Any opinions? I just got some 15lb for a spinning reel, and was surprised when on a snag that I had to break off, the braid broke before the 10lb mono leader did.

4 hours ago, Dan N said:

Any opinions? 

My opinion... same labeled strength X-9 is not as abrasion resistant as X-5

Tried it several times. Impressive breaking strength but poor casting, coating not smooth enough I guess. Gave the rest of the spool away.

I’m not a fan of braid, but I use x-9 for my pitching & flipping, and frog rig. I’ve never had any problems with it, although I use 50lb. 

On 4/18/2025 at 3:23 PM, newapti5 said:

Tried it several times. Impressive breaking strength but poor casting, coating not smooth enough I guess. Gave the rest of the spool away.

I'm a little distressed to read this.  I purchased some 6# and 10# for finesse, and some 30# and 40# for normal duty based on reviews I had read.  I fish from shore, so distance is often important.  I wanted to try more braid than I had been using because I retired to Florida and figured I'd be fishing in more cover than where I previously lived.

I have 10 lb on a 2000 size spinner. No issues, no breakage. Have caught a lot of fish. I'm in south Florida.

12 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I'm a little distressed to read this.  I purchased some 6# and 10# for finesse, and some 30# and 40# for normal duty based on reviews I had read.  I fish from shore, so distance is often important.  I wanted to try more braid than I had been using because I retired to Florida and figured I'd be fishing in more cover than where I previously lived.

 

I have only used 20# on baitcasters. Maybe "poor" was a strong word, but the casting distance was just so-so. When I thumbed it, I could feel the braid was not that smooth after it got wet. Really great abrasion resistance and tensile strength though.

I have never tried any line from YKG, and it's currently what i'd like to give a shot for 2025 because i keep hearing nothing but good stuff. But currently, from the braid i've tried, the Berkley X9 is my second favorite braid only after the 832. I used the 15lb X9 on my Pixy, and it was amazing until a river musky spooled me the hell up last Fall by taking the current, and swim to the other side of the river.

Currently using the #20 on my Zillion with the SLP 1010 spool, and it outcasts the 832 by a bit, but not as abrasion resistant as the 832.

I like the X9 in crystal , I use it along with YGK and like them both. I also just started using the almight sinking braid. I think for light baits in the wind it shows promise but too early to call.

I’ve been very happy with both X9 and X5 respectively. They’ve worked well on a variety of reels for several years without a single gripe. 

Ive used X9 in #8 #10 #15 and #20.  Casting performance is significantly better than stiffer braids that soak up water up 832.  Ive only used it in the crystal color, which looks nice, until you fish it in dirty water then it stains a bit.  X9 isnt a heavily coated PE that relies on a short-lived slick surface for casting performance.  Ive had it on a few reels for a couple years and none of them have had to flipped yet, due to a ropey appearance. The biggest gripe I have with X9 are the dia claims.  While it's a thin braid, the claimed diameters are wishful thinking.  Ive noticed too that X9 isnt the best when it comes to abrasion resistance.  Its not going to resist abrasion as well as 832 or PP, but I dont think ive ever broken the line, the knot has always failed before the line.  IME with the lower lb tests it works best as finesse braid for open water or moderate cover. 

The only spools of X5 I bought are a little different.  Both are in the bright green color and even after heavy use, it still leaves a light green stain on my fingers.  The X5 isnt as round or smooth, but it has a waxy feel, compared to X9 in crystal.  It casts pretty well for what it is.

If you can get X9 on sale, its a good buy IMO.  A buddy of mine got that newer no fade P line, but hes taking his sweet time actually spooling it up and using it.  Im either going to try that or YGKs sinking PE next.