After reading the recent post on braid I am now very intrigued. I noticed a few replies on the use of powerpro. Is this a good choice? I also noticed differing opinions on the ideal lbs test to use. Thoughts on the subject? What are the best applications for braid? If a leader is needed, how long? Does that account for loss of sensitivity? Thanks.

Powerpro is ok, I prefer Sufix, I feel it casts better and lasts longer.  Match the braid test to what you would use in mono (i.e. 10lb mono=30lb braid).  I use braid for almost anything and everything.  I never use a leader, for anything, its either all braid or no braid.  

I prefer Sufix Performance braid. I never use a leader.

After reading the recent post on braid I am now very intrigued. I noticed a few replies on the use of powerpro. Is this a good choice? I also noticed differing opinions on the ideal lbs test to use. Thoughts on the subject? What are the best applications for braid? If a leader is needed, how long? Does that account for loss of sensitivity? Thanks.

Carolina rig , slop , senko are some uses.

Stren super braid , power pro ,  sufix braid are some of the better lines.

20 to 50 lb. lines are commonly used.

I currently use PowerPro but I feel that suffix and stren braids work pretty much the same in terms of power and sensitivity, just the small quirks that separate them.  I use 20lb powerpro for almost everything and 50lb for jigs and swimbaits.  On my 20lb powerpro I've recently started using a fluorocarbon leader (berkley 100%) and I haven't felt any loss in sensitivity (though I've only been using it a few outings)

If you do choose to use a leader I recommend the alberto knot!

I am in the minority.  I use 10 lb braid.  Its just as strong as 10 lb mono, but it...

cast much farther

cast more acurate

is much more sensitive

My favorite for spinning gear is 15 lb test Power Pro, and for casting gear (jigs and frogs) I've been using 40 lb test Power Pro.

For spinning, depending on your cover situation you may want to use 10 lb test or up to 30+ pound test. It really depends on what you think you need. The lower pound tests cast amazingly well but also fray pretty easily if you're in the nasty stuff.

I almost always use a leader, but it has nothing to do with visibility. It has to do with abrasion resistance and being able to break off a hung-up jig instead of damaging the spool mechanism on my casting reels or pulling the entire laydown off the shore, thereby ruining a perfectly good piece of cover  . If you're fishing relatively open water, I'd argue that not using leader would be beneficial because of the improved action on your lure (thanks RoLo).

I actually found the opposite of a couple of you - Power Pro casts better than Sufix, and is softer. I'd be willing to bet a lot of $ on Power Pro against Sufix in that respect.

Try using KVD Line & Lure Conditioner on braid too.  It will make you casting longer, more accurate.  Your braid will last longer before fuzing and will reduce the wear on the guides.   Check out the threads on it here on the forum.

I tried it on braid and didn't notice any difference.

The stuff is fantastic on my Yo-Zuri Ultrasoft, but didn't see any difference with braid.

L&L will keep the braid's factory finish from wearing off 2-3 times longer.  Line & Lure keeps water bourne dirt and silt from getting into the fibers of braid.  These particles act like sandpaper on the line fibers as well as the rod guides and any other parts that the line might touch.  The benifits of using it on braid are:

Longer line life (and rod guide)

Flatter lay on spool

Less line bury on the spool during a good fight

Major reduction in wind knots

Make sure you let the first application dry completely.  I suggest treating to bulk spools when you buy them.  Then their alteady treated when you spool up.

I use Power pro 8# and 30#.  I fish clear water so I use a fluro leader.

The Alberto knot is the best for me.  I start with a 4-6' leader and it usually lasts through breakoffs all day.

10# power pro and I always use a floro leader. 18"-24"  and the double uni knot for me!