All fishing magazines and equipment product reviews
Line Review
Sufix Performance Braid
Date: February- March 2006
Reviewer:Capt. Dave Beshara
Introduction:
Sufix Performance Braid is the next generation of microfilament technology. The most cutting edge Digital Y6 Braiding machines make for the smallest diameter, longest casting, and quietest braided fishing line ever produced. This line was bred in the harsh conditions of saltwater and fine tuned for freshwater tournament applications. Performance Braid has every characteristic that a serious tournament angler demands for the rigors of competition.
Specifications:
Performance Braid is available in 150, 300 and 1200 yd. spools, in Hi-Vis Yellow and Lo-Vis Green.
Equivalent Monofilament Diameter
2
4
6
8
12
17
20
25
40
Diameter in Inches
0.006
0.008
0.009
0.011
0.014
0.016
0.018
0.021
0.024
Pound Test Offered
6
10
20
30
50
65
80
100
130
Review:
Recently I was introduced to Sufix Performance Braid in the Hi-Vis Yellow, 20 and 30 lb. test. We were fishing tarpon in White Water Bay in the Florida Everglades. The 30 lb. test braid has a diameter equivalent to 8 lb. test monofilament. The strength of line was required because we targeting tarpon in the 80 + pound class. The small diameter afforded me the luxury of being able to cast a small plug some 130 feet or so. This capability gives the angler an opportunity to cover more water on each cast. I was pleased and impressed with the performance of the Sufix braid with respect to; knot strength, visibility, abrasion resistance and the no-stretch characteristic that improves hook-setting and sensitivity.
The knots I found to be most effective were;
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. Check the Sufix web site for other acceptable knots.
Conclusion:
The new Performance Braid from Sufix adds a new dimension to angling for large gamefish. The casting and fish fighting performance clearly out performs monofilament type lines. Be aware of the knot tying requirements when attaching braids to other line materials.
