I've been looking at x line and wondered how the 17lb compares to the 20lb . I'm looking to fish from the margins and up to around about 20 wraps . No weed to speak of and reasonably snag free . Looking at how it behaves , casts , maintenance etc . Thanks for any help .
In reply to Post #1
You should be able to cast that no issues with the 17lb. It is a lot more manageable than the 20lb, although it is still a proper fluro so can be a bit rough and wirey until it is settled
You should be able to cast that no issues with the 17lb. It is a lot more manageable than the 20lb, although it is still a proper fluro so can be a bit rough and wirey until it is settled
In reply to Post #1
I use it in 17lb, find it really good, sinks like a brick and has low stretch so feeling features and playing fish is more direct.
I've used it up to 100yds but that is really pushing it for me, it does really rattle through the rings.
I use it in 17lb, find it really good, sinks like a brick and has low stretch so feeling features and playing fish is more direct.
I've used it up to 100yds but that is really pushing it for me, it does really rattle through the rings.
I use a 20lb xline leader as standard, never felt the need to do a full spool
In reply to Post #1
I've used 17lb X line for several years. It sinks well and is robust. Doesn't cast particularly well though, it does rattle through the rings. My 'go to' line for margins to medium distance.
I've used 17lb X line for several years. It sinks well and is robust. Doesn't cast particularly well though, it does rattle through the rings. My 'go to' line for margins to medium distance.
In reply to Post #1
XLine breaks well below its stated strain due to its lower diameter - 20lb is measured at 0.35 (not 0.37 as stated) and breaks at 12lb so not what a 20lb line is assumed to be . . . if your not going to cast any distance better off with a higher dia / more abraision resistant fluro IMO
TB Line Test
XLine breaks well below its stated strain due to its lower diameter - 20lb is measured at 0.35 (not 0.37 as stated) and breaks at 12lb so not what a 20lb line is assumed to be . . . if your not going to cast any distance better off with a higher dia / more abraision resistant fluro IMO
TB Line Test
In reply to Post #6
I tried x-line when it was 1st released it was shyte then it got improved
And IMO it has ONLY got one thing going for it it sinks FASTER than any other line
and thats it every other line is better in all aspects I truly believe its the most over rated line made people say I have been using it for 10 years blah blah yea well you cant have much idea of how much better other lines are now do they ?
but
OPINIONS are like bumholes we all have one
I tried x-line when it was 1st released it was shyte then it got improved
And IMO it has ONLY got one thing going for it it sinks FASTER than any other line
and thats it every other line is better in all aspects I truly believe its the most over rated line made people say I have been using it for 10 years blah blah yea well you cant have much idea of how much better other lines are now do they ?
but
OPINIONS are like bumholes we all have one
In reply to Post #7
And i completely disagree with your opinion as will many other users
I've used it for years mostly in 15lb and not had issues with it.
Tried Berkley cf600 and had issues so moved back to x line
Have also used shimano technium black and although it was fine, it was quite Stetchy (compared to fluoro i guess) and i preferred x line still.
I read all the comments about breaks below strain look at TB tests etc. But then others counter that with knots and the test being flawed etc. For me, I've had no issues worrying about the strain being used and using 15jb mostly, im going lighter than lots of others.
Caught many a big fish too thanks, most recently a 58lb common on a fairly weedy water, 50jb + grassie on another fairly weedy lake and not had an issue.
But that's just my experiences and opinions
And i completely disagree with your opinion as will many other users
I've used it for years mostly in 15lb and not had issues with it.
Tried Berkley cf600 and had issues so moved back to x line
Have also used shimano technium black and although it was fine, it was quite Stetchy (compared to fluoro i guess) and i preferred x line still.
I read all the comments about breaks below strain look at TB tests etc. But then others counter that with knots and the test being flawed etc. For me, I've had no issues worrying about the strain being used and using 15jb mostly, im going lighter than lots of others.
Caught many a big fish too thanks, most recently a 58lb common on a fairly weedy water, 50jb + grassie on another fairly weedy lake and not had an issue.
But that's just my experiences and opinions
In reply to Post #6
I was looking at this the other day thinking about a new line to use, i used X Line and Tiger line many moons ago when naked chod fishing a lot and couldn't think of any issues i had with breakages/cut offs but that graph didn't really fill me with confidence yo use it again. I have just got a new ticket on a water that does not allow leaders and is also ripe for chods, i dont no if id be as confident now with the flouro approach.
I was looking at this the other day thinking about a new line to use, i used X Line and Tiger line many moons ago when naked chod fishing a lot and couldn't think of any issues i had with breakages/cut offs but that graph didn't really fill me with confidence yo use it again. I have just got a new ticket on a water that does not allow leaders and is also ripe for chods, i dont no if id be as confident now with the flouro approach.
In reply to Post #9
my 2 lines of choice ignoring braid
are ESP Syncro XT and Tiger line
but have about 12 spare spools with lots of other lines on too Fox Illusion Trans Khaki in 16lb is another I used a lot last time in France had a terrific trip on what turned out to be a runs water with loads of fish in the 30 to 48lb range great line
my 2 lines of choice ignoring braid
are ESP Syncro XT and Tiger line
but have about 12 spare spools with lots of other lines on too Fox Illusion Trans Khaki in 16lb is another I used a lot last time in France had a terrific trip on what turned out to be a runs water with loads of fish in the 30 to 48lb range great line
In reply to Post #8
Gerry is right - the original release XLine was poo - we all bought it as the next game changer (think the line equivalent of the twig) but soon got rid. Since then I've used Illusion & Kontour in 12lb and Kontour in 18lb most recently - the Illusion was more manageable but the Kontour faster sinking and like tow rope . . . PB Ghost Dragonfly next on the list!
Gerry is right - the original release XLine was poo - we all bought it as the next game changer (think the line equivalent of the twig) but soon got rid. Since then I've used Illusion & Kontour in 12lb and Kontour in 18lb most recently - the Illusion was more manageable but the Kontour faster sinking and like tow rope . . . PB Ghost Dragonfly next on the list!
Ashima Flurotec if you can find it, I bought a 1/4lb spool at the Zwolle show a fair few years ago now probably 6/7 years ago it's by far the best I've used, if it was a choice of what I've used that has been mentioned in the thread Tigerline, X-line or the Berkley CF600, I would say the X-line in 20lb was the best of those.
There was another good one I used a fair few years ago but only fluro coated Ultima in 16lb BS sank very well and behaved more like a supple mono on the reel.
There was another good one I used a fair few years ago but only fluro coated Ultima in 16lb BS sank very well and behaved more like a supple mono on the reel.
In reply to Post #6
Is that the Tackle Box test? I'm dubious......I had to break some recently and I'd be amazed if the 20lb was breaking at 12lb - I couldn't quite believe how hard I had to pull.
Is that the Tackle Box test? I'm dubious......I had to break some recently and I'd be amazed if the 20lb was breaking at 12lb - I couldn't quite believe how hard I had to pull.
In reply to Post #13
How we measure the breaking strain.
We took line from different points on the spool and measured breaking strains five times using our own custom and precision made line tester and diameters using a high quality digital calliper. Breakage tests were conducted with five turn grinner knots and a knotless knot to mimic what the average angler uses. Braid diameters shown below are as accurate as possible, but unlike nylon lines, some braids do not have round profiles. Each spool of line was tested brand new, but we accept that the performance of most lines varies with age, and that different batches of lines supplied to shops may show slight differences in performance
How we measure the breaking strain.
We took line from different points on the spool and measured breaking strains five times using our own custom and precision made line tester and diameters using a high quality digital calliper. Breakage tests were conducted with five turn grinner knots and a knotless knot to mimic what the average angler uses. Braid diameters shown below are as accurate as possible, but unlike nylon lines, some braids do not have round profiles. Each spool of line was tested brand new, but we accept that the performance of most lines varies with age, and that different batches of lines supplied to shops may show slight differences in performance
In reply to Post #8
Have you used any others or just those two?
Have you used any others or just those two?
In reply to Post #8
Have you used any others or just those two?
Have you used any others or just those two?
In reply to Post #14
Wonder how long ago they did the measurements and if the line has changed since? Seems unlikely that they'd get a weak spot x 5 and I'd get the bit breaking at 20lb. You never know though. I am starting to unnecessarily have an issue with all this now.
Wonder how long ago they did the measurements and if the line has changed since? Seems unlikely that they'd get a weak spot x 5 and I'd get the bit breaking at 20lb. You never know though. I am starting to unnecessarily have an issue with all this now.
In reply to Post #7
I have now used a ton of different fluoros and I will be staying with Xline in 20lb for the foreseeable.
I have been fishing up to 24wraps comfortably with it.
I find it no worse than any of the other fluoros for how it behaves.
I kept getting cut off with thinner diameter fluoros such as gardner platinum mirage and berkley cf600 in 15lb. Yes this is a little more prone to coiling but not worth writing home about and I would put it down to increase breaking strain. It sinks really well. I've had no cut offs in the past year. It comes on large spools and it's nearlly half the price. For me it's a no brained... I love the stuff!
I have now used a ton of different fluoros and I will be staying with Xline in 20lb for the foreseeable.
I have been fishing up to 24wraps comfortably with it.
I find it no worse than any of the other fluoros for how it behaves.
I kept getting cut off with thinner diameter fluoros such as gardner platinum mirage and berkley cf600 in 15lb. Yes this is a little more prone to coiling but not worth writing home about and I would put it down to increase breaking strain. It sinks really well. I've had no cut offs in the past year. It comes on large spools and it's nearlly half the price. For me it's a no brained... I love the stuff!
In reply to Post #18
Used 20lb xline for years, and feel no need to change other than when at big distance. Never had it snap or cut off, so even if it did break at 15lb, thats still far more pressure than i can put on a fish. Use it for a season or so, then just reverse it.
Used 20lb xline for years, and feel no need to change other than when at big distance. Never had it snap or cut off, so even if it did break at 15lb, thats still far more pressure than i can put on a fish. Use it for a season or so, then just reverse it.
In reply to Post #15
I've used just them 2 fluoros
X line in 15 and recently 17lb. I know there have been times when I've tried pulling for a break on the 15lb and struggled
Cf600 in i think 15 18 and 24lb or something silly. Not sure as their labelling is messy worked in kg breaking strain and thickness of lb line.
I only tried the Berkley due to available spool sizes and fitting onto reels. Originally i loved it but then realised it seemed to deteriorate really quickly so went back to x line.
I far prefer fluorocarbon, have no issues with x line so don't feel any need to change.
But as others say, it isn't for them..... We do all prefer different things for different reasons.
I've used just them 2 fluoros
X line in 15 and recently 17lb. I know there have been times when I've tried pulling for a break on the 15lb and struggled
Cf600 in i think 15 18 and 24lb or something silly. Not sure as their labelling is messy worked in kg breaking strain and thickness of lb line.
I only tried the Berkley due to available spool sizes and fitting onto reels. Originally i loved it but then realised it seemed to deteriorate really quickly so went back to x line.
I far prefer fluorocarbon, have no issues with x line so don't feel any need to change.
But as others say, it isn't for them..... We do all prefer different things for different reasons.
In reply to Post #20
Great stuff , thanks for the replies . Does x line require much maintenance- stretching etc , thanks?
Great stuff , thanks for the replies . Does x line require much maintenance- stretching etc , thanks?
In reply to Post #21
I don't ever bother personally.
I do have large spools tho 14000s which I do think helps
I don't ever bother personally.
I do have large spools tho 14000s which I do think helps
In reply to Post #17
I tested it myself Ryan and it consistently broke at 12.5lbs. It wasn't even breaking at the knot, but mid length.
That said 12.5lbs is plenty strong enough IMO, abrasion resistance is way more important, unless you're giving it the bigun with heavy leads.
I tested it myself Ryan and it consistently broke at 12.5lbs. It wasn't even breaking at the knot, but mid length.
That said 12.5lbs is plenty strong enough IMO, abrasion resistance is way more important, unless you're giving it the bigun with heavy leads.
In reply to Post #23
I've found 20lb xline way stronger than fluoro counterparts in 15lb from gardner and berkley I'm not sure about the 12lb quoted but it's in real conditions it's never snapped on me, I would say the abrasion resistance is better which would be down to it being thicker as well.
I've found 20lb xline way stronger than fluoro counterparts in 15lb from gardner and berkley I'm not sure about the 12lb quoted but it's in real conditions it's never snapped on me, I would say the abrasion resistance is better which would be down to it being thicker as well.
In reply to Post #23
Thanks ! I dabbled very , very briefly with the berkley but found it broke far too easy when knotting ( maybe a duff batch) - this was soon replaced . On the water I'm fishing I can see it would be an advantage bearing in mind also I'd never be fishing over 20wraps . Thinking that the 17lb bs maybe the one . The only thing that I have niggling in the back of my mind is the amount of maintenance that I thought might be required.
Thanks ! I dabbled very , very briefly with the berkley but found it broke far too easy when knotting ( maybe a duff batch) - this was soon replaced . On the water I'm fishing I can see it would be an advantage bearing in mind also I'd never be fishing over 20wraps . Thinking that the 17lb bs maybe the one . The only thing that I have niggling in the back of my mind is the amount of maintenance that I thought might be required.
In reply to Post #25
I've never done any type of maintenance on my xline spooled reels, from shimano 3500 original baitrunners with tiny spools up to mini pits and larger spools.
I've left the same line on for years at times, I spool up, use it, put reels away, use it again sometime and just start using. Yes it coils a little when left for ages but after a few casts / fish it settles down fine.
I've never reversed a spool of it either, I've never been bothered with doing that and have noticed the bottom of the spooled line has normally gone crinkly from never using that much on the spool. This would put me off reversing it too, although again this is on spools that may of been loaded up for a couple years.
I've never done any type of maintenance on my xline spooled reels, from shimano 3500 original baitrunners with tiny spools up to mini pits and larger spools.
I've left the same line on for years at times, I spool up, use it, put reels away, use it again sometime and just start using. Yes it coils a little when left for ages but after a few casts / fish it settles down fine.
I've never reversed a spool of it either, I've never been bothered with doing that and have noticed the bottom of the spooled line has normally gone crinkly from never using that much on the spool. This would put me off reversing it too, although again this is on spools that may of been loaded up for a couple years.
In reply to Post #26
Thanks for that , seems I may be worrying about nothing. Do you find it best to leave it soaking for a while before loading ?
Thanks for that , seems I may be worrying about nothing. Do you find it best to leave it soaking for a while before loading ?
In reply to Post #27
I tried it once and wasn't impressed, but normally I'll load up with a damp cloth to lightly add pressure and over fill slightly knowing on first use it will either tighten up on the spool and be fine, or I can take some off
I tried it once and wasn't impressed, but normally I'll load up with a damp cloth to lightly add pressure and over fill slightly knowing on first use it will either tighten up on the spool and be fine, or I can take some off
In reply to Post #27
Thats a bit like soaking a plastic spoon
as fluorocarbon line does no absorb water at all
Thats a bit like soaking a plastic spoon
as fluorocarbon line does no absorb water at all
In reply to Post #29
Very correct, but I thought the idea of soaking in warm water was just to soften it a little, in the same way the plastic spoon would soften in warmer water lol
Although he didn't mention the warm part lol
Very correct, but I thought the idea of soaking in warm water was just to soften it a little, in the same way the plastic spoon would soften in warmer water lol
Although he didn't mention the warm part lol
I was led to believe it's to set the line to the shape of the spool as opposed to the shape of the spool it came on.
In reply to Post #20
So how can you completely disagree with his Opinion when you've got no experience of any other fluoro? You literally can't disagree or agree to anything because you don't know have any experience in anything. All you can do is say your happy and it's good enough for you
I would trust that OG has used a high number of different brands before giving his opinion
So how can you completely disagree with his Opinion when you've got no experience of any other fluoro? You literally can't disagree or agree to anything because you don't know have any experience in anything. All you can do is say your happy and it's good enough for you
I would trust that OG has used a high number of different brands before giving his opinion
In reply to Post #32
Do you mean except for the Berkley i stated I've used?
Or despite the fact Og only said every other line is better and i have also tried other lines?
Or despite the fact he said he thinks it's shyte and i don't?
And now suddenly I have no experience in anything? Lol what on earth are you talking about. If I think xline is good, that's good enough for me to disagree with his opinion that it's shyte, let alone i have stated I've used other lines
Is this the same og that implies he's not used xline for years as he prefers other lines
Do you mean except for the Berkley i stated I've used?
Or despite the fact Og only said every other line is better and i have also tried other lines?
Or despite the fact he said he thinks it's shyte and i don't?
And now suddenly I have no experience in anything? Lol what on earth are you talking about. If I think xline is good, that's good enough for me to disagree with his opinion that it's shyte, let alone i have stated I've used other lines
Is this the same og that implies he's not used xline for years as he prefers other lines
In reply to Post #33
I've used xline for around 10years never had a problem with it yes it does not cast well so I only use it for short range I also like the way it sinks
I don't understand why people take it so personally when others don't like something it's almost like they have made it and it's being run down everyone is entitled to an opinion
I've used xline for around 10years never had a problem with it yes it does not cast well so I only use it for short range I also like the way it sinks
I don't understand why people take it so personally when others don't like something it's almost like they have made it and it's being run down everyone is entitled to an opinion
I need to re spool and want to stay with a Fluorocarbon line.
X Line is approx. half the price of Tiger Line, so does X Line just do the job or is it worth paying the extra for Tiger Line, if you spooled up with both would you know the difference is my question. Thanks.
X Line is approx. half the price of Tiger Line, so does X Line just do the job or is it worth paying the extra for Tiger Line, if you spooled up with both would you know the difference is my question. Thanks.
In reply to Post #35
X line is absolute spot on mate for the cost it's almost impossible to beat
X line is absolute spot on mate for the cost it's almost impossible to beat
In reply to Post #35
I used the old Tigerline before it was branded by Gardner, don't know if it's still the same.
Either way, prefer X-Line. It behaved better and the 20lb is tough as old boots. It's a bonus that it's cheaper, but certainly not lower quality.
For those concerned about the TB line tests stating 12lb breaking for the 20lb Xline..
1. They used a grinner knot. Everybody knows not to use a grinner knot with flouro.
2. Nobody is pulling 12lb with a carp rod set up unless you are flat rod pulling for a break.
£35 does 3 spools, it's a no brainier.
I used the old Tigerline before it was branded by Gardner, don't know if it's still the same.
Either way, prefer X-Line. It behaved better and the 20lb is tough as old boots. It's a bonus that it's cheaper, but certainly not lower quality.
For those concerned about the TB line tests stating 12lb breaking for the 20lb Xline..
1. They used a grinner knot. Everybody knows not to use a grinner knot with flouro.
2. Nobody is pulling 12lb with a carp rod set up unless you are flat rod pulling for a break.
£35 does 3 spools, it's a no brainier.
In reply to Post #37
Think the point is (and to the OPs original query) there are better fluros out there now - however understand peeps being faithful to a product that they've been through the wars with and never had issues . . .I'm the same with Synchro XT with regards mono and would have to be massively convinced by God himself (or Terry Hearn) to change it . . .
Think the point is (and to the OPs original query) there are better fluros out there now - however understand peeps being faithful to a product that they've been through the wars with and never had issues . . .I'm the same with Synchro XT with regards mono and would have to be massively convinced by God himself (or Terry Hearn) to change it . . .
In reply to Post #38
Paul asked a question in post 35. I answered it from my own experience of the two lines.
Paul asked a question in post 35. I answered it from my own experience of the two lines.
In reply to Post #38
...and would have to be massively convinced by God himself (or Terry Hearn) to change it..."
One and the same in my eyes!
...and would have to be massively convinced by God himself (or Terry Hearn) to change it..."
One and the same in my eyes!
Anyone added a length of a heavy fluoro leader when using x line around weed and snags. Just re spooled with some 17lb for a new venue.
Don't want to use lead free ideally as prefer Fluoro. Thought it would save adding a line saver and be better suited to cope with abrasion
Don't want to use lead free ideally as prefer Fluoro. Thought it would save adding a line saver and be better suited to cope with abrasion
In reply to Post #41
I've used 20lb x line as a leader for years and can't think of a time it let me down. Tried using the Rigmarole CamH2O for a change after glowing reviews but the knot strength deteriorated badly after a few uses. Went back to Xline.
I've used 20lb x line as a leader for years and can't think of a time it let me down. Tried using the Rigmarole CamH2O for a change after glowing reviews but the knot strength deteriorated badly after a few uses. Went back to Xline.
In reply to Post #38
I used 17lb X line from the off and for quite a few years, now it's Syncro XT for me, love it, not as tough as fluro though but a great reel line for me
And I agree TH is the god of carp fishing
I used 17lb X line from the off and for quite a few years, now it's Syncro XT for me, love it, not as tough as fluro though but a great reel line for me
And I agree TH is the god of carp fishing
In reply to Post #43
That's on my other spools. been on the 10lb xt all year and it's superb for range work but the new lake is a max 80 yard cast so opted for the 2 you've mentioned.
Think I'll just fish the x line straight through. Just like to have a leader to take the punishment and keep the x line intact.
That's on my other spools. been on the 10lb xt all year and it's superb for range work but the new lake is a max 80 yard cast so opted for the 2 you've mentioned.
Think I'll just fish the x line straight through. Just like to have a leader to take the punishment and keep the x line intact.
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