Berkley mono XT "Extra Tough" ?

[learnin]

I've always used XL for mono and like it.  Thought I'd give their XT a try and ordered some 8lb test. Is the only difference in XT being "tough" a heavier line diameter ?  When I checked Berkley's listed line diameter the 8lb XT is .012.  Their XL 8lb is .010, 10lb XL is.011 and 12lb XL is.013. If line diameter's the only difference seems I could use a heavier XL, have a better casting line and get the same result as far as line "toughness"?

[Russ E]

Xt is more abrasion resistant, but a lot stiffer. It works pretty decent on baitcasters. I quit using it years ago, because i feel there are better copoly and flourocarbon lines. Plus xt is very thick diameter for its line rating.

Xt is not very manageable on spinning gear.

For copoly, suffix advance or p line cxx are good.

For fluorocarbon, sunline sniper is my favorite.

If you want to move to a tougher mono, Berkley big game is a good line.

[NYWayfarer]

1 hour ago, learnin said:

If line diameter's the only difference seems I could use a heavier XL, have a better casting line and get the same result as far as line "toughness"?

Interesting theory.

 

You could just spray the XL with KVD line and lure or Reel Snot and make it more manageable. I do that with Berkley Big Game and Sufix Siege lines to make them cast better.

[Todd2]

They made changes to both back in 2012/2013. They are not the same formula from what I can tell. XT has less stretch when comparing equal diameters...but yeah..shop by diameter, not lb test. I have 8lb XT on some spinning gear and it does fine for me. I wouldn't go any higher though. With XL I'd go 10lb. 

[Team9nine]

To a large degree, I’d argue this is true. It’s not the entire story though as they do have the ability to mix multiple different polymers and resins to alter specific properties.

[Deleted account]

Yes, there are differences in the lines themselves, as well as the diameter of a given "lb test" label. For a given diameter, XT is stiffer, has less stretch, and more abrasion resistance than XL. I still use mostly XL on spinning reels, and BG on bait casters, which I prefer over XT. 

[Flatrock]

I just made a post several days ago about the 12# XT....  I could NOT break the line after snagging the bottom.  I even tried using the trolling motor and the line just pulled the boat back.   Some of the toughest mono I've ever used.