Put xps Flouro to the test this weekend

[Skeet22]

I fish South Louisiana so our bass often share water with Redfish. For anyone who has not experienced the fight of a Redfish its like no other. Very hard hitting and relentless to the end. I pre fished for a tourney Friday morning and landed 8 of these bad boys flipping a Sk Game Hawg around the edges of grass beds. Sat morning I caught 4 more with two of them over 25". I was able to stop and turn these powerful fish on 17# xps Flouro tied with an improved clinch knot without one line failure. The only damage sustained was one mangled spinnerbait and a cavitron buzzer that I had on another rod spooled with 15 Big Game that broke off at the boat while reaching for the net. Prior to this I was concerned with the knot strength and overall strength of Flourocarbon from what i've read on it but now I am assured that I can land any Bass on this line knot combo.

[Chuck H.]

I also use 17# XPS flouro. I would highly recommend applying KVD Line&Lure between trips. It will keep it very manageable and extend it's longevity.   

[Al Wolbach]

Did you have any problems with the line biting into the spool after a hook set? ...............Al

[islandbass]

Appreciate you assessment. How would you rate XPS' stiffness on a scale of 1-10? For example, Invizx is limp relative to some fc lines out there.

Did you have any problems with the line biting into the spool after a hook set? ...............Al

That shouldn't happen with FC line, or at least it's never happened to me and I use 6#. The only line type I have ever exeperience line dig is braid.

[fathom]

Did you have any problems with the line biting into the spool after a hook set? ...............Al

this is the reason i quit the xps fluoro.

liked the line overall...the 12# just seemed to dig into the spool much more often than other fluoros.

[Skeet22]

Did you have any problems with the line biting into the spool after a hook set? ...............Al

No I did not have any digging issues. The line is a little more stiff than the Yo Zuri Hybrid that I also use but it is manageable. I feel like I lose a little casting distance with the Flouro because of the stiffness but other than that I have no complaints. I pitch t-rigged plastics with it with no backlash trouble.

[Al Wolbach]

Did you have any problems with the line biting into the spool after a hook set? ...............Al

No I did not have any digging issues. The line is a little more stiff than the Yo Zuri Hybrid that I also use but it is manageable. I feel like I lose a little casting distance with the Flouro because of the stiffness but other than that I have no complaints. I pitch t-rigged plastics with it with no backlash trouble.

As Fathom stated "this is the reason I quit theXPS floro."  I went back to Berkley because of the digging issue but I thought it was just me. I use it 17-20 lb for flipping/pitching and line is sometimes a little loose on the spool.............Al

[Skeet22]

To be totally honest I am still not convinced that the few benefits of Flouro such as sensitivity and invisability out weigh the negatives such as memory,stifness,extra attention to knots,and loss of casting distance and overall smoothness. I have not seen a noticable difference in bites compared to Yo-Zuri Hybrid that i was previously using. I will more than likley switch back to the Yo Zuri before its over.  The Yo Zuri is a perfect balance of both worlds...

[Al Wolbach]

I really like the floro for jigs and soft plastics regardless of technique. One problem I have had is seeing floro in certain bright light conditions. When the sun hits the floro from a certain direction I loose it, not good when flipping/pitching. I even tried Vanish Transition and it was just as bad. But to me the good points out weight the bad.............Al

[BigGame0892]

I use 17 lb. XPS Fluoro a good bit.  I would say its a little stiffer than Seaguar Invizx which I have also used. 

As to whether its hard to see above water....that seems different for everyone.  I don't have a lot of trouble seeing the XPS Fluoro, but obviously its not as easy as seeing a fluoroescent or other bright-colored line.  Personally, I have a really hard time seeing the moss green tinted stuff.

[Wayne P.]

The solution to the"digging in" for those nylon mono users trying any fluorocarbon line with a baitcaster is to adjust your reel spool tension knob to offset the heavier weight of the line. The digging in is an equipment use error, not the fault of the line. A properly adjusted reel will cast farther with fluorocarbon line than it will with nylon mono and not have any "digging in" problem.

[fathom]

the "digging in", in my case, has to do with the hookset...it has nothing to do with spool tension knobs.

i thumb the spool on the hookset...while that may/may not be construed as operator error to some/many, the fact remains that, in my hands, the xps digs into itself more often than any fluoro i've used using that method of hookset...at least, in the 12# test.

ymmv.

[Al Wolbach]

The solution to the"digging in" for those nylon mono users trying any fluorocarbon line with a baitcaster is to adjust your reel spool tension knob to offset the heavier weight of the line. The digging in is an equipment use error, not the fault of the line. A properly adjusted reel will cast farther with fluorocarbon line than it will with nylon mono and not have any "digging in" problem.

I am the exception to the rule with Vanish. I have used Berkley Vanish for at least 10 years and never had a problem with it. I buy bulk spools and have for years. I am also a part time employee at BPS which allows a large discount on XPS line. I had read on this website positive reviews on the XPS line so I tried it.

I removed 17lb Vanish and replaced it with 17lb XPS fluro. I use it on a dedicated flipping stick. The digging problem exist with XPS not with Vanish, before or after. However, possibility I adjusted the knob, not sure. I also tried using Trilene 100% fluorocarbon without issue(except price).

Your theory is interesting and may apply to someone switching from mono, particularly if they are making long cast, but does not apply in my case. However I do not totally rule out a cockpit error. Loose line on the spool may be part of the problem in my case but it still does not occur with Berkley fluorocarbons. Far to many unknowns to make an honest evaluation but, for me, XPS digs in, Vanish and Trilene 100% does not and I was curious if anyone else had the same experience with the XPS................................Al

[BigGame0892]

This is an interesting thread, and I never really thought about the "digging in" issue before.  I use XPS quite a bit - mainly because I find it very abrasion resistant and strong, and I get good knots with it.  However, I do have to agree that I do have some dig in issues with the hooksets.  Never really considered it that big a deal, just requires a little adjustment on my part when it comes to that first cast after setting the hook. 

[BrimfieldBass]

I use XPS flouro and its a great line for the money....I use it mostly for leaders on Braid...but my drop shots are all flouro..and I don't get any dig in...after a new fill on the reel  when on the boat I stretch it out while going slow...then reel it in...seems to relieve any dig in....I do use a line conditioner also...

little hint for line conditioner...I use food grade silicone...odorless and non toxic...but makes the line nice and supple and casts so nice...CRC makes it...

goggle it...its by CRC....never leave home with out it..lol

been using it for years now...A few guys at a tournament turned me on to it...works great on braid also...

have not had any problems using it....none....

Al

[NebraskaBasser]

Thanks for the CRC Food Grade Silicone tip.  Found it on Google... but seems to be only available via ordering online, and the shipping is a killer! 

Do you know of a store or other buy-locally source?

Thanks!

[NebraskaBasser]

I also Googled "restaurant supplies (your city)" and found a couple of local suppliers that way.  Called "Sure we carry it!"  Went there and found out that it was indeed "food grade silicone spray", but was NOT the CRC brand!

So I went the the CRC web site and contacted their customer service... asking who in my area/city carried THEIR (CRC) product.  They replied with a source withing 24 hours!  So I'm anxious to try it out.

Has anyone else used this product (CRC Food Grade Silicone) as a line conditioner?

Is it as good as/better than KVD?

If you HAVE used it, is it recommended to spray it on the night before (like KVD)?

If you HAVE used it, does it have any tendency to accumulate or build-up on the lines/guides?

Thanks!

[OnthePotomac]

Be aware that after a few casts, there is no silicone left on your line.  That is why KVD is more effective than Reel Magic, which is basically silicone.  Water will not remove KVD Line and Lure Conditioner.

[NebraskaBasser]

Be aware that after a few casts, there is no silicone left on your line. That is why KVD is more effective than Reel Magic, which is basically silicone. Water will not remove KVD Line and Lure Conditioner.

Thanks for that info...  I also have/use KVD conditioner.  I'm anxious to see the (and if) a difference!

[TBendBassin]

I also Googled "restaurant supplies (your city)" and found a couple of local suppliers that way. Called "Sure we carry it!" Went there and found out that it was indeed "food grade silicone spray", but was NOT the CRC brand!

So I went the the CRC web site and contacted their customer service... asking who in my area/city carried THEIR (CRC) product. They replied with a source withing 24 hours! So I'm anxious to try it out.

Has anyone else used this product (CRC Food Grade Silicone) as a line conditioner?

Is it as good as/better than KVD?

If you HAVE used it, is it recommended to spray it on the night before (like KVD)?

If you HAVE used it, does it have any tendency to accumulate or build-up on the lines/guides?

Thanks!

check your local fastenal they carry it

[BlaineFred]

I use XPS flouro and its a great line for the money....I use it mostly for leaders on Braid...but my drop shots are all flouro..and I don't get any dig in...after a new fill on the reel when on the boat I stretch it out while going slow...then reel it in...seems to relieve any dig in....I do use a line conditioner also...

little hint for line conditioner...I use food grade silicone...odorless and non toxic...but makes the line nice and supple and casts so nice...CRC makes it...

goggle it...its by CRC....never leave home with out it..lol

been using it for years now...A few guys at a tournament turned me on to it...works great on braid also...

have not had any problems using it....none....

Al

On the CRC silicone, do you put it on the night before and let it dry...like the KVD stuff??

Or do you put on during fishing like the Reel Magic???