Ok guys. So, last time i bought braid it was spiderwire stealth and i got it in 12lb (isn't that like 2 or 4lb mono?) when i bought my quantum accurist PT, but when i went to use it, i think the line layed over itself and when i casted it snapped. So after a few snaps i got frustrated and took it off. I want to try braid again. Do I need to buy braid in the same diameter as the mono that I use? I use berkley big game 12lb on my accurist baitcaster, and 8lb spiderwire super mono (6 equiv) on my spinning setup. I like using 6lb diameter mono on my spinning reel and the spiderwire 8lb mono is the same diameter so it works out for me. 0.23mm i believe is the 6lb that my spinning reel lists. i forget what the 12lb is. But anyways, what would be my best bet for preventing problems while getting the strongest line. I don't do a lot of fishing around rocks and stuff, mainly lilly pads or sandy bottoms. I fish both clear and semi dirty waters. Are there any knots that work better than others? I use a polamar knot more often than not. Also, when i put it on the spool, do i have to have a mono backing of a layer or two, or can i just put it straight on? I've heard both. What's the best braid for the money, without breaking my bank. I want to spool up both reels. How long does it last compared to mono as far as abuse and use? I tend to change out my mono ever season. My spinning reel holds a little over 100 yards of 6lb mono, and the accurist i think holds 220 yards but don't quote me.

I'm kind of confused on what your saying but what i was taught was you chose your line to the cover and overall size of the fish and what techniques u well be using it for. ANd if your using braid u can get a very high pound test line with a very small mono equilvent i think a good overall choice would be 30 or 20 pound braid. 

Braids have different diameters..So depends on which brand you use. Example, Diawa Samuri braid in 55lb test, has the same diameter as 10-12 mono..Other brands may be the same, or thicker. You can use backing if you want, I tie to my spool which has holes in it. Backing would save you some $$ cuz you would use as much. 55lb on my  baitcaster.

20 to 30 on a spinning reel should be fine, there are no set rules re: what test you can use. I prefer to use the highest test possible, as it cost's the same as smaller line.