10lb fluoro? Are there any scenarios or situations where you'd prefer the traditional thickness of 10lb test when in need of only 10lb test to match the application/fishery?  

[MickD]

You'll get a lot of opinions, I'm sure.  Mine is that only advantage of FC is that it sinks.  It is sensitive to poorly tied knots, it's fragile, it doesn't cast very well, lots of looping.  Yes I know line treatments can help, but I don't want to bother with those.  If you feel a nick in it, cut above the nick as it will probably fail.  Unlike mono.  But, a lot of guys like it and manage to make it work.  I don't want to screw around with the problems.

[Deleted account]

40 minutes ago, TotalNoob said:

New to the "premium" flouro game, I picked up a 200yd spool of 12lb and invisX at the bass pro classic earlier this for dirt cheap, later picked up a 10lb spool from amazon for <$15. These are my primary ranges for ~80% of my fishing (including all bottom contact) and I use them exclusively as leaders to braid. This stuff really is great. Prior to that I used spiderwire fluoro from WM (still do on some applications).

 

So one of the main benefits that attracts me to the invisX (aside from the superior knot strength) is the thinner diameter (12lb same diameter as non-premium 8lb fluoros... 10lb same as 6lb etc). This makes my leader knots smaller, longer casting distance on lighter presentations etc. Lately though I've been thinking about the possible downside to that tradeoff, that being the line is still pretty thin in reality despite it's superior shock absorption strength or breaking strength. This probably isn't relevant as you get higher in lb test. 

 

So if I'm fishing 10lb breaking strength line that's the same diameter as traditional 6lb breaking strength line, is the 10lb invisX not more susceptible to nicking and subsequent strength-loss vs "regular" 10lb fluoro? Are there any scenarios or situations where you'd prefer the traditional thickness of 10lb test when in need of only 10lb test to match the application/fishery?  

You are not going to get the same tensile strength from different diameter lines of similar material, no matter how big they claim it on the package. So yes, thinner line will have less abrasion resistance (decreased strength due to damage actually) than thicker diameter line. I find "standard" 10-12 lb line offers a good amount of abrasion resistance under most conditions, though sometimes a heavier line is required.

[Stephen B]

6 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

You are not going to get the same tensile strength from different diameter lines of similar material, no matter how big they claim it on the package. So yes, thinner line will have less abrasion resistance (decreased strength due to damage actually) than thicker diameter line. I find "standard" 10-12 lb line offers a good amount of abrasion resistance under most conditions, though sometimes a heavier line is required.

You will get a million different opinions. While fluorocarbon does have some downsides associated with it, it's benefits outweigh them IMO. It will be different for everyone. Personal preference. 

[FishingGeekTX]

Fluoro/Mono abrasion resistance compared to Braid is like 10:1.  So you have great abrasion resistance.

Yes, diameter is a primary factor in abrasion resistance, you will have less if you have smaller diameter.  You'll still have far more than braid.  I wouldn't worry about it.

Fluoro/Mono can also easily be checked for dings that can promot you to re-tie the leader, further reducing the chance of really losing a fish due to abrasion. 

If you fish heavy rocks, and often have lines break due to abrasion with this line, then I'd consider upping it.  Otherwise, enjoy your big spools of line!

[GreenPig]

I fish braid to 6lb to 25lb fluorocarbon depending on conditions. Open water light line. Rocks get 17lb and up.

[Steveo-1969]

You are correct, the thicker the line the better the abrasion resistance. I have not noticed a huge difference between FC and nylon (mono) lines for abrasion resistance, maybe with the exception of Gamma Edge FC (fantastic but even more expensive than Seaguar Tatsu!!). I fish a shallow rocky river and am currently using 12# Seaguar Abrazx as a leader. Abrasion resistance is ok, but I still have to retie often because of nicks and scuffing.

[WRB]

What "standard" fluorocarbon line are you comparing InvisX dia to?

Tom

[TotalNoob]

5 hours ago, WRB said:

What "standard" fluorocarbon line are you comparing InvisX dia to?

Tom

10lb Spiderwire fluoro... I also have a spool of Trilene 100% fluoro 10lb. Both state .012" average diameter/.30mm

 

10lb invisX says .010" diameter/.260mm

 

6lb Spiderwire box says .010" average diameter/.25mm

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@Steveo-1969 Yea my reservoir has a LOT of shale, I typically don't have a problem but I know when I finally hook into a good one I obviously want to be in good shape as far as my line goes if I get pulled down. I've got broken off (last year) a couple times by what I'm pretty sure were some big cats.

[WRB]

9 minutes ago, TotalNoob said:

10lb Spiderwire fluoro... I also have a spool of Trilene 100% fluoro 10lb. Both state .012" average diameter/.30mm

 

10lb invisX says .010" diameter/.260mm

 

6lb Spiderwire box says .010" average diameter/.25mm

---------------

@Steveo-1969 Yea my reservoir has a LOT of shale, I typically don't have a problem but I know when I finally hook into a good one I obviously want to be in good shape as far as my line goes if I get pulled down. I've got broken off (last year) a couple times by what I'm pretty sure were some big cats.

Both Seaguar and Sunline have nearly identicle line diameters per lb test.

Berkely had a lot of issues with FC line when 1st introducing it and went up in diameter per lb test to resolve their problems. 

I consider both Segaur and Sunline as the "standard" for FC line. Berley now is offering FC line with similar dia per lb test to Seagaur and Sunline under XL Pro label.

FC line doesn't have 100% knot strength or equal abrasion resistance to equal dia mono or coploy line.

Tom

[Deleted account]

12 hours ago, WRB said:

Berkely had a lot of issues with FC line when 1st introducing it and went up in diameter per lb test to resolve their problems.

LOL. Many Yellowfin owe their freedom to early FC introduction. I had an interesting conversation with Tred Barta once, when FC first became popular. I learned a lot of new phrases, most anatomically impossible...