If you have decided to use a braided fishing line. You need to know that not all line is equal. Braided fishing line comes in many levels of quality. Buying an inferior line leads to problems. The best-braided fishing lines will cost more. That is due to better material and processes in the manufacture of the line.
Anglers trying to save money by buying low-cost lines. They usually are unsatisfied with the performance and durability of the line. A cheaper line will unravel, lose color, and become weak faster than a quality line. In the long run, a good line will last saving you money.
This does not mean you have to buy the most expensive. How and where you fish are factors in choosing the right line. Better braided lines have higher strand counts. The number of strands plays into the quality and durability of the line. The test strength does play a part in the number of strands with a few lines also.
The weaves per inch is another factor. A tighter weave is better for casting and long life. Lines with lower weaves will unravel and deteriorate faster. This is another factor increasing the cost. The old adage “you get what you pay for” is true with braided lines.
In addition, better lines have coatings. The coatings vary in reasons. Some aid in abrasion resistance, while others help with farther casts. A line with a coating gives an angler more options. Plus the coatings increase the life of the line. Read this article to choose the best braided fishing lines for your style.
The Best Braided Lines
The following are lines from four manufacturers. They are the lines used by the majority of anglers. Each line has good qualities, some more than others. The amount of time fishing and the environment should be considered when buying a line. Anglers fishing more should get a higher quality. Looking to cast farther, buy a line designed for longer casting.
Suggested Line Sizes for Braid based on Species
| Species of Fish | Spinning Reel | Baitcast Reel |
| Pan fish | 10 lb. | N/A |
| Trout | 15 lb. | N/A |
| Bass | 20 lb. | 30-50 lb. |
| Walleye | 20 lb. | 30 lb. |
| Catfish | 40 lb. | 50-65 lb. |
| Musky | 40-65 lb. | 65-100 lb. |
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline ®
Sufix is for the angler needing the best in a braided line. This is one of the best-braided fishing lines on the market today. It is used by musky and bass anglers due to its durability and performance with casting.
The line has 8 strands with 32 weaves per inch. This makes the line smoother for longer casting. Plus adds to a longer life during use. The line has better knot strength and abrasion resistance reducing break-offs and knot failures.
Sufix® 832 Braid Fishing Line is the most abrasion-resistant, quietest, longest casting, roundest braid on the market. The line has virtually zero stretch for a great feel.
- High abrasion resistance
- Quiet and long casting
- Virtually no stretch
- 32 weaves per inch
- 1 Gore and 7 Dyneema carriers
- 30% higher palomar knot strength
Daiwa J-Braid 8-Strand Braided Line
J-Braid x8 line is a complete line up of high quality 8 carrier braid made of the finest materials. The line has 8 strands of tightly woven fibers that make for a perfectly round profile. As a result, it is a much stronger, softer, and smoother line. The line is sensitive and good for farther casting. J-Braid is one of the best quality and value braided lines on the market.
- Perfectly round profile
- 8 strands of tight-weave fibers
- Stronger, smoother line
- Increased sensitivity and castability
Power Pro Super 8 Slick V2
The best of the Power Pro lines. This is an upgraded version of the Super 8 Slick. It comes with a tighter weave using the 8 strands. The tighter weave aids in casting distance over the other Power Pro lines. The tighter weave keeps the line thinner, smoother, and tougher for ripping through weeds.
The line has a coating to prevent abrasion damage making use in brush possible. The coating has the added benefit of reducing friction on the guides. This is another aid in casting performance.
- Tighter, tougher version of the original long-casting braid
- Advanced 8-end, extra-dense weave
- Proven EBT coating for smooth, quiet castability
- More power for ripping through cover
- Made with 100% Spectra fiber
- Great for trophy bass and redfish
PowerPro Super Slick
An exceptional braid from PowerPro. Built for the advanced angler. Power Pro Super Slick Braid Fishing Line is also ideal for the first-time braid user. This is due to its user-friendly design. Eight fiber carriers are braided under high tension to deliver extreme strength. Plus casting performance, reduced friction, improved roundness, and better overall line management. The line has good sensitivity and is quiet going through the guides.
- Built for the advanced angler
- Also ideal for first-time braid users
- Eight Spectra fiber carriers are braided together
- Extremely strong and castable
- Reduced friction
- Better overall line management
Power Pro Braided Spectra
PowerPro Spectra braid is a microfilament line that handles like mono. The line has no memory and high strength to diameter ratio. This is an exceptional line for spinning or baitcast reels. The line has very good sensitivity due to low stretch. The microfilament delivers a smooth texture letting it slide easily through the guides. The line has above average abrasion qualities for working through weeds.
- Handles like mono
- Enhanced Body Technology
- Abrasion resistant
- No spool memory
- Minimal stretch
SpiderWire UltraCast Braid
Spider wire is a good quality braided line. The line is soft and easy to cast. It is limp compared to some other lines. The line performs well from the beginning due to its limp or softness. A few lines need to break in before the softness is noticed.
The line is an 8 strand weave. Spider wire is a little thinner to other lines of the same test strength. Plus it has very good sensitivity. The con to spider wire is durability. It will begin to fray a little faster than the previously mentioned lines.
- Ultra-smooth 8-carrier braid
- Requires no break-in period
- Outcasts and outlasts other lines
- Incredibly thin and sensitive
- Strong, smooth, and durable
Spiderwire Stealth Braid Fishing Line
This is a lower cost braid. The lighter test strengths are 4 strand count instead of the preferred 8 count. That is the bad news. The line is fluoro coated helping with abrasion resistance. This aids in casting in a small amount also. The higher strengths, 30 lb., and above are 8 strand weaves.
The line is good for anglers on a budget. The coating also makes the line tend to be less neutral in buoyancy. It will sink easier than other braided lines. This will help in a few instances. Anglers seeking a little faster drop with some rigs will like this aspect.
- Quiet and smooth casting
- Fluoro coated
- Ultra-thin, tight weave construction
- 100% Dyneema PE microfibers
Summary
All braids are not created equal. The quality is related to cost. The more you fish and run through the cover. A better line needs to be used. The Sufix is the best line with the best performance and durability. Power Pro and Daiwa’s J-Braid are the next options. These are above average in quality. They lack a little in one aspect or two compared to Sufix.
The Spider Wire brand is good for average quality. It does have a few advantages. You can load a few more yards on the spool due to it being thinner. The line does sink easier. This helps in some presentations. It is lower in cost for anglers on a tighter budget.
The best braided fishing lines vary among anglers. Choose the one that fits your needs. Some have better durability and casting. While others offer better performance through the weeds.
John McIntyre