Chaps, what are your opinions on the very stiffest Coated Braid?
I'm after something that is as 'stiff link' as possible. I'm not overly concerned with ability to be stripped at all.
Ones I have used/can be ruled out are:
Atomic and PB Jellywire
ESP Tungsten loaded
JRC Connection
Kryston Mantis.

The only thing I have lurking that may be suitable is an old spool (at least 15 years old) of Sufix Stiff Silt in 25lb black. Stiff but very thick and a bit awkward to use.

I'm looking for something in at least 25lb due to the specific lake environment.
Ta!

In reply to Post #1
There's the rigmarole stuff with the flouro inner which is very stiff, hydrolink iirc

In reply to Post #1
Why not just use nylon?

In reply to Post #3
Noj, with respect... My question relates to coated braid, not nylon. There is a specific reason why I am after a certain product, that I am not going to go into here as there is no need to.

In reply to Post #2
Thanks Ian, good idea, but that won't work with what I have in mind, needs to be the stiff outer, braid inner, traditional type of material.

In reply to Post #1
RidgeMonkey Rock Bottom. Been using it for a while and its pretty stiff.

In reply to Post #4
It's that specific reason I was asking about. Not recommending something else, just curios because I've never understood the need for stiff braid, unless it's for a combi rig.
Or is it on a need to know basis...

In reply to Post #7
It's for a 'type' of combi, yes. There's no point me going into detail of why I want it, tbh, I've worked that bit out (I think)... New difficult low stock venue with some 'specific' issues.

BTW, I've just seen ESP now do an x-stiff version of the tungsten loaded... Mine is the original one which isn't stiff enough... Anyone tried that?

In reply to Post #6
Thanks fivenil. I don't think that one is stiff enough tbh.

In reply to Post #1
Korda hybrid stiff?. Can be crimped aswell if that's your thing.

In reply to Post #1
Ridge Monkey do a very stiff coated braid... Not seen anything like this before. Try it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/383889455897?epid=28015326179&hash=item5961983b19:g:EtcAAOSwJt5f9GSL

In reply to Post #11
Thanks Andy, that looks very interesting mate!

In reply to Post #10
Not stiff enough Jamie I'm afraid.

In reply to Post #8

In reply to Post #1
Nash Skin Link thingy is what you need

In reply to Post #9
Korda Hybrid stiff and Fox Camotex stiff are the two stiffest coated materials Ive found. Both, once steamed will hold up the end two inchs and a boilie.

In reply to Post #13
The esp x stiff is very stiff,they did a video on their Facebook to show you

In reply to Post #13
Story of my life

In reply to Post #1
You won't anything as stiff as the ridge monkey stuff, stiffer than bristle filament, inner braid isn't that supple but when rubbed between forefinger and nail a few times it loosens up,

In reply to Post #19
Thanks for everyone's input. Really useful.
I've ordered a spool of the Ridge monkey stuff to start with, that does seem to have the properties I'm after.

In reply to Post #20
atomic stiffun if they still make it is by fare the stiffest ive ever used , similar to hybrid stiff i think

actually looks like its no longer made

In reply to Post #13
I would have said the hybrid stiff was one of the stiffest for sure

You can take Rigmorole Hydrolink, remove the center fluro section and replace it with stiff link if that might give the presentation you want.

In reply to Post #23
Have a look at Nash Skinlink Stiff

In reply to Post #23
Or just buy the extreme version...

In reply to Post #8
Ive used the esp x stiff version i think its not quite as stiff as the korda hybrid stiff so if that isn;t stiff enough for what you want then the esp wont be

In reply to Post #1
Did you try PB greenhornet?

In reply to Post #27
Nope. The Skinless looks a better option for my needs.
My standard go-to braid is the PB Jellywire, so I'd have confidence in their others.

In reply to Post #28
Skinless is pretty stiff. I can post you a bit to have a look if you want, save buying a whole spool

In reply to Post #8
Tried the x-stiff in 20lb but not impressed with its stiffness, best I've tried in the past was 45lb Quiksilver which was surprisingly thin diameter as well.
Interested to hear about the Ridgemonkey outcome 👍

In reply to Post #19
How well does this knot? Tried the ESP stiff link/ bristle and not confident in the knots sitting bedded down.

In reply to Post #28
Compared to jelly wire, green hornet and skin less are very stiff...

In reply to Post #29
Very kind, thanks. I'll see how the RM stuff is, and if it's not up to scratch, will take you up on the offer.

In reply to Post #34
Fox camotex stiff is good

In reply to Post #35
Absolutely very stiff and steams beautifully straight, love the stuff

Korda n trap in 30lb or esp tungsten x stiff, I use both for stiff hinge rig booms, much prefer it over fluorocarbon

In reply to Post #37
As an update, I've received the RM Tec from Ridge monkey. Ties up pretty well and certainly gives the stiffness I'm after, so thanks all for your suggestions, you helpful bunch of fellows!

In reply to Post #38
What's the inner core like?

In reply to Post #39
Pretty soft. The outer coating isn't the easiest to knot, but it seems tough as hell and the final knot seems very strong. Once steamed it's very stiff indeed. Thinner than my old spool of stiff silt (both 25lb BS). Overall it gets the thumbs up, but the fish will obviously be the ultimate judge.

In reply to Post #40
Gardner ultra skin stiff is decent

In reply to Post #40
re: " Ridge monkey Stiff Coated Hooklink -
Pretty soft. The outer coating isn't the easiest to knot, but it seems tough as hell and the final knot seems very strong. Once steamed it's very stiff indeed. Thinner than my old spool of stiff silt (both 25lb BS). Overall it gets the thumbs up, but the fish will obviously be the ultimate judge. "

i'm also looking for some Stiff Coated Hooklink, save starting a new thread, thought i'd post here, and see what you guys think nearly 2 years on...

is there anything better out there?

@NemesisWitch - are you happy with the Ridge monkey Stiff Coated Hooklink?

or have you found a better 'Stiff Coated Hooklink'?

cheers!

In reply to Post #42
Hi Rich,

Yes overall I am. Not the easiest to work with, but once all tied up, I'm pleased with how it works, and use it now as my go to coated braid.

In reply to Post #43
I thought it was replaced by a new coated braid?

In reply to Post #44
Sorry to re-visit this thread again but is the RM stuff still available or have any other suggestions come up in the meantime? Cheers.

In reply to Post #45
Yes still available and love it! Haven't found anything better(stiffer).

In reply to Post #46
Thank you, is it still called by the same name?

In reply to Post #47
Yes sir. If the color bothers you by the way (that camo that turns from green to brown and back) you can also wait until beginning of next year, as a Dutch company is having this made in an all grey color by RidgeMonkey. Don't know if it's viable to ship in into the UK with all the taxes, but still.

In reply to Post #45
I think it may have changed name slightly but it's still the same stuff.
And yes, still use it. It is a very good product indeed.

In reply to Post #49
Cheers!

I agree with all of you that rm coated braid is the stiffest out there (by a mile), but how do you handle a simple figure 8 knot, then the coating always tears. Yeah, you could strip it and then make your loop, anti tangle sleeve over the knot and it's stiff all the way, but maybe there's another, neater way without having to strip?

In reply to Post #51
I can't say if it's the stiffest, but the esp is the best I've come across, and it knots well without the coating breaking up.

In reply to Post #52
Agree, not sure if it is the stiffest, but it is the best I've used, the coating doesn't split or break on knot tieing. I have all three coatings in clay

In reply to Post #53
PB SKINLESS is about as stiff as you'll get

In reply to Post #51
I always keep the coating on with the figure of 8, then when tied, cover the knot area with a small piece of shrink tubing. Shrink it down then you have a neat loop with no 'break'.

In reply to Post #55
Same here

In reply to Post #55
Hi, is that the camoX coated braid?

In reply to Post #57
Yes, the stiff version