CarpForum.co.uk brand mark, a blue stylized fish with a white eye and a smooth modern look, set in the site header against a clean background CarpForum.co.uk wordmark in a bold flowing script style, reading CarpForum.co.uk, displayed in the site header
Menu
Utils
Go Premium Who's Online Members Weather Photo Gallery Articles
Account
Login Register
Fluorocarbon question (50 posts / 9,299 views)
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #1 2 Apr 2022 10:35
0
Hello, looking for help on selecting a new Fluoro mainline and have a few questions for the people that have tried them on here.
I have been using Berkley connect for past couple of seasons and have found it decent, but have read some issues with it deteriorating,which I have noticed myself tbh and reversed the line I had to freshen it up, but still noticed it fraying and dont want to risk a new batch, plus i do like to try new lines and I have seen a couple I would like to try.
Lake rules must be minimum 0.35mm and 15lb, the lakes I fish are generally weedy and fish to 40lb

Korda Kontour 15lb (0.35) or 18lb (0.37)
Tiger line 16lb (0.35) 20lb (0.37)
Gardner mirage platinum 15lb (0.35)
X-line 20lb

1) My questions relating to the Korda stuff are, is it 100% Fluoro and does it sink as well as the others? (My main reason for using fluoro) does the 15 or 18 cast OK? And does anyone know the true breaking strain?

2) My thinking was Tiger line 16lb would give me best all round, you get 1000m and is 100% fluoro but I can't find it in stock. So 2nd question is does the 20lb version cast like a sack of s***? Or is it OK? I only need to cast up to 90yrds (generally less) but like to use bags and the 15lb berkley has been fine as a guide (other than frapping)

3) Similar Questions as above for gardener platinum, couldn't find much info on this other than 1 negative comment that it snaps like cotton? Anyone tried it?

4) Xline - lots of info on this, some quite contrasting. It's miles cheaper than the others, can anyone compare to berkley connect? I'm guessing it's a lot more wiry?

Thanks in advance, as always don't want to fork out a load of cash on something that will be garbage and frap every cast bc that does my head in lol.


Wilberforce
Posts: 293
Post #2 2 Apr 2022 11:00
0
In reply to Post #1
Can only comment on X line....it is wiry in 17lb which is what I use...what is not loaded onto spools makes excellent rig material in 17lb or I would have purchased a lesser b/s.
I cannot imagine 20lb been any suppler .

I only use fluoro is specific conditions not as an everyday line.
MARKerz
Posts: 1,949
Post #3 2 Apr 2022 11:09
0
In reply to Post #1
Have only used 20lb X-Line out of your list and can recommend it, will need to be stretched & cleaned regularly but I'd imagine the others will too.

I did find it wiry and better on bigger/wider spools, I used it up to 50 yards no problems, not sure about 90 yards? It stood up to all the waters I was fishing threw at it, very robust.
sundance sundance
Posts: 6,762
Post #4 2 Apr 2022 11:27
0
I use xline on my big pits. I dont find it wiry at all
But I wonder if its because I keep it for years.

Maybe it's the reels. I have some little 4000 shimano bait runners and put the Synco XT on them that everyone raves about and it's curly as F
Squimp
Posts: 158
Post #5 2 Apr 2022 13:22
0
In reply to Post #1
A while back I tried Fluoro mainline for a couple of seasons.

I used X line in 17lb, 2 versions of 15lb P-line (one coated and one pure Fluoro) and Tiger line in 16lb.

By far the best was the Tiger line. It is the only one I would recommend.

I should declare an interest; I know John L who supplies Tiger line and he gave me the spool to ‘test'.
kizzi
Posts: 2,526
Post #6 2 Apr 2022 13:56
0
In reply to Post #1
Not quite answering your question but ..

I have used Illusion XS, Kontour, and Mirage, but not in 15lb. All have been excellent and I couldn't really tell them apart.

I believe that relatively few factories make flouro so many of the brands are sourcing from the same producer.

All of the flouros that I have used have been wiry, and cast badly compared with mono. But that's just flourocarbon, if it were light it wouldn't sink!
J_BKR
Posts: 55
Post #7 2 Apr 2022 14:22
0
In reply to Post #1
I have tigerline in 16lb on two of my rods. Great stuff and goes down well. I've read others say that it's hard work and too wiry off the spool. It is to an extent, but I found it perfectly manageable just following basic advice from this forum. Casting it's not amazing, but that's kind of the compromise with fluorocarbon. It will frap but not all the time. I use it for waters where casting distance isn't too far. I think you could achieve the 90 yards required with a bit of effort. I have recently tried ESP Syncro XT Loaded on one rod where longer casts were required and that seems to sink very well as well.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #8 2 Apr 2022 19:47
0
In reply to Post #5
Thanks all for the comments.

Does anyone know if 16lb Tiger line is available in stock anywhere?
I don't suppose you could ask the man himself for me if there is any available anywhere 😁
I would like to know if the 20lb version is a lot more wiry? Otherwise it's looking like I would try the Korda in 15lb
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #9 2 Apr 2022 20:43
0
In reply to Post #8
(((this Tiger lines phone number I used to phone him in 2013 ..0118 940 1942 not sure if it is still current )) If you cant get Tiger line in 16 lb
I would definitely buy GARDNER MIRAGE no question same performance IMHO
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #10 2 Apr 2022 21:55
0
In reply to Post #9
Is the gardner mirage platinum better than the standard in regards to being better behaved etc?
woody71
Posts: 3,098
Post #11 2 Apr 2022 22:06
0
In reply to Post #8
when it first came out i tried tigerline in 16 and 20lb i found the 20lb a lot worse for casting more fraps, grabbing butt ring etc

carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #12 2 Apr 2022 22:09
0
In reply to Post #11
Ok cheers that's gd feed back. I'm surprised more people haven't tried the korda fluoro. I'm convinced it's more of a blend with mono otherwise it would be more expensive and they would state 100% fluorocarbon. Perhaps that's not a bad thing though to aid in casting but still have gd sinking ability.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #13 2 Apr 2022 22:11
0
In reply to Post #11
Ok cheers that's gd feed back. I'm surprised more people haven't tried the korda fluoro. I'm convinced it's more of a blend with mono otherwise it would be more expensive and they would state 100% fluorocarbon. Perhaps that's not a bad thing though to aid in casting but still have gd sinking ability.

I tried that number earlier Gerry buy it was invalid. Also appears his fb hasn't been active for years.
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #14 3 Apr 2022 00:10
0
In reply to Post #11
I found with tiger line it needs a good stretch I used to walk out around 80 to 100 yards tie to a tree and give a real good stretch after that it was fine
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #15 3 Apr 2022 00:28
1
In reply to Post #13
Kontour is proper fluoro, it was manageable in 12lb when I used it and always held up well with a palomar knot. I believe the Gardner will be relabelled/made by seaguar so you know it's good quality.
Any fluoro will be like casting 25lb mono into a headwind
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #16 3 Apr 2022 09:16
1
In reply to Post #15
Cheers all I've gone with the gardner platinum as got 17% off on ebay 3 spools for 62 delivered 👍 I will let you know my thoughts in a few weeks time
woody71
Posts: 3,098
Post #17 3 Apr 2022 15:23
0
In reply to Post #14
Yes it is better with a stretch like other flouros i have used but imo the 16 was far easier to use than the 20lb.

Another i have used is the korda 12lb this did cast slightly better than the 16lb tigerline but it was thinner out of the two if casting distance wasn't the main issue then i preferred the tigerline

It will be interesting to see how matt gets on with the gardner platinum
AndyJ309 AndyJ309
Posts: 47
Post #18 5 Apr 2022 09:02
0
In reply to Post #16
Good choice, I have used all of the ones you mentioned and found that to be the best so far. It is much more user friendly than tiger line. I only put it on this season though so time will tell if it stays that way!
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #19 6 Apr 2022 16:02
0
In reply to Post #18
Just arrived today, it does look lovely and supple, quite thin so hopefully it stands up to some abuse but will let you know once I get to use it.
AndyJ309 AndyJ309
Posts: 47
Post #20 6 Apr 2022 17:03
0
In reply to Post #19
Yeah I have used it for about 5 sessions and I am still happy with it. Could probably do with a stretch now but I has been good so far.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #21 6 Apr 2022 17:24
0
In reply to Post #20
That's good news 👍 😊 I would expect that with any fluorocarbon to be honest
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #22 6 Apr 2022 18:33
0
In reply to Post #20
Duplicate post
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #23 9 Apr 2022 17:31
0
In reply to Post #17
Just spooled it up with the Gardner Mirage Platinum 15lb.
It's definitely thinner in 15lb than berkleys 15lb connect fluoro, which is stated on the spools but going by tackle box line tests I would have thought they'd be similar. Anyway not a bad thing as will cast easier.

Not tried it yet but I did some interesting abrasion tests comparing berkley cf600 15lb, cm90 15lb and gardner mirage platinum 15lb

Rubs with pressure on a stone seat.
I know this with kill the scientists among you as I appreciate the amount of force applied could be different but the results were overwhelmingly different. (I was worried the gardner mirage wouldn't be tough enough hence the tests)

Number of seesaw rubs before line snapped on stone seat.
Cm90 - 5 rubs on a stone
Gardner mirage platinum - 23 rubs
Berkley CF600 - 29 rubs

I genuinely thought the CM90 would win.
In any case I'm happy it will be up to the job.
Just wish you get more than 200m on a spool. If you lose any line or cut any off due to damage, baring in mind using 14000 spools I can imagine the cast could start catching on the knot to the backing line. I'll have to live with that.
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #24 9 Apr 2022 18:03
2
In reply to Post #23
Nice test, might not be 100% but it gives an idea. Thanks for sharing. I always give a couple of wraps of electrical tape around the spool over the backing knot to stop it catching on long casts.
woody71
Posts: 3,098
Post #25 9 Apr 2022 19:20
1
In reply to Post #23
I agree with bluebeat thanks for sharing. I did a lot of similar tests with snag leaders years ago with interesting results

It is very interesting how much more resistant the fluoros were to the cm90 , the diameter of the fluoro looking like it was the difference between the two, i wonder if lubrication from lake water would increase the mono slightly (it would still get nowhere near the flouro)or possibly make it worse as mono soaks water more so than fluoro. mono's do seem to give better knot strength.


The next thing is how well it casts and coiling issues etc
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #26 9 Apr 2022 19:22
1
In reply to Post #23
Glad you went with the Gardner Mirage I know your going to be very happy with it
I have been using Fluorocarbon lines a lot longer than most people due to the fact of Working at Heathrow airport I used to go to the states and buy Fluorocarbon line when it wasnt even sold here !
the early stuff was not good with knots
but over the years its developed and now its wonderful stuff and knots are not a problem anymore and its very cost effective as you dont need to change it for a few seasons as its un affected by sunlight and does not absorb any water and superior abrasion resistance too win win !
I have used most on the market at one time or another and its mostly all pretty good but for me
the 2 TOP stand out lines are Tiger Line and Gardner Mirage
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #27 9 Apr 2022 20:03
0
In reply to Post #26
No worries guys and thankyou for the recommendations 😊
I did think about electrical tape but I didn't have any, will have to get some next time I re-spool.
I will report back next weekend as I am fishing 3 nights, to be honest it behaves and feels more like a mono. Fluoro had definitely come on leaps and bounds in the past 10 years. Also waaaay better for feeling the lead down, which I love as I don't use a marker anymore just feel for a drop.
Westmidsmoaner Westmidsmoaner
Posts: 230
Post #28 10 Apr 2022 13:19
0
Mirage platinum or xline I'd recommend..

I've used both but recently gone to braid simply because of a change of water and harsher weed etc
cfc4life cfc4life
Posts: 344
Post #29 11 Apr 2022 09:31
1
In reply to Post #26
I have also used to many Fluorocarbon lines over the years, started with Tiger line many years ago bought directly from John Luyellwn at the time, stayed with it for years, but a few years back myself and a friend had a few bad spools and felt it had became inconsistent, we lost confidence. Tried Berkeley CF600 (awful stuff) X Line (to industrial) but found that Daiwa Floor It super soft ticked all the boxes. Sadly Daiwa no longer make it so I might try the Gardner Mirage based on your recommendation.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #30 15 May 2022 21:50
1
In reply to Post #29
Ok I'm ready to give my review having used it for a number of sessions about 8 nights and now caught several fish on it.
15lb mirage platinum
I will start with the negative. Why are the spools only 200 metres??.. that is my only gripe, I've been fishing comfortably at 20 wraps even with small pva bags on a heli rig, for me it almost casts as well as mono (using 14000 shimano spools) but fishing that distance you've almost used half the line and with a big spool it is getting very close to the knot poking through. It didnt cause my any issues (I will use electrical tape over it next time) but I could easily push over 100 yards with a single, anyway my only gripe - Gardner can you do a 1000m spool please with markers every 333m 😁
Ok the gd stuff.. sinks excellent as I say casts very well.. also gets better with use (was a little wiry the first session and had a couple fraps but not a single one this weekend) I think the best way to describe casting with fluoro is like it's less forgiving so if your technique is off it will let you know, a bit like if you play golf you will know you can buy clubs that you can hit the ball Miles with but the sweet spot is reduced. Anyway I have found it better than berkley cf600 15lb on suppleness and casting ease. Knot strength is excellent, , sinks extremely well but not quite as good as the comparable 15lb berkley, however looking at the 2 together the berkley line is a lot thicker in diameter so no surprise there. Interms of strength , I have had some right old battles and won everytime, I had to stop a fish kiting round and island that knew exactly where it wanted to go and covered about 100yrds in seconds but I managed to put the brakes on it, stunning 22lber. So for a fluoro it's excellent and does exactly what I need it to do and would definitelyrecommend it.. I just wish there was more on the spool 😉
Mozzi Mozzi
Posts: 1,900
Post #31 15 May 2022 22:10
1
In reply to Post #30
Get yourself some wrist sweat bands from amazon or ebay, soak them in lake or drinking water or whatever and whack em over the spools before you set up, after about half hour it makes the world of difference when using fluorocarbon.

I now use sinking braid and still do this for the first chuck
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #32 15 May 2022 23:57
1
In reply to Post #31
SURELY ??? That is totally pointless with fluorocarbon line as unlike mono line it does not absorb any water it would do absolutely nothing you sure its not just your imagination ?
Mozzi Mozzi
Posts: 1,900
Post #33 16 May 2022 02:12
0
In reply to Post #32
I'm just going to say try it, I first did it by accident but its probably put an extra five wraps at least on my casts with fluoro Gerry!

Not my imagination old bean, thats far more lucid lol
mark1009
Posts: 4,739
Post #34 16 May 2022 02:45
2
In reply to Post #32
Probably just acting as a lubricant on the surface of the line.
Glenn_B Glenn_B
Posts: 1,804
Post #35 16 May 2022 16:27
2
In reply to Post #34
Definitely creates less slap with flouro Or just spray with an atomiser or old sauce bottle
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #36 16 May 2022 17:29
1
In reply to Post #35
That's all I do with braid, keep my old cilitbang spray bottles and just fill with lake water and spray the spool.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #37 16 May 2022 17:39
0
In reply to Post #32
Maybe it's not absorbing water as such but just coating it. I definitely notice a difference if the sun has been on the line and it dries out, noticed it with the berkley stuff more. When it was raining yesterday the line was going out silky smooth. I reckon there's logic in keeping it wet for whatever reason
snapper1 snapper1
Posts: 3,101
Post #38 16 May 2022 18:46
0
In reply to Post #37
Yes it's a lubricant,
Alan62 Alan62
Posts: 64
Post #39 16 May 2022 20:30
0
In reply to Post #38
i have used gardener flouro line treatment which lubricates too similar to kryston greased lightning, it definitely helps distance.
snapper1 snapper1
Posts: 3,101
Post #40 16 May 2022 21:23
0
In reply to Post #39
100%
Westmidsmoaner Westmidsmoaner
Posts: 230
Post #41 17 May 2022 08:52
0
I've always soaked Fluoro over night before spooling up .

100% softens the line and makes it less lively.

I'll leave the science to the rest of you.
BromsgroveBoy BromsgroveBoy
Posts: 668
Post #42 18 May 2022 17:15
0
In reply to Post #41
Really good thread this, boys.

I've used Tiger Line, almost exclusively, for the past 8+ years. Can't get it for love nor money atm. Will probably give the Gardner version a look.

A mate of mine, who knows his stuff, recommended the PB Products Ghost fluro. It's seeringly expensive, but he says it's the best he's used, in terms of suppleness.

Very good read, this. Thanks.
Mozzi Mozzi
Posts: 1,900
Post #43 19 May 2022 13:14
0
Wehayyy vindicated 😂😂🤣
Westmidsmoaner Westmidsmoaner
Posts: 230
Post #44 19 May 2022 13:33
0
In reply to Post #42
I used to live in Bromsgrove..
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #45 19 May 2022 13:58
0
In reply to Post #44
I used to bang a moaner from the West Mids
Mozzi Mozzi
Posts: 1,900
Post #46 19 May 2022 14:28
0
In reply to Post #45
Moaning “is it in yet ffs?!” 🤣🤣🤣
Westmidsmoaner Westmidsmoaner
Posts: 230
Post #47 19 May 2022 15:09
0
In reply to Post #45
Did you get antibiotics after
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #48 19 May 2022 15:38
0
In reply to Post #46
Troll
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #49 19 May 2022 15:40
0
In reply to Post #47
I dodged a bullet with that one to be honest, anti biotics were the least of my worries. Won't be heading to Wolverhampton any time soon that's for sure.
Westmidsmoaner Westmidsmoaner
Posts: 230
Post #50 19 May 2022 17:23
0
In reply to Post #49
Wolverhampton Oh dear !!!
Reading ALL pages
Are you sure?

This action cannot be undone.

Yes, continue

Loading…