50 or 65lbs Braid?

[jrk]

I've been using Sufix Performance 50 now for a couple of years...as a matter of fact, same spool for that length of time.  I'm giving thought to pulling it and putting on fresh for this season.  I wanted to get opinions on 50 vs 65 usage for those that have tried both, such as is 65 noticeably more manageable than 50 from a line dig in, backlash, etc. perspective?  Or is it negligeable?  I normally use a flouro leader...8 or so for small mouth, 12 or so for my largemouth, but most of my fishing is in the nasty slop with frogs or senkos.  I don't think I "need" 65, but what the heck if it offers slightly better ease of use than 50 is my thought process.  I have been very happy going from 30 to 50 for this very reason, and thus this question regarding 50 to 65. 

Any thoughts...I'd love to hear them,

Thanks,

JRK

[WanderLust]

I would think 50 would be more manageable and if "it ain't broke, don't fix it"

[21farms]

i only like 65 for big topwater lures...i use 50 for everything else. i do think i get better distance with 50 but that's an anecdotal observation. i haven't have any problems with backlash or line digging with either. if i were you, i'd just reverse the line and keep using it.

[Wayne P.]

If you just want fresh line, reverse the line on the reel. The line you don't use and just takes up space is still good.

[Big Bait Fishing]

i have had no problems with 30 lb. braid  :-? that said , i would go with 50 lb. braid ....

[Javelin200]

I just spooled up a swim-jig rod with 40# SPB. So far so good. No backlash or 'dig in' issues. I'd agree with everybody else here. Re-spool with the same (new) 50#, or reverse the line.

[jrk]

Thanks everyone.  Appreciate the time.  I'll reverse the line on the spool and keep going. 

[BassAssasin2]

i have had no problems with 30 lb. braid :-? that said , i would go with 50 lb. braid ....

x2 30lb. is sufficient for most everything, and smaller diameter should allow you to get more distance in a cast.

[dmac14]

I do just fine with 50# and some heavy flipping, haven't tried 65 but I feel like it would be too much. Even with my 50# If I get caught up the hook is bent before the line snaps, so its strong enough.

[avid]

I've used both 50 and 65.  I now use only the 50.   The 50 is wide enough to eliminate the spool dig in problem I got with 30 lb, and the extra line I get on the spool over the 65 is significant.  For me it's the all around winner.   And if you snag something that can't be pulled out with 50 lb. test braid, then it's go gettum time.

[fishfordollars]

Mistake to reverse the line that has been on your reel for two years. Moisture has been in the bottom of the spool and whether you think so or not it has begun to break down. Line is too cheap to take a chance on using it that long and breaking off a fish that you really wanted to put in the boat.

I change out my braid every three months or so. Just don't want to take the chance. JMO.

[Wayne P.]

fishfordollars, you are wrong about the line being affected by water. I just received a e-mail reply from Shimano/Power Pro about water absorbsion, uv breakdown, age, or temperature.

None of those affect Power Pro. I suspect that is true for all superlines of that material.

Some of my 6 year old lines confirm it too.

[Okiefalcon]

I use 30 & 50 and have no problems

[dodgeguy]

i've had braid on for 10 years with no breakdown.

[BassThumb]

I prefer the 50# over the 65# overall, but there isn't going to be much of a noticeable difference with slop fishing. Unless you're breaking off the 50#, there's no need to upgrade. 50# is about perfect, IMO. I have it on MH, H, and Mag Heavy rods.

I use about 60% mono backing and only put on 50-60 yds of braid at a time, and I switch it out once a year usually, or whenever it starts to get fuzzy. I have reversed the line onto other reels in the past when I would fill the entire spool with braid. It worked well, but I prefer the backing/masking tape/braid combo.