Not impressed with Trilene XL

[Mike-in-WV]

Decided to try some #12 trilene XL this morning and I'm not impressed at all. I don't like the feel or the way it cast from my Revo S. After reading some good things about it I was expecting something great from this line. I went right back to my Cajun Red Cast. I know some of you on here don't like the Cajun Red Cast but I just can't find anything wrong with it. It cast beautifully , Strong, holds up well against abrasion, very low memory, easy to tie knots and doesn't cost you your first born child to buy it.

If you get into the #17 stuff or higher it does get stiff but at #12- 14 it's really more than most could ask for in a bait casting line. Guess I'll just stick to what works so good for me and my reels and my Plastics as well as Spinners and Buzz baits., Mike

[Grey Wolf]

Do you think you gave it a fair shot ?

[KU_Bassmaster.]

XL is the line I compare all other lines too.  Kind of like my "standard".  Not bad, but not exceptional.

[Mike-in-WV]

Do you think you gave it a fair shot ?

Played with it for a good while with different weight and type lures and my Cajun Red Cast beat it all to hell in every way.

Don't get me wrong here, it may be a great line for some people and I'm sure it is, it's just not for me or my way of casting but that's only my opinion and I'm not an expert at all.   Mike

[daviscw]

Is that the one thats supposed to have "extra long casting"? If so, I had the same problems. From the hook to about 6 inches up the line gets worn out very fast. It frays and splits and breaks easily. Ill never buy it again...

[Olebiker]

That's interesting.  I keep going back to Trilene XL after trying new lines.  The only thing I don't use it for is flipping or frog fishing in the pads.

[dodgeguy]

imho cajun red cast is the best mono made.

[Mike-in-WV]

That's interesting. I keep going back to Trilene XL after trying new lines. The only thing I don't use it for is flipping or frog fishing in the pads.

It seems to me it 's just a matter of preference and confidence in what we like. If it has all the qualitys we are looking for then it's good enough.  

I like the Cajun Red Cast for just about anything I through and never had a problem with it. No problem feeling bumps or hits either. Maybe I'm just used to the stuff . Anyway , If you never tried it just try a bit of the #12 Cast and you may love it, Mike

[burleytog]

It's Xtra Limp, not made for abrasion resistance.

[Dan:]

yeah, I use XL for my spinning gear in light line situations. I switch to more abrasion resistant lines like the XT or Pline cxx when I get into heavy duty stuff.

[Olebiker]

yeah, I use XL for my spinning gear in light line situations. I switch to more abrasion resistant lines like the XT or Pline cxx when I get into heavy duty stuff.

I tried XT last year, looking for more abrasion resistance, but found that it was so stiff that it cast like baling wire and would spring off the spool.  I just spooled up a reel with some Bass Pro Shops XPS fluorocarbon and like it so far.

[Mike-in-WV]

There has been some good things said about Trilene Maxx and the next time I go to Walmart I'll pick some up to try it, Mike

[Mike-in-WV]

yeah, I use XL for my spinning gear in light line situations. I switch to more abrasion resistant lines like the XT or Pline cxx when I get into heavy duty stuff.

I tried XT last year, looking for more abrasion resistance, but found that it was so stiff that it cast like baling wire and would spring off the spool. I just spooled up a reel with some Bass Pro Shops XPS fluorocarbon and like it so far.

How big is that LMB your dad is holding ? It sure is a beauty! I miss the times I spent fishing and hunting with my Dad as a kid. he has been gone for many years now but I'll always have the memories. Enjoy the time with your Dad now It will mean even more as the years go by, Mike

[RoLo]

I guess it depends on what you're looking for in a line.

I only use spinning tackle and have stuck with Trilene XL for about 40 years (tried a slew of brands).

I now use PowerPro braid for everything, but if I ever move back to nylon, Trilene XL it will be.

Roger

[Kenora]

Unfortunately, all lines whether mono, co-polymer, flurocarbon or even brais are to one degree or another compromises.  The limp and castable, abrasion resistant, sensitive, forgiving-controlled stretch, invisible all rolled into one line probably does not exist.  If anyone knows of one, I would sure like to know.  Barring this, I have to cotent myself with using the line that gives me the best combination of properties given the type of fishing I do.  I like XL, but it is not ithout obvious limitations.  But then the same could be said for any line.  Maybe I am weird, but all lines I ever used were more or less ok (at least).  Some are just a little better than some others in specific situations or techniques. :-/

[MALTESE FALCON]

Trilene XL is all I use. I've tried many other lines, but always come back to XL.

Falcon

[Jeff H]

I tried XT last year, looking for more abrasion resistance, but found that it was so stiff that it cast like baling wire and would spring off the spool. I just spooled up a reel with some Bass Pro Shops XPS fluorocarbon and like it so far.

XT is a BAD choice for spinning reels.  I love it for baitcasting reels though.  I do use 6lb XT on my spinning rigs and it's ok but 8lb test and up is just not a good choice for spinning apps.  

[Ky_Lake_Dude]

I hate the stuff. It is the only brand of Trilene that I dont like. It frays up really bad on me. I would recommend the Trilene XT, Big Game, or MAXX

[Olebiker]

How big is that LMB your dad is holding ? It sure is a beauty! I miss the times I spent fishing and hunting with my Dad as a kid. he has been gone for many years now but I'll always have the memories. Enjoy the time with your Dad now It will mean even more as the years go by, Mike

That bass was 9 pounds 8 ounces.  It was the biggest bass Dad ever caught.  He released it after I took pictures.

We lost Dad right before Christmas in 2006.  Trust me, fishing together is what made a father and son best friends.

[FishTank]

I used XL for many years. I have since moved on to use Yozuri Hybrid, P-Line and Berkley Trilene Fluorocarbon.

XL is sort the standard in line.  There are better lines but XL might be the number one selling mono line out there.  

[Olebiker]

I tried XT last year, looking for more abrasion resistance, but found that it was so stiff that it cast like baling wire and would spring off the spool. I just spooled up a reel with some Bass Pro Shops XPS fluorocarbon and like it so far.

XT is a BAD choice for spinning reels. I love it for baitcasting reels though. I do use 6lb XT on my spinning rigs and it's ok but 8lb test and up is just not a good choice for spinning apps.

It did that on baitcasting reels.  If I allowed any slack in the line, the XT would spring up off the spool like it was trying to unwind itself.

[Jeff H]

hmmmm....I don't have that problem with the XT, Olebiker...or at least if I do it doesn't bother me or I don't notice it.  

[NBR]

XL has been my bait caster line for years and my spinning out fits for even longer and I've never had a problem. I am trying Tectan in light line applications ( 4 to 6#) and also like it.

[New Bass Man]

I guess it all about what you are use to.  At some point, you'll have to settle on something.  I chose XL because it met 80% of my needs.  I use braid for the other 20 percent.

I use KVD line conditioner on my XL and feel it makes a difference.