Daiwa Samurai 20# at 4 # mono diameter.

[baluga]

With all the hype about Daiwa Samurai Braid, being super smooth and thin, I just got to get a first hand information so I ordered one and got my 20# samurai braid in the mail. Woohoo!

First impression:

True enough, it is super smooth and thin at 4# mono diameter for a 20# rating. This one reminds me of the softness of the spiderwire with the smooth coating of fireline crystal and roundness of a Sufix performance Braid roll into one. That's a very impressive for initial impression.

Now for the real world testing, had a chance to use it today. First impression, it cast further compared to the same 20# rating of Sufix performance braid. Super smooth on the retrieve, I'm not able to hear of feel the line rubbing thru the rod guides. After 3 hours of casting and retrieving, here are the downsides:

First, it's tough to pick the bird's nest (yes, the CTE 100 DC does not make you immune to bird's nest. :oops: ).

Second, broke the line when trying to pick the bird's next with my finger nails.

Third, here's the bundle that broke off and the stained cork grip on my new Phenix Rod.

The color bleeds so bad, it stained my finger nails and worst stained the cork on my fairly new rod.

Conclusion:

I want my money back :'(

[J Francho]

That sucks.  KVD L&L would prevented the stain. In the meantime, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will get rid of the stain.  Then hit the cork with U-40 cork sealer.

[baluga]

Thanks for the tip! I'm going to try that.

[deep]

4lb dia is a bit too thin I think. That might cause the line digging in and causing bird's nests. I use 6lb dia (30 lb test) on my spinning gear. Never had a problem with the color coming off, although I do use a lot of KVD's L&L.

Stick with it and you'll love it.

[RandySBreth]

Yeah, it may be that the diameter is just to small - the reel was probably designed with 10 or maybe 8-pound test diameter to be used on it as the smallest. I try to stick to 10-pound test (mono) diameter lines on my casting reels - this usually comes out to be 40 or 50-pound test with braids.

I'd like to use that Diawa on one of my spinners but haven't got around to it.

[baluga]

I went for the 20# to get a better capacity for CTE 100 DC, true enough I was able to load more than 150 yards compared to loading it with Sufix performance 20#s.

I'm thinking it could be a bad batch that I got, but cutting the braid with  finger nails is a bit too much considering my finger nails are already been moist with the water drips from casting and retrieving for hours.

[steezy]

I use Samurai Braid and never have those problems.  20# is way to small for that reel, 40 or 50# would work much better.  Your reel is rated for a minimum of 8# line so the 40# Samurai would be good.  I use 70# on my casting and 30# on my spinning and it works great.  I've never had an issue with the color bleeding.

[baluga]

I have no problem casting and retrieving the Daiwa Samurai at 4# Diameter.  In fact I love how the way it feels on the retrieve.  The main issue is that it just breaks when picking the line with my finger nails at 20# rating. I just can't trust the brand, another bad thing is the color bleeds so bad.   I've checked with our local tackle shop and ask about the Daiwa samurai  and the owner confirms that the color bleeds.

The lowest rating I used for braid was 10# fireline.   I never had an issue of braid breaking when picking with my fingers.   I think I will switch back to 20# Sufix performance  and use the Daiwa Samurai on my bonita setup.

Hey J Franco, the magic eraser works wonder on the cork. Thanks again.

It looks good again. Oh yes, swap back to 20# Sufix braid. No color stain problem.