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Decent Mono (74 posts / 8,175 views)
Cypry1994 Cypry1994
Posts: 86
Post #1 1 Jul 2026 08:54
1
After being out of the carp scene for a few years now I'm looking for a decent 15lb mono to spool up with. I used to use Daiwa sensor as it worked really well and was a decent price. what other lines would people recommend? thanks
Joe101
Posts: 1,102
Post #2 1 Jul 2026 09:16
0
In reply to Post #1
You won’t go wrong with Gardner GT HD or Pro. Used both for years. Sinks well, not too coily.
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #3 1 Jul 2026 09:18
0
After lot of recommendations on here I spooled up with Kaizen mono in 18lbs on my reels (18lbs is my min requirement on syndicate). Good line. Low stretch and behaves itself after it settles but found it bit thick in 18lbs and it shows on distance casting. I had spare spools and spooled it with Fox Exocet Pro in 18lbs and much prefer it. Behaves even better and casts better. For some reason also find it to sink better which doesnt make sense. Both good line but for me the fox suit my needs better
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #4 1 Jul 2026 10:14
0
In reply to Post #1
PB Hybron is the way forward IMO but if your used to paying Sensor prices it might put you off . . .Thinking Anglers OGX is getting good reviews atm . . .
Nelbow Nelbow
Posts: 385
Post #5 1 Jul 2026 12:33
0
In reply to Post #4
Ive just bought the OGX to try out on my other reels.
OatcakeFred OatcakeFred
Posts: 1,466
Post #6 1 Jul 2026 13:06
0
In reply to Post #1
Depending how rich I'm feeling, I use Daiwa Sensor if skint, or ESP Synchro XT (unloaded) if I'm feeling lile splashing the cash.
silverfish silverfish
Posts: 2,652
Post #7 1 Jul 2026 16:53
2
In reply to Post #4
PB Hybron is the way forward IMO but if your used to paying Sensor prices it might put you off . .

fifty quid for 600m?? there's Sensor money and lost one's senses money.

mrjcarter mrjcarter
Posts: 1,370
Post #8 1 Jul 2026 17:17
0
In reply to Post #1
Korda touchdown.. been using it for years, can't see me changing anytime soon
ChrisNicholls ChrisNicholls
Posts: 806
Post #9 1 Jul 2026 19:51
1
Gardener Dark Blend, been using it for a few years now and haven't been able to fault it.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #10 1 Jul 2026 21:21
0
In reply to Post #7
. . . don't knock it until you've tried it!

If you're comparing with Sensor then its like BMW vs Dacia . . .or Caviar vs Bits from the chippy

Both work but one is significantly better than the other . . .IMO!
silverfish silverfish
Posts: 2,652
Post #11 1 Jul 2026 22:47
0
In reply to Post #10
Only comparing the prices Belch.
Would rather have depreciation on the Dacia

Sceptical ol' me thinks here is aan amazing mono that no manufacturer or vendor sells.
Or just a premium price tag, four times that of the most popular options. Nah err..nah.

I haven't used Sensor for probably 40 years,
I would say the discontinued black/blue Daiwa Matchman was a much better line just only available in 100m spools.
Similar situation with Preston Reflow feeder, a potentially useable 150m on a spool but only goes up to .28/10lb, 0.33 or 0.35 would be excelent.
christian
Posts: 1,377
Post #12 2 Jul 2026 16:25
0
In reply to Post #1
Gardener Pro line is what you are looking for. Very reasonable price but reliable.

The dark blend is great if you want a line that sinks quickly, if you are expecting to be fishing at range the light blend casts better.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #13 2 Jul 2026 21:16
0
In reply to Post #11
Not much different to premium mainline fluro tbf. . .but its more manageable. Def different gravy to mono - but you do have to cough up
2ambream
Posts: 130
Post #14 3 Jul 2026 22:58
3
Shimano technium black
Jamesvg Jamesvg
Posts: 1,165
Post #15 3 Jul 2026 23:26
2
In reply to Post #14
I've returned to the technium after being tempted by CM90, then Synchro and most recently Kaizen. It's tough, low stretch and behaves well - think I'll be sticking with it for the foreseeable.
Suboc Suboc
Posts: 117
Post #16 4 Jul 2026 09:36
0
In reply to Post #14
Was always a technium user til the bobco incident put me off it, using Berkley Trilene XL for general carp work now after using it in various breaking strains over the years for surface & float fishing.
It's good abrasion wise, not too stretchy & behaves itself on the spool.
It's clear but doesn't seem to bother the fish .
Jamesvg Jamesvg
Posts: 1,165
Post #17 4 Jul 2026 10:18
0
In reply to Post #16
That's what prompted me to move away from it briefly despite having ingredients no problems. I think as long as you stick to the bewly 'released' (or re-released) spools labeled as 12l. (0.32mm) and 15lb (0.38mm) then you're ok.
AndyClark AndyClark
Posts: 5,815
Post #18 4 Jul 2026 11:48
0
In reply to Post #17
im the same with the techium, bobco put me right off and im apprehensive to order technium from anywhere incase its the same **** stufff
essesxandy essesxandy
Posts: 3,197
Post #19 4 Jul 2026 11:53
0
In reply to Post #18
I'd be amazed if you had dodgy stuff delivered from the likes of Johnson Ross.
Jimmers532
Posts: 889
Post #20 4 Jul 2026 14:10
0
Anyone used the 12lb for fishing around weed ? I used it on a park lake a few years ago and I hand lined in a pallet with it 😂 strongest line I’ve ever used but not sure on abrasion resistance. I used it in 15 and 12 and was both good. Might have to get another spool to try
Carper1976
Posts: 306
Post #21 4 Jul 2026 14:15
0
Fox carp mono. 20lb BS same diameter as most 15lb lines, sinks well, nice colour, and I am yet to snap it after 4 years of using it and I fish very weedy waters. And the best bit is it's about £12 for a bulk spool!
Holte88 Holte88
Posts: 65
Post #22 5 Jul 2026 10:56
1
for me, OGX is the best line I've ever used.

I used to use syncro which was fine at 15lb and below but going up to the 18lb, it was horrendous.
JasonM JasonM
Posts: 1,764
Post #23 5 Jul 2026 11:28
2
I’m happy with GT HD it’s fairly tough, goes on the reel well, casts well and sinks well.

There may be better monos but I’d end up paying twice the price.

Each to their own I say.

Buy what you have confidence in. I tried the new technium but was disappointed.
hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #24 5 Jul 2026 21:49
0
I quite liked Exocet Pro - used it for most of last year. I would guess it’s rather overrated in terms of breaking strain (0.33 / 16lb) but landed fish to 55lb no problem. Also a big fan of Technium which is probably rather underrated with 15lb being 0.37! Both were very well behaved, supple and hardy.
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #25 7 Jul 2026 08:06
2
ESP Synchro XT for me. Best mono i have used in a long time, will take some cosh too.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #26 8 Jul 2026 15:00
2
In reply to Post #25
Synchro is old news . . .used to be a brilliant allrounder - no longer so! They def changed the chemistry somewhere - springy and horrible these days . . .IMO
Jimmers532
Posts: 889
Post #27 8 Jul 2026 21:32
0
Not sure if anyone else has found this but pretty much every spool of line I’ve bought in the last 18 months/ 2 years or so has been atrocious. I’ve been using syncro for years never had issues always went on perfect then had 2 awful spools of that, really wiry and brittle. Then moved onto gthd in 18lb, first spool I bought around 18 months ago was brilliant. I’ve just respooled with it again and it’s awful. It was twisted all the way down the spool I’ve never seen anything like it. My mates had the same issues with the gthd too. I’ve gone for 18lb ogx this time went on the reels ok but lets see how it is after a trip or 2. My mate has put 18lb kaizen on his so going to compare after a few trips see what they are like. Just seems to me that all the lines I’ve used at the moment are just terrible ! Wiry, brittle and full of line twist, never had issues before, anyone found the same ?
silverfish silverfish
Posts: 2,652
Post #28 8 Jul 2026 21:56
0
Opted for Gardner Hydrotuff- 12lb but 0.35mm and TB rated at 17-18lbs because the club water is strewn with mussels, so far zero damage
I filled with 10lb first personally tested 14lb+ linear pull and the knots held,
That wouldn't spool on my SS2600s, constant twist which ever way the spools were loaded and attrocious after a couple of sessions.
The 12lb has been a different animal but not without issues, certainly didn't load as per instruictions
It took one outing to settle, yet after another 10-11 outings it would jump off the spools if given some slack.
Good thing 1000m is enough for 5 fills- one left and I'm not sure what to go for next.
Busted
Posts: 1,882
Post #29 9 Jul 2026 06:08
0
In reply to Post #26
I agree. Used to be a great line, but it's 100%:different now. It behaves like a completely different product
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #30 9 Jul 2026 07:33
0
In reply to Post #29
Interesting, so when did it change roughly?

Maybe im on the old stuff lol
stuart200
Posts: 168
Post #31 9 Jul 2026 09:59
0
Syncro was changed when they decided to make the non loaded the same formula as loaded and add dye rather than two different lines, think was a year or so ago they mentioned it. No idea why... The non loaded was always the better line, but apparently fishermen preferred the color of the loaded.

I rate GT80, the Hybron line was great stuff but fishing every week shredded it to pieces in no time and its a little too much for my wallet to handle.
AndyClark AndyClark
Posts: 5,815
Post #32 9 Jul 2026 10:59
0
In reply to Post #30
ive found the same with synchro, was decent not its wiry, less supple and doesnt last nowhere near aslong....ive just spooled it up begrudgingly only for the abrasion properties as it is very strong island abrasive resistant.
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #33 9 Jul 2026 15:45
0
In reply to Post #32
Interesting feedback. i like the colour for one and quite tough
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #34 9 Jul 2026 15:45
0
In reply to Post #31
Out of interest, how di you find that out, ESP website?
silverfish silverfish
Posts: 2,652
Post #35 9 Jul 2026 15:54
0
I didn't like Synchro from day one..15-16 years ago, whilst initially spooling up nicely and casting well contrary to reports it didn't sink well even after wiping down, would rough up pig-tailing at the slightest grip of weed.
And once stretched by a few fish didn't retain the linear or knot strength.

Apparently changed or updateda few times? Synchro must be getting a bit long in the tooth as a product or the process and materials have changed.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #36 9 Jul 2026 20:00
0
In reply to Post #31
What dia Hybron out of curiosity? Its my go to line for pretty much everything atm but weirdly do prefer the 0.40 over the 0.35 . . .
stuart200
Posts: 168
Post #37 9 Jul 2026 20:50
1
In reply to Post #34
"For those asking what is the difference between the original XT and Loaded… they are both exactly the same grade of monofilament but quite a few years ago we changed the coating properties on the original XT to be the same as the Loaded, to make it sink quicker. Now the only difference is the colour which is obviously down to personal preference. The XT is grey / green while the Loaded is dark olive. However, there is a train of thought that different dye pigments can make the end product behave or feel slightly different, but if there is any variation it is negligible and subjective."

from their facebook page last year

i used 0.35 hybron its a very nice line, just expensive for fishing snaggy gravel pits lol
MrGreen MrGreen
Posts: 221
Post #38 9 Jul 2026 21:32
0
I keep going back to GR60 15lb in green. It looks far better in the water than anything else I’ve tried.

Has anyone used the GR60 in 12lb? The 15lb is quite thick for casting.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #39 9 Jul 2026 21:41
1
In reply to Post #38
I've used it yes, it's just as good. Use with confidence
2ambream
Posts: 130
Post #40 9 Jul 2026 22:08
1
In reply to Post #15
Takes some beating mate, black doesn't reflect light either so in theory it should be less visable in water
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,233
Post #41 9 Jul 2026 22:50
1
Esp synchro XT for me in 18lb. They say its grey green, but a very subtle colour.
It looks much darker on the spools but take a piece and hold up to the light and its almost clear, but just a shade of colour to reduce any glare underwater.
Virtually invisible in the margins.

Screenshot-20260709-224527-Gallery
jhhilton1983 jhhilton1983
Posts: 1,945
Post #42 10 Jul 2026 01:59
0
In reply to Post #41
I've still found no better all rounder then Pline Extrusion in 16lb.

LINKY POO™ https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222500741706?var=521346659397


I also used the Syncro in 18lb for any heavy weed, snag situations. Which to be fair i have full faith in to.
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #43 10 Jul 2026 06:06
0
In reply to Post #37
Interesting 👍
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #44 10 Jul 2026 06:07
1
In reply to Post #41
One of the main reason I like it is the colour and in the water. I have it down as brownish lol
essesxandy essesxandy
Posts: 3,197
Post #45 10 Jul 2026 06:37
1
In reply to Post #41
I've just started using exactly the same. Seems ok so far.
Red_Zing Red_Zing
Posts: 437
Post #46 10 Jul 2026 12:24
1
In reply to Post #17
With regard to the Technium from Bobco that was going cheap a while ago, I got a couple of spools that have been sitting in a cupboard.

I recall at the time some people saying it was crap, and others saying that it appeared to be ok.

Can anyone comment on this now as it was some time ago? Or is it really only good for backing?
essesxandy essesxandy
Posts: 3,197
Post #47 11 Jul 2026 11:04
0
In reply to Post #46
I think I've got six spools of the bloody stuff and have been too worried to use it.
PaulK101
Posts: 104
Post #48 11 Jul 2026 19:22
0
Im using OGX

Love it ....
Casts great just the right ammount of strech and goes on well.

Had Cats to 64 on the 15lb.

Had to strip a bunch off prob due to the Cats munching it up and causing excessive twising due to rolls during the fight.
So will be re-spooling mid season.

But i love it swapped from Gardener HD.. in 12 i think.
Karlos Karlos
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 14,187
Post #49 12 Jul 2026 00:33
1
In reply to Post #46
I bought 6 spools.
Only used 1 so far and haven't had any issues. Fingers crossed the others are the same!
Suboc Suboc
Posts: 117
Post #50 12 Jul 2026 15:32
0
In reply to Post #46
I had several spools of the Bobco technium, saw the comments on here & thought better check them.
Taking a couple of feet in the hands & giving a sharp pull, a couple of spools you could snap with minimal effort, a couple seemed better but stripping a bit off & trying again it broke easily, , not much stronger than cotton TBF.
All the spools turned out to be the same.
Had an older spool of non Bobco line, the barcodes & packaging were identical on both the old & the Bobco.
Had absolutely no confidence in the Bobco stuff & sent it all off to the line recyclers, check it thoroughly if you're planning on spoiling up with it.
Red_Zing Red_Zing
Posts: 437
Post #51 13 Jul 2026 10:02
0
In reply to Post #50
Yes, it doesn't inspire confidence does it. I shall give it a good test at some point.

It does seem a bit bizarre though, a rogue batch of line that only came to light because it was being sold cheap (as in is that why it was being sold cheap??) - there must be lots of people using it who never read this forum.
Suboc Suboc
Posts: 117
Post #52 13 Jul 2026 12:29
0
In reply to Post #50
It had the same packaging & barcode as a spool I bought a couple of years previously & kept wrapped up & in a dark cupboard which was fine both on the reel & stored.

Stored badly or a dodgy batch, who knows but it put me off the stuff even though I had previously used since it was released.

Saw it apparently has been re released but I'm wary about buying it now.
AndyClark AndyClark
Posts: 5,815
Post #53 13 Jul 2026 13:43
0
In reply to Post #52
im sure bobco went out of business not long after too
Suboc Suboc
Posts: 117
Post #54 13 Jul 2026 15:35
0
In reply to Post #53
They did I think don't seem to be around now although I bought a couple of things from them prior with no issues.

Should've known better...if it's too good to be true lol.
essesxandy essesxandy
Posts: 3,197
Post #55 14 Jul 2026 16:31
0
In reply to Post #53
I think they went pop within days of my line arriving.
maplecream
Posts: 723
Post #56 14 Jul 2026 18:48
0
In reply to Post #37
Yes, I asked and had this confirmed, such a shame, used the xt since it came out, then they change it....having brought a spool of the 'loaded' by mistake years back, and hated it, I've had to try another brand.
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,046
Post #57 15 Jul 2026 14:07
0
In reply to Post #51
A very good point. I've 2 spools of the 15lb waiting to be used but I have been using the 10lb feeder fishing without issue.
I'm tempted to test the 15, given what some have said of theirs 🤔
Suboc Suboc
Posts: 117
Post #58 15 Jul 2026 17:37
0
In reply to Post #57
Hope you've got a couple of good spools, think I had 4 or 5 of the 12lb & they were all like cotton.
All binned to the mono recyclers, I've still got a spool & a part of older stuff that was fine but wary of using it now.
Red_Zing Red_Zing
Posts: 437
Post #59 17 Jul 2026 13:15
2
In reply to Post #58
Well, I decided to test a spool of the 12lb Technium from Bobco, and load up 3 x Weston shallow SS2600 spools.

Soaked it for 24 hours, and took some lengths to test at 4 different places (approx. 200 yards apart). Also did some less rigorous testing at various points while loading each spool.

And it all seems fine to me, literally cannot break it while pulling between my hands, certainly nothing like it 'snapping like cotton'!

So, I'm going to give it a go cautiously, and hope I don't end up with egg on my face. 🙏

Edit to add ; I did manage to break it between my hands by wrapping around some cloths to stop it cutting in, but with far more pressure than I could ever apply via a rod in a fishing situation.
MrGreen MrGreen
Posts: 221
Post #60 17 Jul 2026 14:28
0
This thread must be making a fortune for line manufacturers. 😂

I usually use GR60 in 15lb but when I was in the tackle shop I couldn’t help myself and started looking at some of the lines mentioned here. I was particularly interested in the Gardner GT-HD in 15lb so purchased a spool to test. I’ve put it on a couple of GT6000’s because if it behaves on a smaller spool it should be good on my bigger reels.

Is anyone using GT-HD in 15lb and has done some long distance casting with it?
RKB
Posts: 1,731
Post #61 17 Jul 2026 14:48
0
I've just used a set of reels that are filled with 15lb Kaizen that have been sat unused in the garage since last October. Have to say I was pleasantly surprised with how well it behaved after being kept that way for so long; no coiling, no kinks and casting / sinking all good. I have not really settled on a line after CM90 was discontinued although I still have several reels spooled up with it, it won't last forever; otherwise have been using a mixture of fluro, braid, and now this Kaizen stuff. First impressions are good, hopefully it's durable and a long term option.
2ambream
Posts: 130
Post #62 18 Jul 2026 22:27
0
In reply to Post #59
I've used it since pulling a decent sized log off the bottom from a boat using 15lb technium. Must be 10 years ago now nearly, Never let me down, stays smooth a long time and casts well

AndyClark AndyClark
Posts: 5,815
Post #63 19 Jul 2026 03:22
0
In reply to Post #62
were specifically talking about the bobco batch which alot of people on here bought a couple of years ago
2ambream
Posts: 130
Post #64 19 Jul 2026 11:04
0
In reply to Post #63
Never had it from there, which i'm happy about or it would have put me off too
LA_ LA_
Posts: 926
Post #65 22 Jul 2026 09:57
1
In reply to Post #26
Glad you said that cos i bought some and thought it was shocking but you come on here for the reviews and its deemed to be the dogs danglers?

Gone onto GTHD and its awesome!
MrGreen MrGreen
Posts: 221
Post #66 22 Jul 2026 11:58
0
In reply to Post #65
Can I ask what breaking strain you’re using?

I’ve just started using the 15lb but want to know what it’s like for long range casting.
LA_ LA_
Posts: 926
Post #67 22 Jul 2026 22:23
1
In reply to Post #66
Im using 18lb mate if it was for casting id use 15tbh
nicky_napkins nicky_napkins
Posts: 596
Post #68 23 Jul 2026 12:16
0
In reply to Post #67
What is the 15lb like for casting..

maplecream
Posts: 723
Post #69 24 Jul 2026 19:01
0
In reply to Post #67
I've just spooled with the 18lb, glad to hear you are pleased with it, my fishing is rarely more than 80yards, hopefully I'll have no issues with distance, and abrasion In weed.
woody71
Posts: 3,098
Post #70 24 Jul 2026 20:07
2
In reply to Post #68
The 15lb does cast well im not the biggest caster but can hit the clip at 120yds with a baited rig better casters can get further, i would think most reasonable castors would have no trouble putting it over 100yds
Singlebleep Singlebleep
Posts: 2,380
Site deviant...
Site deviant... Post #71 27 Jul 2026 11:41
0
A few years ago Ultima made a line called Power Carp. It was a clear mono but flouro coated giving it the best of both worlds. It had exceptional clear visibility qualities, coupled with being tough and sank well. When initially spooled up it could be a bit lively for the first couple of sessions but soon settled down. It was a good line and became my go to line. So as usual when something ticks a lot of boxes - it was discontinued 😡

Two years ago whilst idly flicking through fishing stuff on Fleabay I came across another Ultima line marketed as sea fishing line. The blurb sounded familiar, tough, flouro coated mono, but this time ideal for bass and tough in abrasive areas. I dug out an old Power carp spool with a few left over yards on it and read the blurb on the box. It was an identical description, composition and diameter. I bought some and confirmed it was exactly the same stuff but now aimed at the sea angling fraternity. It’s a bit harder to source in the lower diameters as I use 12lb for 90% of my fishing and 15lb for some French venues which stipulate this as the minimum, but a bit of shopping around and it can be found. But it’s the same and as it is now not sold as carping line it’s actually cheaper 👍

Busted
Posts: 1,882
Post #72 27 Jul 2026 19:33
0
In reply to Post #71
Ridgemonkey use ultima line. i think their flurocast is the same as power carp, but with the obvious tax added
riddler riddler
Posts: 967
Post #73 28 Jul 2026 20:27
0
In reply to Post #71
Did you find it could go a bit crinkly then brittle on occasions?
Singlebleep Singlebleep
Posts: 2,380
Site deviant...
Site deviant... Post #74 28 Jul 2026 21:14
0
In reply to Post #73
No, other than being a bit lively initially as mentioned, I’ve had no other problems 👍
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