I know this is a silly question, but is there a difference in the brand you use to back FC or braid?.

Also, does the diameter of mono effect the reel speed, 

Thanks in advance,

Al

 

No, but I prefer a comparable diameter.

 

 

Just the price your paying.  I use cheap line in a close to the same diameter line.

No affect on speed - lighter pound test used will just require more line. I buy one big bulk spool of 8# or 10# and use it for all my reels. If you are doing things right, the line and the knot will never come into play.

-T9

A good arbor knot and line of similar diameter tied in a double Uni are probably the most important parts.  For most applications, you're never going to need more than 80-100 yards of line, so that mono backing can usually stretch a 150 yard spool to cover 2 reels. And since your working line will be braid, you can often get a solid 2-3 seasons before respooling.