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Tuff Stuff® The King of String®
Monofilament Fishing Line Test Comparison Chart
The information and data linked here contains pages from a chart that compares most of the major brands of Nylon Monofilament fishing line available in the United States. Tests and measurements were performed in our facility using a digital micrometer (device used for measuring thickness) and a digital dynamic line breaking strength machine following methods that are approved by the IGFA (International Game Fish Association). Tests and measurements were performed on 5 different samples for each class of line and for each Brand or Trademark of line. Johnston Tackle Corporation (JTC) continuously and regularly performs these tests and measurements on Tuff Stuff® fishing lines to ensure the highest quality and standards of fishing line available today. For additional Fisherman's Viewpoints please check out our ENDORSEMENTS page.
Additional Chart Information
1. # means the pound (lb.) class line. This is the pound (#) test of force at which point the line breaks. Tests and measurements were performed 5 times on each sample so that an average was obtained.
2. Ave Dia means Average Diameter or THICKNESS of the line measured in millimeters (mm). Tests and measurements were performed 5 times on each sample so that an average was obtained.
3. Dry means the Average Dry Breaking Strength of the line. Tests and measurements were performed 5 times on each sample so that an average was obtained.
About the Testing
The purpose of the testing was to conduct a comparative analysis of the major brands of popular fishing lines available in the US for a variety of different characteristics and criteria. The major brands tested included Ande Premium, Berkley Trilene Big Game, Excalibur Silver Thread, Hi Liner, Hi Seas Quattro, Izor Line Premium, Jinkai, Lindgren and Pitman, Maxima Chameleon, Momoi, Stren, Sufix Supreme, Tuff Stuff® Premium, Tuff Stuff® Super Monofilament and Triple Fish. Specific analysis included properties such as diameter, tensile strength, castability and resistance to abrasion. All testing was conducted by independent personnel at our facilities and in the field, or rather in lakes, ponds, streams, bayous, bays, lagoons, rivers and oceans during actual fishing situations. Excerpts from the testing process are highlighted below. Field testing services were provided by fishermen and anglers in a variety of fishing conditions, including freshwater, brackish and saltwater. JTC continues to perform and conduct product testing and evaluation, research and development, and product design to develop the best fishing products on the market today.
TEST: Diameter
The test — Each brand of line was measured for the diameter of the line itself. The measurements were taken in millimeters (mm) using a digital micrometer. Five separate samples for every line size of each brand of line were measured to determine the average diameter of the line.
The results — See the linked charts for the results.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — The diameter of a line is important for several reasons. Generally the smaller the diameter the better, as long as other properties such as castability, resistance to abrasion and strength are satisfactory. With smaller diameter lines, more line can be spooled onto the reel, giving the fisherman additional capacity to fight a fish. Also, smaller diameter lines generally are less visible to fish when in the water. Line diameter can also affect the castability of the line. And, a smaller diameter line will generally yield better action as the lure is worked through the water. Keep in mind that line diameter is a major influence on the test and measurement results.
TEST: Abrasion
The test — The purpose of the Abrasion Test is to determine the line’s ability to maintain its integrity when subjected to abrasive material.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — Fishing lines are exposed to a constant barrage of abrasive materials (stumps, weeds, barnacles, brush, grass, rocks, pilings, line guides, etc.) which can cause small nicks in the line. A line’s ability to withstand these nicks determines how well it will hold up under the pressure of fighting a fish.
TEST: Wet Knot Tension
The test — The purpose of the Wet Knot Tension Test is to determine the amount of force (in pounds, lbs. or #) required to break the line. All brands tested are grouped according to manufacture's rating. Each line was tested wet with an overhand knot tied in the line. Five separate samples for every line size were tested to obtain an average breaking point. Keep in mind that the overhand knot is probably the most destructive knot a fisherman could tie in their fishing line. once you cinch down on this knot, the overhand knot will actually cut into the line and the line WILL break. DO NOT USE THE OVERHAND KNOT WITH FISHING LINE!!!
The results — The amount of force required to break the line and the results of this test are available to those that inquire. This information was not posted online.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — The Wet Knot Tension Test gives a true picture of how a line will perform in conditions that most closely resemble actual fishing conditions. While fishing, fishing line will be wet, with at least one knot tied in the line (normally to connect the lure or swivel to the line). Knowing the true strength of a line is also important in knowing how to approach fighting a larger fish. The results of this test are available to those that inquire. Possibly, the most important factor to consider in evaluating overall strength is the diameter of the lines being compared. Ultimate strength is effected greatly by the physical cross-section size of the material. Generally the larger the diameter of the line the higher the line will score in tension testing. To discover a line’s true breaking strength (Ultimate Tensile Strength), a comparison must be made on a diameter-to-diameter basis. The final results are listed in the Chart according to diameter, ranking from smallest to largest.
TEST: Wet Knot Ultimate Tensile Strength
The test — The purpose of the Wet Knot Ultimate Tensile Strength Test is to determine the amount of stress (force per unit area, measured in pounds per square inch) each line experiences at failure. All brands tested are listed according to the manufacturer's rated pound (lb. or #) test. Each line was tested wet with an overhand knot tied in the line. Five separate samples for every line size were tested to obtain an average breaking point.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — The Ultimate Tensile Strength Test provides a true picture of the ultimate strength performance of a fishing line. Under use, fishing line will be wet, with at least one knot tied in the line (normally to connect the lure or swivel to the line). Knowing the ultimate strength of a line is important to know on how to approach fighting a larger fish. Other advantages are ability to use a smaller diameter line and at the same time having superior strength. Also, the advantages of increased lure performance, greater stealth and castability come into effect when one is able to use a smaller diameter line. Tuff Stuff® Monofilament fishing lines offer small diameter and superior breaking strength.
TEST: Dynamic Load Impact
The test — The purpose of the Dynamic Load Impact Test is to determine the amount of shock or sudden impact that a line can withstand before the line reaches the breaking point. The amount of force is measured in pounds.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — The Dynamic Load Impact Test is an excellent gauge as to how much impact force can be applied to a line before it breaks. This is especially important when applying a hard hookset on a larger fish, where the line is subjected to a high degree of shock. This is also important when a hooked fish makes an unexpected turn or a hard run, again putting extra pressure on the strength of the line. Tuff Stuff® Monofilament fishing lines offer excellent strength qualities.
TEST: Limpness
The test — The purpose of the Limpness Test is to determine the manageability and memory of the line, which affects the ease of castability, presentation, lack of coiling, etc.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — Limpness in a fishing line can affect a number of characteristics. Fishing lines that retain more of their original length are generally much easier to cast when there is less coiling or memory in the line. Lines are also much easier to handle and manage when tying knots, and the fishing line can provide a better and a more realistic presentation of the angler's lure or bait.
TEST: Dry Castability
The test — The purpose of the Dry Castability Test is to determine the ease and speed of which a line can be released from a typical open-faced spinning reel.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — Castability can be described as how fast and easy a line comes off the spool when casting. The faster the line comes off, the easier it is to cast with greater accuracy and control. In general, a fisherman wants a line that comes off the spool quickly without binding or dragging through the reel and rod guides. If the line flows freely off the spool, the fisherman will be able to quickly adjust his accuracy to the performance of the line. The result is longer, more accurate casts.
TEST: Wet Castability
The test — The purpose of the Wet Castability Test is to determine the ease and speed of which a line can be released from a typical open-faced spinning reel when the fishing line is wet.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — Castability can be described as how fast and easy a line comes off the spool when casting. The faster the line comes off, the easier it is to cast with greater accuracy and control. In general, a fisherman wants a line that comes off the spool quickly without binding or dragging through the reel and rod guides. If the line freely flows off of the spool, the fisherman will be able to quickly adjust his accuracy to the performance of the line. The result is longer, more accurate casts.
A QUICK VIEW OF THE COMBINED RESULTS
The tests and measurements performed on each of the individual fishing lines provide a good measure of performance in diameter, abrasion, tension, ultimate tensile strength, dynamic load impact, limpness and castability (both wet and dry). From these tests and measurements, a fisherman may assume similar performance potential under actual fishing conditions. Each of the characteristics plays an important role in the overall performance potential of a line. However, a fisherman should also consider the tests in combination when making a choice of lines.
The COMBINED Results — For the Monofilament Fishing Line Test Comparison Chart that JTC produced, each of the lines were grouped according to the manufacturer's rated line test. For example, there are individual tables for 10#, 12#, 15# lines, etc. Within each group the lines are listed according to the Average Diameter (measured in millimeters), as determined from the testing, in order of smallest to largest diameter.
Fisherman’s viewpoint — Each line displayed certain characteristics of strength among the different tests. However, the true measure of line performance is dependent upon all of the characteristics in combination. During actual fishing conditions, all of these characteristics (diameter, abrasion, tension, ultimate tensile strength, dynamic load impact, limpness and castability) play into the big fishing picture. Based upon these tests, Tuff Stuff® Monofilament fishing lines demonstrated the greatest overall performance of any of the lines.
Monofilament Line Features and Advantages
The research and development team at JTC produced a formula for monofilament fishing line. The result is Tuff Stuff® Monofilament fishing line has greater strength from a smaller diameter line.
• Abrasion Resistance — Due to the unique molecular bonding of our monofilament lines, there is a much higher resistance to breaking due to nicks in the line. Tuff Stuff® Monofilament lines will resist breaking longer under the worst conditions, such as rubbing against rocks, barnacles, stumps and other underwater structure.
• Thin Diameter — A line with a small diameter has several advantages. Small diameter line will allows an angler’s lure to dive deeper, since there is less resistance as the line cuts through the water. Because there is less resistance from the line, lures or baits will perform more accurately and life-like with the desired action. Smaller diameter line means more line on your reel. Smaller diameter line will be less visible to the fish, especially when you fish with the line straight to your lure, bait or hook. When fishing for fast and agile fish like tuna and wahoo, during the fight these fish will typically go in different directions. As the fish maneuvers, there is less resistance as the line goes through the water and therefore less pressure on the line. Tuff Stuff® Monofilament fishing lines have the smallest diameter and the highest breaking strength as compared to other monofilaments. Diameter compared to diameter, Tuff Stuff® is a superior monofilament fishing line.
• High Knot Strength — The majority of line breaks occur at the knot. In fact, no matter how strong the line is, tying a knot in the line can weaken the line by as much as 50%. Tuff Stuff® lines have the least loss of strength at the knot, when compared to other monofilaments. This is due to the dramatic tensile strength advantage that JTC has pioneered with continuous research and development and applying this technology to produce a superior monofilament.
• Light, Limp, Supple — Tuff Stuff® line feels like other traditional monofilament lines. However, Tuff Stuff® is more supple and hangs limp off the spool. Without tension and the slinky effect, the limp line passes through rod guides unrestricted and smoothly. Fishermen have noted that they can cast a lure or bait with Tuff Stuff® Monofilament line farther than other monofilament lines.
• High Impact Resistance — JTC has developed monofilament fishing line with improved tensile strength, shock and impact resistance. Tuff Stuff®, an advanced monofilament fishing line, provides the the angler with the ability to use smaller diameter lines, gaining obvious advantages, without the loss of strength or control.
• Low Spool Memory — Remember that monofilament fishing line due to its chemical properties is stiff with tension and will take on the rounded form of the reel spool. This is known as spool memory and is responsible for most backlashes and bird nests in baitcasting reels, and for the slinky effect of spinning reels. With Tuff Stuff® line, spool memory is reduced. Factors that increase line memory are spooling line too tightly on the reel, over filling the reel, and leaving the line on the reel for too long a period.
Suggestion: have your local tackle shop spool all your fishing reels with Tuff Stuff®.
Tuff Stuff® The King of String®
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Last modified: August 30, 2006