I have been using leftover spools of varying lb. test for my Flourocarbon  leader while using braided line. I was wondering if I should be using leader material made  specifically for this. Does anyone else just use leftover spools for their leader? And if not what is a good fluro leader to use. 

7 minutes ago, Bassguytom said:

I have been using leftover spools of varying lb. test for my Flourocarbon  leader while using braided line. I was wondering if I should be using leader material made  specifically for this. Does anyone else just use leftover spools for their leader? And if not what is a good fluro leader to use. 

I do not buy leader-specific line for bass fishing.

Just use regular spools of fluoro or copoly.

I do use leader line (mono) for tying my own weed
guards.

when i started i wondered the same thing then i realized i can get a 1700yd spool of izorline xxx for the same price as some 80yds of leader material. Just use your favorite line for a leader.

I do believe that fluorocarbon, specifically designed for leader material, is manufactured with the goal of achieving the most abrasion resistant and reduced visibility characterists. It is not designed specifically for casting, wherein lies the difference. Subtle lines, which are best for casting/spinning usage, cannot be as abrasion resistant; as this characteristic is a harder, stiffer line, which is well suited as "leader material". This is how I understand the properties and the differences.

Crestliner is correct, they are 2 different animals. The leader material is stiffer and more abrasion resistant. Some guys will only use leader specific spools for this application and I am also making the change. If u fish topwater w braid and a fluro leader this is where it really shines w it being stiffer.

I use braid as my main line on all 22 rigs I have setup and ready, from UL to MH  Muskie gear. Everyone uses Big Game for mono from 6 to 20 lbs. test when using mono leaders,,,, if using Fuoro. they all use Abrazx,,,,, but make no mistake I always use a leader as my "fuse",,,, always 6' to 12' in length tied with an improved blood knot,,,

When I am fishing fer Salmon, Pike or Musky, I always use 100 test 20" leaders I build from Viscious Pro elite leader material, but that is the only time I use leader specific material on a spinning or casting reel.

On 4/2/2016 at 6:51 PM, Bassguytom said:

I have been using leftover spools of varying lb. test for my Flourocarbon  leader while using braided line. I was wondering if I should be using leader material made  specifically for this. Does anyone else just use leftover spools for their leader? And if not what is a good fluro leader to use. 

Both. Haven't really noticed a difference to be honest. The leader line seems to be a little more abrasion resistant, but is also much thicker and stiffer. If I want a thick leader I just grab thicker (heavier) line.. Doesn't matter if the line is labeled 17 leader or 20 regular line, if its the same thickness and breaking strength its going to perform similar as a leader. 

FC designed for leaders is clearly superior than line which is formulated to be softer.  But I use both because I too am cheap.  But when you consider how little you use, the cost to go first class is not that big a deal.  

When I know I'm likely to encounter big, powerful, fish like salmon or am fishing where I really need to pressure the fish, I will have leader material on.