I have a fried that doesn't like to "max out" his spin reels. what he means by this is he'll never put the highest test line suggested on a reel. So if a reel suggests line between 6 and 12 pound the highest he'll go is 10 pound. does anyone else do this and why?

Some might, but it's only a suggestion by the manufacturer.

I just use 12# on my casters and 8# on spinning. I just do this because its what I like. I like light. Or 50# braid for casters and 20# on spinning. But I don't see its a huge deal to 'max it out'

 I don't see its a huge deal to 'max it out'

I dont either, unless it's overdone and makes castability a problem. Or if it just flat out doesn't match the equipment, Like obviously you shouldn't put 10# on a UL set up.  

#12 is just too much for what I use my spinning rod for. That's why I don't have any need to use line of that test. #6 is plenty for me or #15 braid.

#12 is just too much for what I use my spinning rod for. That's why I don't have any need to use line of that test. #6 is plenty for me or #15 braid.

yea 6# is as high as I go for spinning set ups.

I don't see why you couldn't use 12lb line on the reel if the manufacturer reccomends that size line on their reel.

I use #12 on my penn 5500 salt reels.... But on anything else, never above a #8. Typical for me is #6, of course line diameter can de-rail those pound test numbers, so it may boil down to what manufactor your friend is using.

As it applys to mono, copoly, FC or hybrid.. Oops, nylon? Hope that covers it

The line numbers on reels are more about line capacity than actual recommendations or limits on lb test.

The line numbers on reels are more about line capacity than actual recommendations or limits on lb test.

^^^exactly.

I have a fried that doesn't like to "max out" his spin reels. what he means by this is he'll never put the highest test line suggested on a reel. So if a reel suggests line between 6 and 12 pound the highest he'll go is 10 pound. does anyone else do this and why?

Do you max out your reels ?

Do you max out your reels ?

nope, dont feel the need to in the first place. have other reels for other line weights.

Line weights are listed for line capacity reference points. I fish 20lb braid on spinning reels with no problems at all. Mono/fluoro over 10 doesn't handle well on spinning reels smaller than 4000 size reels and aren't usually of any benefit in the presentations I use spinning tackle for.

If you're using a line with a 12 lb diameter on a spinning reel, then you should be using a baitcaster.