Line Conditioners

[J Francho]

I used it for years, before trying KVD late last summer.  In all situations, KVD is better at "line conditioning" than Reel Magic.  There are specific circumstances, though, where Reel Magic's water displacement characteristics are advantageous.  The way I see, it, they serve two different purposes.

[Rob Faddis]

I would venture to say that those of you that did not experience a cast ability/line improvement with KVD Line & Lure were applying and casting (Reel Magic technique). You will only receive about 10% on the benefit that L&L offers using it this way. I highly suggest that you apply it to your filler spools when you buy them to protect your investment while it is in storage. This way the line is already treated and protected when you re-spool. When spooling, a couple of shots on your newly spooled reel and your ready to go. Also re-apply L&L when you're done fishing to protect your rigs while in storage. As far as using R/M to clean your reels, I have seen where R/M has softened the paint in reels and it will degrade the lube in your reel, on your bails and level wind gears. Not very good for the fish either as it is toxic and comes right off in the water.

Line & Lure will put a water/dirt resistant finish on your reels and provide high sun screen and corrosion resistance to your reel and baits and will not mess with the lube in your reel. Many say that their hard baits run through cover better with a L&L coat on them. Helps skirt stick together less too. 

FYI, Reel Magic pump spray and Ardent Line Butter 4oz. are the same price as Line & Lure in most stores. Both products are oil based and contain solvents.

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Hope this helps clear things up some.

Rob

[J Francho]

This is off topic, somewhat, but pertains to the subject....

Rob, you probably get sick of repeating yourself about the true value of L&L.  I know I've been pimping it to the guys in our club.

One thing I wonder about, for us guys up North.  While all our bass lakes are frozen solid, a bunch of us float/drift fish for steelhead all winter long.  Sometimes in temps in the single digits.  Obviously, water freezing on everything is an issue.  

The main issue is that water is on the line when you retrieve it back on the spool, and eventually it freezes in chucks on the spool, making drag free drifts impossible.  L&L buys you significant fishing time by keeping the moisture out of the mono filament - pretty much required as mainline for these big fish on light line, but doesn't displace the water as much as needed.  The fix is to change out the spool with a fresh one, and put the frozen spool in your pocket with a hand warmer.

There are also issues with guides icing up, and if you accidentally dunk your reel, its game over.  Can't fix clumsy or stupid.

One thing we do is use something to displace the water, so that a quick tap or shake gets most of it off before it inevitably freezes.  I've tried Pam cooking spray on the guides, ice-off paste, Chapstick, WD-40, etc., but they are all very messy solutions.  So far the best product has been Real Magic.  Water literally runs off the line as you retrieve it.

I have to think that there is a safer and more natural chemical out there, and it seems you guys could be the ones to come up with it.  Any plans?  Ever consider something like it?

BTW, I've begun shooting my Raven and Drennen plastic floats with L&L, and I do find that it protects the finish, and makes it easier to knock the ice chunks off.

Again, you've got a great product, and I appreciate your detailed explanations.

[Rob Faddis]

j,

Love the pimpin' thanks.  I fully understand you issue and we have given it serious thought but not enough research with the fact that it rarely freezes around here.  I have to agree that R/M is an adiquate solution to guide freezing and reel icing, but still not prefect.  I just don't like the idea of introducing the toxins in the product to our waterways, even in small amounts.  Try using food grade silicone oil...should help.  In any case, using R/M or silicone over Line & Lure is ok but don't do it the other way around.  R/M as a base will not let the L&L polymers attach to the line if treated with oil.  

Most Ideas that we have come up with are toxic chemical compounds or require a power source. If you have any good ideas we'll investigate.  Thanks for being a L&L fan.

Rob  

[J Francho]

Good tip about the order of things.  I do it that way, but after a while, the line succumbs to "Real Magicitis," getting spongy.  I have no doubt that's from it breaking the L&L down, and ultimately the line itself.  

I'll look up the food grade silicone.  My family is in the food service business, so this shouldn't be too hard to track down.  

The only thing I can think of is something like those boutique olive oils as a base, or something else "natural."  Obviously, it would have to be significantly thinner.  I know a bunch of guys that would field test it for you

And, yeah, pollution is always a concern.  You don't want your favorite hole to look like this:

And yes, that's the "Genny," you know the one they get the water to make this from:

[Crestliner2008]

I've use Reel Magic for 2 1/2 seasons now and find it's best application is in cold weather. I spray the guides and the spooled line. This helps with freezing. I've also heard that L&L is suppose to be a superior product. So, I guess I'll give that whirl this season and see if I find any difference. Good thread folks, thanks!