I just saw a spool of #8lb. Kanzen Braid in a tackle shop with a : "new & improved" stamp in the upper corner ... Not sure what was done to the new line - just remember several reviewers claimed the lighter Kanzen braid lines (i.e. <#20 lb.) had durability issues . Your thoughts ?  Has anybody tried the "new & improved" Kanzen braid ?

I haven't used the "new and improved" but whatever they did, it was certainly needed. I used the "old and unimproved" about a year ago, made 2 pitches with the 60lb and thought I spooled with a steel cable. Took it off and threw it away. 

 

Mike 

I have not read where anybody has trouble with the higher rated Kanzen (> #40 lb.) as it is usually the lower rated (< #20lb.) where majority of complaints come from . * Using the "old" Kanzen #8 lb. braid I do just fine with no break offs ... Here is my set up : Shimano 2500 series with a light drag set to #3 lbs. , Light Action BPS rod , braid to #6 lb. Seaguar FC  InvizX leader using either a Uni to Uni knot OR a Crazy Alberto knot , leader to lure (i.e. 1/16th oz. Road Runners , Beetle Spins , Ned Rigs , Katz Slab Spoon ) using a Triline knot wetted and cinched down slowly. * Eeither it's my set up or I must have got a good batch of Kanzen #8 lb. braid but not experiencing any break offs with Spots , Bull Bream , Trout or Crappy . However once it's time to change out he Kanzen I want to try either the new Daiwa Sumarai 8 strand in #8 lb. or for grins just plain Power Pro #8 lb. (both in hi - viz yellow ) . From what I have read - the new Daiwa braid is quite good and one of the few good braids offered below #10 lb. Lastly , while I could probably standardize on #10 lb. braid , with the right set up up I can cast  a small lure  a  l-o-n-g  way and still get achieve a good hook up ratio with a reel set approach using #8 lb. braid (reel set approach may be why I don't experience break offs with such light braid) .

I've been using 20lb Kanzen on a spinning rod to fish grubs and Keitechs for over a year now and have had zero problems.

I started using the 15# Kanzen on a new dropshot setup.  It worked flawlessly on the 4 or 5 trips I used it.  I don't know if it was the "New & Improved" version, or the "Old & Inferior" one.

Either way I would definitely recommend this braid as a low cost alternative.

There was a slight change made to Kanzen Braid to improve strength.  In smaller sizes, 8 to 20 Lb, the line went from 3 strands to 4 strands.