Choosing a Braided Line: Does Strand-Count Matter?

Braided Spectra line has revolutionized fishing. With its reduced diameter per pound-test making it possible to spool more line and its lack of stretch providing incredible sensitivity and power, there is only one question remaining in the minds of anglers:

Which braid is best?

There are dozens of options when it comes to braid, with most brands offering several different versions of line, each tailored to specific demands or fishing conditions. The answer to the question “Which braid is best?” is that it depends on the style of fishing and which attributes of braided line are most important to the angler.

Perhaps the most important characteristic to consider when choosing a braided line is the construction of the braid – defined by the number of strands that make up the braid.

Here’s a quick explanation: All braided “super lines” are made from polyethylene extruded as microfibers that are used to form fiber bundles. Each bundle of microfibers, or “carriers,” is then braided together to make the braided line. The most common construction for braided fishing lines is a composition of 4, 6, or 8 bundles of fiber. In general, the greater the number of fiber bundles, the more compact the line will be. However, there are benefits to each design.

For an example, consider two lines offered by TUF-Line, a pioneer in braided line technology.

4ORCE is a four-carrier constructed braid by TUF-Line. A four-carrier line is aggressive by design to give it maximum strength and abrasion resistance. Think of it like an off-road mud tire. An off-road tire has a tough, aggressive finish with the ability to rip and tear through almost any road conditions. Look at a close-up shot of 4ORCE, and you will see the peaks and valleys of the braid. This diamond weave that results from a four-carrier design is aggressive, like the tread on an off-road mud tire, and best suited to fishing heavy cover or in other scenarios where brute strength is the most important attribute in fishing line.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is DOMIN8, an eight-carrier constructed braid by TUF-Line. Like a highway tire, the eight-carrier line is smooth by design to be quieter and cast further. If an angler is fishing in cast-and-retrieve situations, such as casting artificial lures for stripers, then a smooth, superior-handling line is ideal.

So before you spool up, think about how you will be using that particular setup. Go with a reputable brand of braided line that you trust, and then select a product that is best suited to your fishing applications.

*TUF-Line is produced by Western Filament, Inc., manufacturers of a large variety of products that are used in high-tech industries including medical, automotive, motor manufacturing, aerospace, military, and many other textile markets. Western Filament is known as the industry leader in textile braiding and the leader in high-performance premium braided fishing line.