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
ESP Syncro Line (27 posts / 4,464 views)
dannyuk32 dannyuk32
Posts: 1,477
Post #1 28 Aug 2023 09:44
0
Hi guys Gals,
Anyone tried this line in 18lb? Going by the forum most people using it in 15lb.
'Just spooled up with 15lb Syncro XT (the non loaded one) and really like alot of things about it, but I'm thinking of going up to the 18lb version.....
I like the minimal stretch, colour, the way it lays - not as coily, springy as other lines.
Only thing is, I'm finding it alot harder to tie a 100% proper strong Palomar knot with it.
The knot just doesn't seem to bed down aswell compared to other lines?
Anyone else find this?
I wish it was a little thicker.. seems close to .34 to me?
I'm thinking of stepping up to the 18lb but looking at the Tackle Box tests, it's weaker which I'm not sure I believe.
I note the TB tests notes it uses Grinner knot. Palomar not mentioned.
What next.
Thnx.
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #2 28 Aug 2023 10:24
0
In reply to Post #1
I use syncro, and love it, but i wouldnt describe it as anywhere near being minimum stretch., if anything its very stretchy
gurtbelter
Posts: 249
Post #3 28 Aug 2023 11:41
0
In reply to Post #2
I'm thinking of using the 18lb version aswell so would be interested in people's opinions on it. Alot of people use the 0.37
Spike Spike
Posts: 2,098
Post #4 28 Aug 2023 11:42
0
One of the best lines out. Just binned my 12lb ogx line one of the worst I've used. Coils bad, not abrasive and gets bad little kinks so easy. Everything syncro does well
Blueboy62
Posts: 105
Post #5 28 Aug 2023 17:46
0
In reply to Post #1
Hi,
I changed to the 18lb synchro this season after many years using x line and I can only say I am very pleased I did.
I get none of the line twist I did before and given I fish a very weedy water it's stood up to everything very well so far.
Re the knot, I can't comment on the palomar as only use a grinner but again no issues fo date.
dannyuk32 dannyuk32
Posts: 1,477
Post #6 28 Aug 2023 17:55
0
In reply to Post #2
In reply to Post #4
Hi guys,
What knots are you using?
Thanks, Dan.
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #7 28 Aug 2023 18:05
0
In reply to Post #6
Sorry mate, missed that question. Palomar has worked wel for me to unleaded leader, or straight to swivel
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #8 28 Aug 2023 19:23
1
In reply to Post #1
I used the 18lb a lot for most of my Europe fishing and its blooming fantastic
I only use mainly just Palomar . Albright and the brilliant rapala loop knot ( Tie it one end and any other loop knot the other end and pull till it breaks) you will see why its the best loop knot

never had any problems ever with ESP syncro XT its highly abrasion resistant too
but the loaded is shyte and a different line all together

and then over 6 years ago started river fishing on the rock filled Tidal Trent dropped to 15lb and thats been fantastic too
IMHO
I think its the very best all round mono money can buy and I think I have tried most of them too
gurtbelter
Posts: 249
Post #9 28 Aug 2023 20:42
0
In reply to Post #8
Does it cast nice the 18lb not to wirey?
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #10 28 Aug 2023 23:57
1
In reply to Post #9
exactly how its described
unbeatable knot strength, optimum stretch, quick sinking, superb abrasion resistance without being wiry

and this relative suppleness is the reason its superb for casting the biggun
gurtbelter
Posts: 249
Post #11 29 Aug 2023 06:57
0
In reply to Post #10
Thanks for the review
Mji1994 Mji1994
Posts: 468
Post #12 29 Aug 2023 23:03
1
Been using the 18lb synchro xt for a while the most reliable line I have used, I always use a Palomar knot, I fish a brackish tidal river and have had the line rubbing against roots and the line comes in barely damaged. it is easy to sink also the only problem I've had is line twist but I think that's more down to my reels than the line.
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #13 30 Aug 2023 07:50
0
In reply to Post #12
Am i the only one that finds it quite stretchy? Not in a bad way, just in a bit more than optimal way
MiniWelsh MiniWelsh
Posts: 2,383
Post #14 30 Aug 2023 14:23
0
In reply to Post #13
I don't find it overly stretchy. Had to spool up with Gardner GT-HD this time as couldn't get hold of Synchro when I needed it and find that far stretchier. Definitely switching back to ESP when I need to spool.up again
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #15 30 Aug 2023 15:25
0
In reply to Post #13
yes you are
dannyuk32 dannyuk32
Posts: 1,477
Post #16 30 Aug 2023 15:51
0
In reply to Post #13
That was my biggest worry before buying it.
I've tried a few monos and it's probably one of the least stretchy. (different batches?)
I haven't done a test, but going by a few pulls, ooh er, I'm darn sure it's less stretchy than my 12lb Touchdown which advertises as 'low stretch'.
Of course there will always be some stretch with mono, and a damn lot at range.
Tied a couple of Palomars' onto new rigs today and all bedded down nicely first time... the difference a day makes.
Only thing I would say is, I reckon it's closer to 0.34 (15lb version) .... be careful casting extreme? long, straight through.
Clobersauraus Clobersauraus
Posts: 799
Post #17 30 Aug 2023 18:02
1
In reply to Post #16
I dont find it too stretchy at all, i did spool up with Korda Subline once and its like spooling up with pole elastic
dannyuk32 dannyuk32
Posts: 1,477
Post #18 30 Aug 2023 18:29
0
In reply to Post #17
Tried it once also.
Terrible stuff.
Mikepet
Posts: 121
Post #19 9 Sep 2023 13:34
0
Synchro for the win. Been using it for years. Just find when tieing on new leaders you have to cut a good rod length off before getting a good knot again. Take care to check this and you'll have no problems. 18lb is bomb proof and don't find it too stretchy at all
dannyuk32 dannyuk32
Posts: 1,477
Post #20 9 Sep 2023 14:59
0
One thing I have discovered and I don't like is the spool design....
You can't wind the line on with the spool flat and anti-clockwise (which I found was the best way in regards to the amount of twist).
The spool has a notch so once you get down to halfway, the line catches as you spool up.
I tried spool up (think pencil) but got more twist.
Maybe makes no difference after a few casts.
No biggie , but still..
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #21 9 Sep 2023 15:18
0
In reply to Post #20
Put a piece of electrical tape over it
maplecream
Posts: 723
Post #22 9 Sep 2023 15:27
0
In reply to Post #20
Yes I had this, a real pain, I will try with the electrical tape.
Spike Spike
Posts: 2,098
Post #23 9 Sep 2023 16:43
1
In reply to Post #22
I found soaking the line for 2 days then putting it in a narrow tall Tupperware tub does the job perfect. Line comes off the spool so limp. Stops the spool of line falling over in the tub

dannyuk32 dannyuk32
Posts: 1,477
Post #24 9 Sep 2023 17:08
0
In reply to Post #21
Good idea will try.
What I did do was cut it and file it down.
Done the job - took a while though, and a pain.
In reply to Post #23
Thanks Trantor.
Always soak it for a day or two. I tried it that orientation, but got more twist than on it's side.
Like I said prob doesn't make much diff after a while on the reel.
mark1009
Posts: 4,738
Post #25 9 Sep 2023 20:00
0
In reply to Post #23
I soak my line for 24hrs then put it on using a spool loader goes like silk when fully wet.
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,233
Post #26 19 Mar 2026 23:44
0
In reply to Post #20
I have the 18lb synchro xt on my reels, a great tough line that allows me to launch medium sized bags (70x110) with a 3.75oz lead in with no fear of cracking off.

The cut out notch on the inside of the spool is to stop you spooling up incorrectly....
The spool must be vertical. I can't remember whether I had the line come off the bottom or top, but wind in 15 or so turns and slacken off, if there is any twist then reverse the spool.
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,233
Post #27 25 Mar 2026 18:20
0
Just respooled and this time i made a note of where the line comes off...
The line comes off this ESP spool with the label on the left and the line coming from the far side of the spool towards you, as shown in the picture.

This may vary with other manufacturers so be sure to wind on a few turns and check for twists, then alter as needed.

20260325-151505

20260325-144149

20260325-145232

20260325-145826
Reading ALL pages
Are you sure?

This action cannot be undone.

Yes, continue

Loading…