I've been using Berkley XL  8lb on a Shimano Citica/StCrois Premier 2 piece M Fast.

 

I'm wondering if I can get a tad more distance with the Berkley Iron Silk. 

 

Distance is important for the bank fishing I enjoy.

Suggestions on an other monos for all around fishing are also welcome.

8# xl is pretty soft. I don't see it hindering casting. There are a host of factors that affect casting. The advantage of braid would be more tensile strength without hurting casting. For shear distance spinning is the way to go. 

Thank you for your insight 

I have 10lb mono on my Citica 200E for plastics fishing and it works well.  I am paranoid about keeping my spool bearings cleaned and very lightly oiled.  Occasionally briskly wife off your spool shaft with paper towel and run a pipe cleaner up the pinion gear and that helps.  Oil or grease which may migrate to your spool shaft will sure slow it down.

How often are you doing that?

1 hour ago, OnthePotomac said:

I have 10lb mono on my Citica 200E for plastics fishing and it works well.  I am paranoid about keeping my spool bearings cleaned and very lightly oiled.  Occasionally briskly wife off your spool shaft with paper towel and run a pipe cleaner up the pinion gear and that helps.  Oil or grease which may migrate to your spool shaft will sure slow it down.

Curious what weight size are you using.

I have the reel on 7' MH fast tip Carbonlite rod and use this set up for Senkos, which weigh approximately 3/8oz.   A 7' rod will get you out further than a 6'6".