Fishing lines are not always created equally; even when you know what type of line you want to use, you still need to take time to choose the best option.
The type of line that you prefer is going to differ from person to person, but there are some shared opinions in this hobby.
In recent years, braided fishing line has become even more popular than standard mono or fluoro line.
Among braided lines, however, there are still lots of different options that you can choose from!
The best braided fishing line is going to help you fish more effectively; the worst is going to cause you more grief than is worth the effort.
Quality and design are very important when choosing the right braided fishing line.
Use this guide to learn what the best options are in 2020 and refer to the buyer’s guide to make that decision easier.
Best Braided Fishing Line Reviews
1. KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
The first fishing line up for review today is the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line, a fan favorite among anglers everywhere.
Product Highlights
The KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line is an affordable choice for those who are looking for a powerful braided line.
The SuperPower braid is made from eight strands of MultiTuf PE Line, a type of polyethylene fiber that is also used to make bulletproof vests.
The strengths available range from 10 to 150 pounds, and the strands are wrapped very tightly for more reliable knots and easier casting.
This particular braided line is available in five different colorways, ranging from lo-vis gray to bright yellow.
The diameter/strength is available in many options, as well.
What We Like
The treatment of the strands used to create this braided line is what really sets it apart from other types.
Not only are the SuperPower strands woven tightly enough to improve knots and abrasion resistance, but it also has a coating to prevent waxiness that may cause casting problems.
The SuperPower line is also low-memory, so long casts are easier than with similar braided lines.
What We Don’t Like
One drawback of this line type is that the colors are not fully fade resistant, so they will bleed out over time.
Still, the wide variety of colors available is a big plus for most who will use these lines, but keep in mind that the colors may fade or bleed.
Pros:
- Great knot strength
- High abrasion resistance
- Variety of diameter/strength options
- No stretch
- Great sensitivity
- Easy to cast
Cons:
- Colors may fade
- Spooling may cause color bleed
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2. Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
Next up is a fan favorite among many different anglers for the great power and durability it provides. We’re talking about the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line.
Product Highlights
The PowerPro Spectra braided line comes in a range of pounds and colors to fit angler needs.
In fact, the options are sure to please both freshwater and saltwater anglers.
The diameters also vary from 0.005 inches up to 0.035 inches, allowing you to choose what makes the most sense for your current rig.
The braid for PowerPro Spectra is braided from four strands of thin Spectra fibers.
These fibers are braided into a long diagonal pattern that doesn’t easily fray, scratch, or grab on to your guides as you cast.
What We Like
This line is very limp and low-memory even though it is a hard and durable line.
This means that it has excellent sensitivity, so you will be able to feel what is going on when you are fishing.
High sensitivity lines like this make fishing more exciting and can be a great tool for anglers to use when out on the water.
What We Don’t Like
While the flimsiness of this line is a good thing in some cases, it can also cause wind and spool tangles if you aren’t very careful.
To avoid spool tangles, make sure that you are winding and unwinding with care, as this is the best way to avoid this issue altogether.
Pros:
- Both high and low visibility color options
- Low memory
- No stretch, high sensitivity
- Strong and durable
Cons:
- Color may bleed over time
- The tough coating may create extra noise, friction
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3. Reaction Tackle High-Performance Braided Fishing Line
Now, let’s examine the Reaction Tackle High-Performance Braided Fishing Line, a PE braid line available in many iterations.
Product Highlights
The Reaction Tackle braided fishing line is made from UHMW PE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), which is known to be one of the most durable fibers in the world.
Using four strands of such a strong fiber has ensured that this line has low abrasion risk, and it has virtually zero stretch to it.
Such a low stretch factor also ensures high sensitivity for easier bite identification.
The braided line is also coated to ensure that it glides through your guides smoothly while casting.
The line is available in several different colors, diameters, and yardages.
What We Like
This is a high-quality line that is available in a color and strength for any situation that you will be fishing in.
With 16 different color options, as well as strength ratings that vary from 10 pounds to 300 pounds, you can find any combination that you need to have a great day fishing.
Each of these iterations is also available in different yardages, so you can either give it a try or stock up for many future fishing adventures.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest issue that some anglers have had with this line is that it is a relatively large braid size.
This means that it might have a visibility that is too high for some fish.
Still, the color options and variety of diameters available mean that you can choose a combination where the larger braid size won’t be an issue for your environment.
Pros:
- Virtually no stretch; high sensitivity
- Great castability
- Color resistant to bleed problems
- Affordable
- Variety of colors and diameters
Cons:
- Thick
- Only four strands; similar braids come in eight strands at higher strengths
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4. SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braid Fishing Line
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The SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braid Fishing Line is a Dyneema-based braided line that offers some of the best strength on the market at a fair price.
Product Highlights
The SpiderWire Stealth Superline braided line is made from Dyneema, one of the strongest fibers that can be used to make this type of fishing line.
This fiber is braided in a very compact way, which ensures it is both thin and strong without compromising on other essential features.
The PE fibers are rounded and coated with a color-lock finish that helps them to last a long time without fading.
Additionally, the braid has a high sensitivity rating.
Hence, you can easily feel any movement to figure out whether or not it’s time to land that fish.
What We Like
Many braided lines are considered to be too loud to effectively use them, but that is not the case with this Stealth Superfine line.
The fibers are treated with fluoropolymer to help them slide through guides without too much noise vibration.
Despite the treatment, though, they still have low memory and great strength.
What We Don’t Like
One drawback of having a line that is treated for noise and color-fastness rather than strength is that this line is not as abrasion-resistant as some other braided lines.
Still, the resistance of this line to rips and breaks is much higher than that of non-braided lines.
Pros:
- Packaging doesn’t take up much space
- Strong, smooth, round braid
- Very quiet in action
- Great castability
- Easy to spool
Cons:
- Low abrasion resistance
- The coating doesn’t add any strength
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5. HERCULES Super Cast Braided Fishing Line
Finally, let’s examine what the HERCULES Super Cast Braided Fishing Line offers to earn it the name Hercules!
Product Highlights
The HERCULES Super Cast line is made from a diamond weave braid of eight very strong fiber strands.
The strands are all UHMWPE, known to be the world’s strongest PE fiber at this time.
Naturally, eight of these strands will create an incredibly powerful line.
This fiber is then coated to ensure a high level of abrasion resistance as well as long-term durability so that you can use the line again and again.
Diamond weave gives the final braid a nice, smooth, round finish, which ensures great castability and extra-long casts without extra effort.
Finally, the line has virtually no stretch, so you have the best sensitivity that you can expect from a braided line.
What We Like
Despite being an eight-strand braided line, this is still super thin with a low diameter.
Many eight-strand lines lose their low memory or take up too much reel capacity, but that is not the case with this particular HERCULES Super Cast line.
Its slick diameter and round design move it through guides easily, as well.
What We Don’t Like
Though this braided line is available in 15 different colors, color bleed is a big issue when using it regularly.
Due to water absorption and how spooling works, the color will start to rub off and fade very quickly.
This line is not treated for color resistance; instead, it was treated for strength, which is a pretty good balance for most anglers shopping at this price point.
Pros:
- Many color options
- Moves smoothly through guides
- Affordable
- High abrasion resistance
- Thin diameter
Cons:
- Not colorfast
- Some knots work better than others
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Buyer’s Guide
Choosing from different line types can be difficult, especially when it usually isn’t feasible to buy all of your options and give them a try to see what you like best.
This guide will provide you with the tools that you need to be able to select what type of line you should be looking for.
Use each of these categories to narrow down what you want to buy and what you should be looking for when shopping around.
1. Strength
Consider what size of fish you want to be catching and how strong your line needs to be to hold onto these fish.
The strength of the braided line is done in pounds, just as it is with other line types.
The poundage represents how much weight is needed to break the line.
Make sure you choose a braided line that fits your strength requirements.
2. Diameter
The diameter of the braided line tends to be much smaller than that of mono or fluoro lines.
Smaller diameters have higher strength ratings.
Braided line is often chosen because you can have a much thinner line while still having good strength, making it appealing to many anglers.
A braided line that is too thin, however, can be hard to knot for some anglers.
Consider what type of diameter you prefer before you make your final choice.
3. Color
Braided lines are available in a wide range of colors, just as other fishing line types are.
You should choose the appropriate color for where you plan to be casting.
Many braided lines are made in yellow since fish tend to go after this color, but other fish will not.
Those who are fishing in thick underwater areas or murky waters should move towards a darker color, like brown or green.
These will blend in with the surroundings without causing any excess reflection.
If you will be on a boat or want to make sure you can keep an eye on your line easily, choose a high-visibility color like yellow.
4. Abrasion Resistance
One of the things to look for when choosing between braided lines is which has the best abrasion resistance.
Braided lines, in general, have much higher abrasion resistance than other types of single fiber lines, so they do not break as easily.
The better the abrasion resistance, the less likely that a fish will be able to break the braid and get off your line.
The big exception is fish with serrated teeth, like muskies, but there are still braided lines out there that can stand up to their teeth.
5. Extensibility
Extensibility, also known as stretch factor, is something that comes into play when choosing your fishing line.
When a line stretches too much, it is harder to notice any bites or nibbles.
A line with less stretch, however, makes it much easier to feel when the fish are biting.
Braided lines generally have very low extensibility, so you will be able to quickly and efficiently catch and reel in that big fish.
6. Casting Distance
To be able to fish successfully, you need to be able to cast your line with ease.
Braided lines, in general, have very good casting distances, so this isn’t a huge concern when choosing between different options.
7. Durability
All fishing lines are going to weaken over time; the best line is going to be one that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear without completely falling apart.
Durability is often measured in terms of abrasion resistance, which we talked about above, but it isn’t the only factor.
You also want to consider what kinds of protections the filaments have.
UV resistance, for instance, is very important when choosing a fishing line, as UV light can cause some materials to break down more rapidly than others.
Additionally, consider that higher diameter lines will have more resistance to weeds and structures.
Finally, construction can also affect the durability, so make sure that you buy from a reliable brand.
8. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is important no matter what type of fishing line you are looking at purchasing.
When you can feel a bite very precisely, it is easier to catch the fish.
Braided lines with little to no stretch help to increase sensitivity, making them a great choice with skilled anglers.
Consider how sensitive a braided line will be when choosing.
Braided Fishing Line FAQs
1. Is braided fishing line better?
You’re never going to find a clear answer whether the braided fishing line is “better” than any other type of line; in truth, every line has its pros and cons.
However, many people find braided lines to be a more practical and logical choice because manufacturers can make many different types of lines by merely braiding different fibers.
Braided lines can be a better choice when you’re looking for one strong enough to be able to catch bigger fish without needing the added diameter.
Even if you have a strong preference for one type of line, it’s always a good idea to learn what other kinds of lines might be good for.
By combining various types of lines for your spooling, casting, and jigging, you can create an exceptional overall fishing experience that wouldn’t be possible without all three line types.
2. Does color of braided fishing line matter?
The color of your braided fishing line may have an effect on whether or not you can reel in your ideal catch.
Some high-visibility colors, like yellow and orange, are preferred when you’re going to be casting in an area where keeping an eye on your line is key.
Plus, some fish are attracted to these colors.
On the other hand, going with browns or greens when fishing in murky waters or dense vegetation can help to ensure you do not spook any fish.
Base your fishing line color on where you prefer to fish for the best experience.
The color may fade on some types of lines over time, so it is good to check the color-fastness of any line that you are considering, as well.
3. What is the best color for braided line?
Generally speaking, the best color of braided line to go with is some type of green.
Green lines can be used in different situations with both high and low visibility, so it’s more likely to be a one-color-fits-all choice than yellow, brown, or clear.
4. Can you use braided line on a spinning reel?
Those new to braided lines or spinning reels might be wondering if the two are compatible.
The simple answer is yes, they are!
In fact, many people find that braided lines are superior to mono and fluoro lines when used on a spinning reel.
Braided lines are very sensitive, strong, and casts well, so they pair well with a spinning setup.
Still, it is going to be personal preference about which line works better.
For most people, the ultimate setup involves tying off braided to mono or vice versa to ensure that you can get the best spool, cast, and jigging possible.
5. Does braided line spook fish?
Braided lines are more visible in the water than other types of line, so many anglers prefer to only use it when they are fishing in dense coverage areas.
Alternatively, others will set up a monofilament leader that is less visible on their braided line so that they can get the best of both worlds.
If fishing in a very clear area where you need to entice a fish to bite something they can see very well, monofilament or another low visibility leader will be necessary.
Braided lines have a lot of strengths, but undetectability is not one of them!
Final Verdict
With so many great line options available on the market, it can be quite a challenge to determine what is the best braided fishing line to use when you head out fishing.
Every line has its pros and cons, so use our buyer’s guide and reviews to determine which line measures up to your needs the best.
Among these options, we find that the Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line stands out at the top of the pack for all it offers.
This braided fishing line is well-loved for its incredible sensitivity and low memory, which makes it easier than ever to land your bites.
Another great option is the SpiderWire Stealth Superline Braid Fishing Line, which offers a much quieter experience than other braided lines.
If you are new to using braided lines, you might find this type of stealth design preferable as you get used to the differences between this type of line and your usual lines.
In the end, the choice is still yours.
Which type of braided fishing line will you choose?