I haven't experimented much with different braided lines, I like PowerPro well enough to stick with it. Original on my casting reels, and Super Slick on my spinning reels.

Sunline Xplasma from 8-60lb, nanofil for anything under 8lb

I started using 65 lb Fins braid in the late 80’s for off shore Big Game fish like tuna and marlin to increase line capacity. 

Fins is made in Georgia USA, important to me.

I try 20 lb Smack Down last year and found wanting for smooth casting. Replaced it with Fins Sling Braid, smaller diameter better casting imo.

Tom 

There is ONLY one for me now, Vicious No Fade. 

Sunline Asegai is my braid of choice like SX1 also but the Asegai just performs better, casts smoother, and better color.

I really like how suffix 832 casts/fishes but wish the color lasted more than a few casts (exaggerating of course) 

I think those who think braid brand and design does not affect its performance need to try a new one now and then.  A few years ago 4 carriers was all you could get.  Now 8 is pretty normal, with Hitena Pureline using 12 above 14 pound test and Silky using 16 above 14 pound test.  It's interesting that so many feel that premium flourocarbons make sense but think that premium braids don't.  

 

My personal experience is that there is a big difference in how the lines come off the spool.  I have far fewer "gobs" of line coming off with Hitena than I do with some other more basic brands.  I've had only one with Hitena in many years of fishing it, and that came in almost hurricane conditions.  On the other hand. . .

4 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

I loved the original spider wire. Don't know why they ever stopped making it.

Class action lawsuit from all the hearing loss caused by the racket emanating from the guides... 

Another 832 vote. Round, smooth enough, handles great, and holds up better in the rocks than anything else I've tried. Done looking. 832 gives me everything I need from a braid.

Berkley x9 on casting gear and Fireline ultra 8 on spinning gear. 
Before I also used sufix 832, but I like x9 more. 

Seaguar Smackdown is my main choice of braid .

Still have 832 on 1 baitcaster and PP on 1 spinning reel . 

Powerpro for me. Have never felt the need try anything else because it has been so reliable for me.   Reading everyone else’s comments makes me curious about about Suffix 832 and x9 though…

5 hours ago, MickD said:

I think those who think braid brand and design does not affect its performance need to try a new one now and then.  A few years ago 4 carriers was all you could get.  Now 8 is pretty normal, with Hitena Pureline using 12 above 14 pound test and Silky using 16 above 14 pound test.  It's interesting that so many feel that premium flourocarbons make sense but think that premium braids don't.  

 

My personal experience is that there is a big difference in how the lines come off the spool.  I have far fewer "gobs" of line coming off with Hitena than I do with some other more basic brands.  I've had only one with Hitena in many years of fishing it, and that came in almost hurricane conditions.  On the other hand. . .

I've never heard of of Hitena before. But maybe I'll give it a shot. If I don't catch more fish using it, you'll be hearing from my people. 

 

Seriously tho, where do you buy it? I see it on Amazon. 

I have tried them all. I like Diawa J braid best quality for price. Jerry Brown hollow for offshore use

My #1 criteria is no-fade. I can't stand the idea of fishing with white braid, nor do I want to replace it all the time, and I'd rather be fishing than coloring with a sharpie.

 

So I tried FINS based on some recommendations here. Windtamer, then bought some Sling Braid which was smooth and laid really well. But the green color in the sling braid just didn't look right in the water to me. Way too light green.

 

Next up on the no-fade list was Vicious No-Fade, and it is outstanding.

 

It doesn't fade, lays great, relatively quiet in the guides, is the right shade of green. It is pretty expensive, but the story I tell myself is it'll last nearly forever; a year later and I still haven't re-spooled or had a major trim-back on any of the reels I have it on. I'd try something else but unless I'm ready to cough up for japanese braid I don't think there's an upgrade. I suggest the 40lb as the diameter is smaller than most braids at that test.

 

Smack down has been really good. I recently spooled  some Suffix 131 and I’m really impressed thus far. 

I buy the Hitena braid straight from their website. 

18 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

Seriously tho, where do you buy it? I see it on Amazon. 

HitenaUSA.com

 

Everything Hitena is very good quality, although often pricey.  

832

X9

PPV2

 

unless you want to get fancy

Daiwa J-Braid Grand 8X gets my vote.

For the Lighter stuff

1.) Daiwa J-braid Grand

2.) Seaguar Smackdown

 

For the heavy stuff like frogging.

 832 or powerpro (what ever is cheapest, usually 832 in the spring sales)

I think I’ve only used a two or three kinds and they were all strong. I’ve been using 40 lb smack down a bit lately and it casts great, I’ve been throwing some heavy stuff trying for striper

On 3/12/2022 at 1:13 PM, WRB said:

I started using 65 lb Fins braid in the late 80’s for off shore Big Game fish like tuna and marlin to increase line capacity. 

Fins is made in Georgia USA, important to me.

I try 20 lb Smack Down last year and found wanting for smooth casting. Replaced it with Fins Sling Braid, smaller diameter better casting imo.

Tom 

 

@WRB I'm interested in how the Fins lines, and this Sling Braid, hold up over time, especially the color and coating (?).  I need something these days other than a moss green to see against the green waters we have here, as a line watcher.  Thanks.

 

I'm a PowerPro guy.  Tried 832 based on the love it gets on this forum, but took it off and replaced it with PP before the end of the year.  To be fair, it was 20 & 30lb test so perhaps the 832 is better in the larger diameters but I didn't like it.