Braid......

[zbigbadaaron]

What are the advantages of braid and the disadvantages.

Also if you prefer braid what is your favorite type?             :

[dmac14]

1. Stronger by diameter, ie 20# test is similar to 6# Mono.

2. Suffix, Powerpro, XPS

Mainly use it for heavy cover...jigs, frogs. You generally use a high test rating like 65# for really heavy cover like flippin hydrilla mats, also good for swimbaits. But it can be used for every application if you wanted. My dad was fishing with 6# braid on 1/8oz walleye jigs and it was working fine. Disadvantages are that it is highly visible and not as abrasion resistant as fluorocarbon also has no stretch which can be a disadvantage  when fishing with crankbaits or topwater lures. Hopes that helps you a little bit

[Autiger24]

The biggest advantages are the incredible sensitivity and the low stretch, as well as strength. Of course you want some stretch for cranks and such. It's weaknesses as stated are slightly less abrasiveness and VISIBILITY. That's the big one. In my opinion that is easily fixed a fluorocarbon leader although some would disagree. As far as brands power pro is definitely the way to go.

[Pond Hopper]

No stretch and sensitivity.  In darker water and fishing unpressured fish it is IMO a much superior line.  I can tell a big difference when I fish braid compared to Yozuri I fish on one of my rigs.  Braid just transmits a bite so much better, and for where I fish I have found no reason to switch other than treble hook lures.  It also last longer.  I am on my 4th season of the same braid on two reels.  I just switch the line every year from one reel to the other so the old braid is on the bottom and the "new" braid is what I am using.

[seyone]

I don't like it for popper type lures. sometimes when working these lures really slowly the floating braid will get caught up in the hooks.

[dodgeguy]

i'm back to using braid for everything.the sensitivity cannot be beat.i hardly ever break off in rocks but then again i use 65 and 80 lb braid which is 14 and 15 lb diameter in mono.i've tried them all and the best is the new fireline braid followed by suffix.powrpro used to be the best but they are not any longer.they need to come out with a smoother braid.their design is outdated.

[adclem]

i'm back to using braid for everything.the sensitivity cannot be beat.i hardly ever break off in rocks but then again i use 65 and 80 lb braid which is 14 and 15 lb diameter in mono.i've tried them all and the best is the new fireline braid followed by suffix.powrpro used to be the best but they are not any longer.they need to come out with a smoother braid.their design is outdated.

What is the new Fireline?  Is it the Tracer?  Really, better then Power Pro?  Find that hard to believe.  Have to check it out and see I guess.

Thanks,

[zbigbadaaron]

Would braid be good to use when learning to baitcast?  :-/

[adclem]

Would braid be good to use when learning to baitcast? :-/

Yes it is.

Later,

[SirSnookalot]

Not to learn, you'll be swearing at yourself after the first birdsnest.  

[zbigbadaaron]

Not to learn, you'll be swearing at yourself after the first birdsnest.

im going to take your word for it  

[J Francho]

Just get a cheap spool of 14# Big Game and spool up.  Run off 50 or 60 feet of line and wrap the spool with tape.  Start practicing.  Your birds nests wont be terminal, since they'll end at the tape.  Once you are confident, take the training wheels off.  Once you are finished with the Big Game, use what you prefer.

[surfer]

Advantages:

Sensitivity due to no stretch

Castability due to much thinner

Disadvantages:

Visibility, can be remedied with a leader

Will tear out treble hooks unless you adjust you're fishing to it or get a softer rod to absorb some of the shock.

[Wayne P.]

I prefer to use braid with topwater lures, since the briad floats, the lure can perform to it's max. Once monos loose their surface tension, they will sink.

dodgeguy, you should try the Diawa Samurai braid. It is the 8 strand weave like the new Fireline Braid but is not stiff like the Fireline Braid is. Very smooth and quiet going thru the rod guides.

[Tin]

I don't like it for popper type lures. sometimes when working these lures really slowly the floating braid will get caught up in the hooks.

No stretch line with treble hooks... :-?

And I think braid is much better to learn with on a baitcaster because the over runs are much easier to get out... Don't waste expensive flouro and mono can be a b*tch to get out.