Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Berkley Crystal FireLine?

Has any one tried the new (to me) Berkley Crystal FireLine?
Berkley claims three times the break strength, at one-third the diameter of mono.

I have been searching some time for fishing line line/leader material for leader shy fish, that is low visibility, high strength, and small diameter.

I tested the 10# rated “Crystal” with comparative diameter of 4# test mono, and the break strength is fairly consistent at 6-7#’s.
The line breaks at the knot.

I’m returning it to exchange for 14# test, 6# mono diameter equivalent, hoping for at least a 10# break strength, in order to land fish more quickly to avoid excess stress.

The material is a “micro dyneema braid, a clear coating over GsP yarn”.
It is basically translucent white and not Crystal clear.

My testing is rather crude with a digital scale rather than sophisticated line testing equipment, but does give a fair break strength percentage.

I’ll report further results but curious if any else has tried this stuff?

I use Berkley Fireline in the smoke gray color. I have not seen the Crystal color. I like Fireline a lot! I find it much easier to detect bites than with traditional mono.

I use a Palomar knot which I have read is the best for these "superlines" like Fireline or Spiderwire.

I have never measured the breaking strength. Be careful pulling with bare hands if you get hung up - it WILL cut your hand.

Frank

Swapped 10# Berkley FireLine Crystal fishing line for 14# line with diameter of 6# test mono.

Tied triple surgeon loop knot on one end of line, and tied “modified” improved clinch knot to large split ring on other end.

Loop knot around truck trailer hitch ball and other end of line with split ring secured to boga scale.

Line broke at clinch knot, above “maxed out” 15# mark on Boga, at estimated 16+#’s.

Not scientific test, but good enough to land any fish in our pond.
Will use for fly line leader/tippet material.

george, are you getting the knot and the line wet before doing your test? A quick jerk on a low strecth braided line can superheat the knot and burn through it fairly quickly when it's completely dry. As a standard practice I always like to make sure my super braids have "soaked" a short time before doing any moderate hook sets.

Yep Shorty, I wet 'em down real good.
I'm particular about my knots.

I am very pleased with the 14# line test exceeding the specifications.

Last evening and this morning, landed 4+# HSB through dense FA and water primrose sucessfully.
Never possible with previous 6# test mono.

Somewhat off the subject. But where are you guys buying your Fireline?? and at what price??
I have been getting mine from www.activesportsman.com
You have to email them as it is not on the website. I just bought 125 yds, 14lbs, of crystal, smoke, and flame green at $19 a spool delivered. Good stuff.

Didn't work out for leader material.
Coating washed off gsp line - turned white.
Fish became very leader shy - changed back to mono and fish starting biting...