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Line Review
Cortland Masterbraid Stiff Super Braid
Cortland Line Co.
Reviewer: Captain's Dave Beshara and Skip Montello
Date: Summer, 2006

Introduction:

With almost 100 years of braiding experience and technology, Cortland Line is proud to introduce the next generation of “Premium Super Braid” - Master Braid. A premium super braid constructed using all the best features of Cortland's legendary Spectron braided line, but with a unique coating that makes the braid permanently stiff. Master Braid is constructed in a way that makes it rounder, which means less twist, greater accuracy, longer casts. and extended life. A proprietary Cortland process bonds the color and finish into the fibers of the braid eliminating fading or flaking of the color and stiffening agent. With only four percent stretch, small diameter per pound test ratio, and a unique hydrophobic coating that slices through the water and comes back dry, Master Braid delivers greatly enhanced fishing qualities and performance. Master Braid is very easy to use and works equally well on both spinning and conventional gear.

Available in:
10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 80, 130, and 200 pound test in spools.

Spool sizes: 150 yards to 2500 yards.

Available colors: Sea Green-Yellow-Bronzeback Brown.

Technical Review:

For as long as I can remember, I have chosen Cortland Micron as a backing material for the fly shop I owned as well as for my personal use. About 5 years ago the new super braids arrived on the scene. I found that I could use the stronger, smaller diameter braids as backing material (to replace other backing materials) and get 20-30% more line on the reels. This capability became a distinct advantage when tangling with large saltwater or freshwater gamefish.

Since the new braids are not hollow, blind splicing of the braid to fly lines or monofilaments was no longer an option for joining lines together. To accomplish line connections, the knots I found to be most effective are;

A 50 turn Bimini to create a “double line braid” for attaching to a larger diameter leader or mono backing
A 4 turn Surgeons knot*
A Stu Apte improved blood knot*
A double uni-knot
*In each of these knots, the number of turns depends on two things; the diameter of each line (how dissimilar) and the type of line material (same or dissimilar). The angler must tie these knots and test and fish them to ascertain whether they will cinch up properly or simply slip out. Experience will teach you how the different materials and diameters will affect the overall performance of these knots.

On the Water
Both Dave and I have used the new Cortland Masterbraid on both spinning and casting reel applications. I spooled up 20# line on two of my charter boat rod/reel outfits and used them throughout the summer. I have had the opportunity to observe my clients casting with the braid versus casting monofilament line of similar diameters. In most cases, the Cortland Masterbraid outperformed the monofilaments for distance, hookup sensitivity and abrasion resistance. This was especially true for the casting reel outfit; I found my clients experienced fewer spool backlashes because the line exhibits little or no memory and the inherent moderate stiffness. I have to admit that most anglers (including myself at one time) prefer to use monofilament lines over braids, but I encourage anglers to try Cortland Masterbraid in applications where casting distance, spool capacity, hookup sensitivity and abrasion resistance are a priority, you won’t be disappointed.

Conclusion:

The new Cortland Masterbraid Stiff Super Braid adds a new dimension to angling for large gamefish. The casting and fish fighting capabilty out performs monofilament type lines in many applications. Be aware of the knot tying requirements when attaching braids to other line materials.

Introduction:
With almost 100 years of braiding experience and technology, Cortland Line is proud to introduce the next generation of “Premium Super Braid” - Master Braid. A premium super braid constructed using all the best features of Cortland's legendary Spectron braided line, but with a unique coating that makes the braid permanently stiff. Master Braid is constructed in a way that makes it rounder, which means less twist, greater accuracy, longer casts. and extended life. A proprietary Cortland process bonds the color and finish into the fibers of the braid eliminating fading or flaking of the color and stiffening agent. With only four percent stretch, small diameter per pound test ratio, and a unique hydrophobic coating that slices through the water and comes back dry, Master Braid delivers greatly enhanced fishing qualities and performance. Master Braid is very easy to use and works equally well on both spinning and conventional gear.
Available in: 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 80, 130, and 200 pound test in spools. Spool sizes: 150 yards to 2500 yards. Available colors: Sea Green-Yellow-Bronzeback Brown.

Technical Review:
For as long as I can remember, I have chosen Cortland Micron as a backing material for the fly shop I owned as well as for my personal use. About 5 years ago the new super braids arrived on the scene. I found that I could use the stronger, smaller diameter braids as backing material (to replace other backing materials) and get 20-30% more line on the reels. This capability became a distinct advantage when tangling with large saltwater or freshwater gamefish. Since the new braids are not hollow, blind splicing of the braid to fly lines or monofilaments was no longer an option for joining lines together. To accomplish line connections, the knots I found to be most effective are;

Conclusion:
The new Cortland Masterbraid Stiff Super Braid adds a new dimension to angling for large gamefish. The casting and fish fighting capabilty out performs monofilament type lines in many applications. Be aware of the knot tying requirements when attaching braids to other line materials.

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