Good fishing lines are probably one of the most essential items that any fisherman should invest in. While most fishing lines will do the job of keeping the fish at the end of your line, the best fishing lines will not only improve your chances of catching the fish, but also provide a fuss-free fishing experience.
Cheap fishing lines are a dime a dozen, but we’re certain that most of us who have fished for some time will know that cheap line usually doesn’t take us anywhere. From casting air knots to constant over-runs, cheap fishing lines are cheap for a reason.
There are 3 main types of fishing lines in the market today. They are monofilament, braided line, and fluorocarbon line. Each of these lines have their pros and cons which we’ll talk about further down in the article.
Related: check our article about best monofilament lines!
For today’s article, we’ll be focussing on, what the best braided fishing lines are, how we can choose the best braid line, and also what the different strengths and weaknesses are, for each type of line.
So be sure to read to the end of this article and you’ll be rewarded with some new knowledge that you can take with you on your next fishing trip.
Top 10 Braided Fishing Lines:
1. KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
KastKing is an emerging Chinese company that has been putting out some pretty amazing products for a steal. From rods and reels to their lures, they have developed a cult following for good reason.
The SuperPower braided line series is one of those products that rival top brands in terms of quality whilst still maintaining a price point that most entry-level fisherman can afford.
The series comes in 5 different color variations to choose from, low-vis gray, moss green, multi-color, ocean blue, and yellow. What we like about this is that there’s a color for every possible situation. Worried you’re going to spook the fish? Go with moss green or low-vis gray. Need to know the depth of the water you’re fishing in? Go with multi-color. Can’t see where you’re casting? Go with yellow. There’s a color for any situation! Kudos to you KastKing!
These braided lines also have a slew of other features. For example, it has low memory which allows for a smoother and further cast with a lesser chance of getting air knots. It’s zero stretch also allows for high sensitivity as well as superior hook setting.
The SuperPower series also comes in 4 and 8 strand configurations. Higher tensile strength (65-150lbs) lines have 8 strands whilst the lower strength variations have 4 strands.
- Many colors and strength options
- Zero stretch, which allows for higher sensitivity and better hook setting
- 4 and 8 strand configurations
- Good quality, does not fray easily
- Very durable
- Color tends to run a little when breaking in the line
- 8 strands tend to be slightly thicker
2. Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided Fishing Line
Reaction tackles’ high-performance braided line provides a fuss-free experience for anglers who can’t decide what line to purchase. They are a company that is located in Wisconsin and ship their products from within the country.
The main selling point for this series of lines is that they provide a high-quality braided line at a fraction of the cost that you might pay for more well-known brands. That said, this series is great and is amongst one of the most reviewed braided lines in the market today.
It boasts both 4 and 8 strand variations, made from high-quality UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) which apparently is the world’s strongest fiber, zero stretch, many colors, as well as different lengths.
What we really like about this series of braided fishing line is that, while it might not be the absolute best braided line you can get, it definitely will get the job done. This makes things easier for both novice and expert fishermen alike. No frills, just good braided line.
- Many colors and strength options
- Zero stretch, which allows for higher sensitivity and better hook setting
- 4 and 8 strand configurations
- Excellent quality for the price
- Many lengths available
- Color bleed resistant
- Some quality control issues
- Not as abrasion-resistant as advertised
3. Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line
The Power Pro Spectra braided fishing line has been around for quite some time and is probably no stranger to most seasoned fishermen. It is a go-to series of braided line that has lasted the test of time and is popular because it does what it says it does.
Backed by Shimano, another giant of a fishing manufacturer, the Power Pro Spectra is a 4 strand braided line that comes in multiple colors and lengths. Its braided spectra fiber helps to create a well rounded yet extremely sensitive line that not only helps with knot tying but also reduces line entanglement.
The Power Pro Spectra is also suitable for use for both fresh and saltwater due to special coatings that the manufacturers use to prevent corrosion. As it is a 4 strand braided line, it is also comparably thinner compared to other 8 strand counterparts. It is a great all-round line that has become a classic for many fishermen.
- Many colors and strength options
- Many length options
- Excellent for both fresh and saltwater applications
- Thinner diameter
- Very durable
- Slightly stiffer when fishing out of the box
- Color tends to run when breaking in the line
4. SpiderWire Stealth Braid Fishing Line
SpiderWire braided line has been around for some time and is slightly different as compared to the usual braided line that we’ve seen thus far. It is made of Dyneema (another UHMWPE fiber) which is incredibly thin and strong.
What’s different about SpiderWire is that it is made of a proprietary fluoropolymer line treatment process. This means that instead of the usual fibers we see in other braided lines, these fibers incorporate other materials to make it extremely smooth, much like a thick strand of silk.
For fishermen who have used braided line but have not tried SpiderWire before, making a switch could leave you pleasantly surprised. First impressions of this line is that it is incredibly thin and light, making casting a breeze.
It also seems that the SpiderWire lines are generally stronger overall as compared to other braided lines of the same rated tensile strength, making it almost invisible to most fish in any application. The SpiderWire also comes in a myriad of colors to suit any environment you might want to blend into.
- Extremely thin
- Strong and durable
- Excellent for both fresh and saltwater applications
- Very smooth
- Abrasion-resistant
- Color fades over time
- Quite stiff, needs some extra time to break in the line
5. Berkley FireLine Braided Fishing Line
The Berkley Fireline braided fishing line has some of the best braided fishing line reviews in the market today. Created by Berkley, the Fireline is a hybrid braided line that is similar to SpiderWire.
While both SpiderWire and Fireline braided lines seem to be almost identical in terms of outlook, it does seem that the Berkley FireLine is slightly smoother and easier to cast. The Fireline is also made from micro-fused Dyneema PE fibers which makes it stronger and thinner than other braided lines. FireLine also has zero stretch which makes the line ultra-sensitive.
That said, FireLine is more suited toward use with a spinning reel as there have been reports that over-runs or whiplash even with lower weighted lures do cause the line to snap. Overall, FireLine is still a great line if you are looking for some extra casting distance and abrasion-resistant line.
- Extremely thin
- Strong
- Excellent for both fresh and saltwater applications
- Very smooth
- Abrasion-resistant
- The line can be difficult to manage in a casting reel. Overruns and whiplash are common while breaking in the line
- Can be slippery making it difficult to tie knots
6. Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid
Yet another fantastic product, the Sufix 832 is an 8 strand braided line that uses 7 Dyneema fibers and has 1 patent-pending Gore fiber, which improves abrasion resistance and casting ability.
What we love about the Sufix 832 series is that it’s 100% good quality braided line with features that perform exactly how they should. In our experience, the Sufix 832 has excellent abrasion resistance, casts with ease, and is fairly thin for an 8 strand braided line.
The Sufix 832 is a great all-rounded braided line that is suitable even for novice anglers who want to spend a little more money for a quality braided line.
- Excellent quality
- Very Durable
- Extremely abrasion resistant
- Thin for 8 strand braid
- Can feel thick for some anglers who are used to using 4 strand braided line
7. Piscifun Onyx Braided Fishing Line
Piscifun is another Chinese company that recently has been putting out some quality products for great prices.
The Onyx has a bunch of features that are great for all fishermen. The series comes in 2 variations, 4 strands for the lower tensile strength i.e 6-50lbs and 8 strands for 65-150lbs.
It also features abrasion-resistant epoxy technology which aids in preventing abrasions increasing the longevity of the fishing line. Its fibers also allow for tying strong knots that don’t slip.
What we like about this line is the fact that it is a simple yet thin braided line that gets the job done. The 4 strand braided helps with casting due to it being lighter and the break strength seems to be well above what it is rated for, which is a plus!
The Piscifun Onyx also features ultra-low stretch, which aids in sensitivity and hook setting. Color fade resistant ensures that the waters you fish in don’t get messed up by the dye of your fishing line. It’s minimal line memory also helps to smoothen out the line right out of the box which means casting this line is easy!
- Very strong
- Durable
- Good quality
- Many colors and lengths
- Extremely sensitive
- Not very abrasion resistant, especially for the 4 strand variations
8. Hercules 8 Strand Braided Fishing Line
The Hercules braided line series offers an extremely strong and durable fishing line that is suitable for anyone looking for the best bang for their buck. They pride themselves in making quality braided fishing line at budget pricing.
It’s got all the features any of the best braided line should. This series comes in an 8 strand configuration with many lengths and tensile strength variations so there is definitely a line that’s suitable for your application. It’s got great knot strength as well as great abrasion resistance. The zero stretch also aids with extreme sensitivity and is suitable for use with both spinning and casting reels.
The series also comes in 15 different colors to choose from as well as different lengths! The company claims to offer up to a 20% refund within 60 if the customer feels the product isn’t up to standard.
- Budget-friendly
- Many colors and lengths
- Great quality for the price
- Zero stretch
- Some quality control issues, a few users reported lines breaking at lower than rated tensile strengths
9. Daiwa J-Braid 300M 8-Strand Braided Line
Daiwa has been a well-known brand in the market for quite some time that has been producing some of the best products.
The J-Braid has been around for some time and while it does come at a slight premium, it is worth every penny. Manufactured in Japan, the J-braid features 8 strands which are tightly woven for extra strength with a perfectly round profile. It has a very low stretch and low memory making it soft yet strong, great for tying knots.
Like quite a few of the lines we’ve mentioned in this series, the J-braid is also made of Dyneema fibers which help with abrasion resistance as well as providing a good tensile strength to diameter ratio.
Being one of the top fishing lines in the market, the J-braid also boasts extreme quality control ensuring that your line will not snap under what it is rated for. If you’re willing to drop the extra dollar for a top of the line braided fishing line, the J-braid is the way to go!
- Excellent product quality
- Very durable
- Excellent knot strength
- Thin but strong
- Color tends to run during the first few fishing sessions
- Line is strong hence can be difficult to work with
10. Fitzgerald Fishing Vursa Braided Fishing Line
The Fitzgerald Fishing Vursa series is a relatively new contender in the market. Designed and tested in Florida, this series is created with a higher number of weaves-per inch, which ensures abrasion resistance and smoothness.
An 8 strand braid, the Vursa braid stands out from its competitors by offering a proprietary UV-resistant technology that ensures it holds its color for a long time. The line also has all the other qualities a good braided line should have, which includes, good knot strength as well as zero stretch.
However, while the Vursa braided line does come in several different tensile strength and length options, it only comes in 1 color which is dark green. This might be a meal breaker for some but we’ve found that this color is also suitable for a myriad of applications.
- Many options to choose from
- Excellent product quality
- Good knot strength
- Good shape ensuring smoother casting
- Only comes in a single color, might be off-putting for some anglers
Best Braided Fishing Line Buying Guide
Before we dive right into the buying guide, let’s look at some of the reasons why anglers choose braided lines in the first place.
Strength
A braided line with the same diameter as a monofilament or fluorocarbon is usually many times stronger. For example, for the diameter of a 15lb monofilament, a braided line of the same diameter could be 40-50lbs.
Size
Because of this drastic strength difference, braided lines are often preferred as they are much thinner and therefore can cast a further distance.
Stretch
Both monofilament and fluorocarbon lines have some level of stretch in them. And while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, stretch does affect the ability to some extent for a good hook set.
Braided lines usually have almost no stretch which means that an angler who chooses to use braided lines usually has a higher rate of a successful hook set.
Durability
Braided lines are made from weaving fibers together to create a line. You will see most braided lines come either in a 4 or 8 strand weave.
This improves durability as breaking a single fiber in a 4 strand for example, will result technically in a 25% loss in strength, however, just a nick on a monofilament or fluorocarbon will tear all the way through if there’s a bigger fish on the other end.
Now that we know why anglers usually prefer braided to monofilament or fluorocarbon, let’s discuss how we can buy the most suitable braided line for you!
Application
While buying the highest rated line might work, it’s definitely going to be inefficient and waste of money. Heavy poundage lines also usually cost more.
Usually, most inland fishermen would opt for a poundage that is between 10-30lbs. This balances out the strength as well as its casting ability.
Like what we mentioned earlier, most braided lines come either in 4 or 8 strands.If you require further casting distance, go with 4 strands, and if you require higher abrasion resistance due to snags, go with 8 strands. Color also matters as some fish are more easily spooked than others.
We find the best color to be a dark green color.
It is a neutral that will do well in both inland and offshore applications
Reel Size
Small reels (2000-2500) usually just need about 200 yards of line while the bigger series of reels needing more line.
Most reels also have writings on the sides of their spools which will tell you how much line you need in that spool either monofilament or braided.
Searching for a fishing reel? Check also:
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
What is the best brand of braided fishing line?
There is no best brand of braided fishing line. The best brand is the brand that you are most comfortable using and yields the best results.
Although there are many top fishing brands that you can get top of the line braided line from, there are others like in the list above, where you can get the best bang for your buck!
Is braided line fishing better?
No, it is not always better.
Depending on the situation you are in, there are drawbacks to using braided fishing line. For example, braided lines tend to be very visible in the water, whereas monofilament and fluorocarbon are almost invisible in water.
Also, the braided line sinks relatively quickly. Some lures require a floating line for optimum performance, this is where monofilament would do better.
Which is better, 4 or 8 strand braided line?
Again, it depends on what you intend to use it for.
4 strand braided lines are often thinner than their 8 strand counterparts. They are generally chosen when casting distance is an issue.
8 strand braided lines are usually chosen because of abrasion resistance. However, they are thicker than their 4 strand counterparts.
If you are in doubt, however, go with an 8 strand braid as this reduces the chances of breaking off due to a snag.
What color braided line is the best?
You’ve probably heard this before, but the best is the one that brings you the fish. And it’s true!
There is no best color as different colors are for different applications. If fishing in the sea, a blue color might be more appropriate than dark green. Conversely, if you are fishing inland, a dark forest green might be more applicable.
However, if you are in doubt, go with dark green as it is the color that looks most neutral in the water.
How do I choose a braided fishing line?
Like what we’ve mentioned in the buying guide, there are 2 steps you will need to follow to choose a suitable line. Refer to the buying guide if in doubt.
Conclusion
Fishing lines are undoubtedly one of the most essential pieces of equipment for any fisherman. Taking the time to do your research will definitely reward you with much better fishing experience.
Today we went through 10 of our top picks for braided lines and answered some of the most important questions relating to braided line.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article as much as we did!