So a few months ago I decided to give braid a try, so I got some braid and read great reviews about the Berkley Lightning Shock rod, a rod designed for braid. So I picked one up. Problem is, I decided I hated braid and loved the rod. I went back to Vanish fluorocarbon, and now I'm worried that the rod designed for non-stretch braid is putting too much stress on my fluorocarbon line. Thoughts? Do you think it makes a difference?

It will work just fine. I've used every type of line with my shock rods without any issues. Use whatever works best for you. 

I'm guessing, if anything, it's the other way around. I think the Shock, since it was designed to be fished with braid, has a slower, more flexible tip, for added shock absorption. All your probably doing is giving more absorption to the fluoro, now, which is fine.  Fluoro has less stretch than mono.  You'll be ifne.

My thought is that you are wasting your time worrying.  My understanding is that the Shocks have a little more "give" (softer action) because they were designed for braid.

 

I see a couple answers were posted while I was typing.  We all agree.

Your rod will work well with any FC with the exception of Vanish, because Vanish is junk.

Yes, when you are at Wally World look just to the side of the Vanish box and you will see a red box of line that says "Seaguar Red Label".  Grab that one

You forget about Vanish after using it.  

i throw t rigs on a 6'6" M Shock and use 12lb Red Label fluoro. no problems.

Ah, yes.  The Vanish haters.  I dunno, man.  I've never had one single problem with Vanish.  Wish I could say the same for the P-line CX Premium that I am currently using.

I've had terrible issues with the CX Premium.  It handles well, but breaks like a twig in my experience.  

I'm having the opposite. Real stiff and springy, and I don't think I could break it if I wanted to. I tried breaking off, with my hand.  Let's just say I have about a 1/8 inch notch in the side of my pinky, where it dug in, deep.

21 minutes ago, Racerx said:

I'm having the opposite. Real stiff and springy, and I don't think I could break it if I wanted to. I tried breaking off, with my hand.  Let's just say I have about a 1/8 inch notch in the side of my pinky, where it dug in, deep.

 

CX or CXX?  The latter is a going to have a lot more memory than the former.  I tried some 8# CX on my first baitcast reel.  Handled well, but broke down in the spool.  I attributed it to the fact I was learning and had probably kinked it on a backlash.  I did remove it, but feel I should give CX another try to see if it was me or the line.

The CXX may as well be wire.  The 8# diameter is like everyone else's 12# and handles like a spring. 

It's 12 lb. CX Premium. I bought it because I've had good results with P-line's Floroclear and figured I'd give it a shot. Just bought some line conditioner, so I'm just waiting to give that a try, see if it helps.

I'm curious as to what brand of braid you tried, that you disliked so much? You also didn't state why you disliked it? I have a Shock rod set up for smallmouth fishing using 8# test Fireline Crystal, with a 5' section 6# test fluorocarbon. The combination works like a dream for me. I tried PowerPro several years back and hated it. Just too "noisy" on the retrieve. The Fireline is smooth as silk, with no problems & no worries.

I use flouro all the time with my Lighting Rod shock,Never ever had a problem.

P-Line CXX is for real macho men who can tame an anaconda thick line with just a look, somebody like me. 

23 minutes ago, Raul said:

P-Line CXX is for real macho men who can tame an anaconda thick line with just a look, somebody like me. 

Raul, I've never even used it besides casting my buddies setup 20-30 times.  I'm sure it will pull down a tree it was thick stuff. 

Always wanted to try floroclear 

have 2 lightning shock rods and fished fluoro on both with zero problems