here is a bunch of info on braided/fused/etc lines (sorry Rod, i hope this does'nt overwhelm the FWR server
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I think that I should explain the difference between "Dyneema" and "Spectra" here:
Both ‘Spectra’ and ‘Dyneema’ are HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) fibers. However, Dyneema (Manufactured in Europe and Asia by Toyobo/Dyneema, DMS), is recognized as being of a slightly ‘lower quality’ than the American version "Spectra". (The quality of Dyneema generally is very good). Also, the individual filaments that make up a Dyneema yarn are smaller than individual fibers in a spectra yarn; this translates to better abrasion resistance.
The older style Dyneema ‘braids’ (manufactured in Europe) have many inherent problems in their use. Often the advantages gained whilst using them were outweighed by their many drawbacks. These Dyneema braids include the ones currently being sold under various labels by the big UK carp fishing / specialist angling tackle suppliers.
You might be thinking that these braided lines are nothing new?? You are correct; many of these items have been on the market for nearly 10 years. Spiderwire, one of the original ‘Super lines’ had made its mark with many carp anglers (especially on the overseas circuits) in the early 1990’s.
The development of these new age ‘Super lines’ has obviously been a slow but steadily progressing area. Certain varieties have sprung up along the road to where we find ourselves now, from the excellent Spiderline (a type of ‘fusion braid’) to the newer Spectra/Dacron Hybrids.
The term ‘Fusion’ comes from where the line is heated in manufacture, enabling the fibers to become ‘fused’ together to some degree. This process removes many (but not all) of the problems found in the earlier varieties. But still, all was not resolved... Wind knots still caused problems if the caster was not ever vigilant to the amount of tension applied when slowing casts / retrieving these lines. Also common, was its tendency to fray. It seems these lines would start to get ‘furry’ after only a few sessions. This was a serious issue when you consider the cost of these lines. The ‘fusing’ aspect of these products seemed to solve the problem
of ring wear also, but those nasty habits for knotting and tangles were still always present. The worst aspects to these ‘fused’ lines were their poor abrasion resistance.
I believe that the word fusion is misused in these products. (Spider Wire Fusion and Fireline) If you pull apart the line, you will find that the fibers in the structure are not fused with the exception perhaps of some fibers at the surface. They are coated with a plastic "skin" that binds the fibers together. The reason they get "Furry" is that the plastic skin is rubbed off the line, then the un-integrated fibers are exposed to every little abrasion and deteriorate quickly.
Incidentally, Spider Wire Fusion and Spectra lines should not be confused as being the same thing. Spectra line is soft and extremely flexible, whereas Spider Wire is stiff and hard, because its fibers are ‘fused’ together by heat as explained above.
Spider Wire Fusion is made with Spectra Fibers, but the fused lines are not braided. Braided structures tend to have better abrasion resistance sine the fibers are held in place through the braiding process.
The majority of braids that are currently in the carp fishing 'market place' are sinking versions. Some include 'Kevlar' in their make up, around 10-20%, this material is included to make the braid sink in the water, to some degree.
Kevlar (Para-Aramid fiber) is denser than water having a specific gravity of 1.38-1.44, unlike Dyneema, which has a specific gravity of 0.96 (Water is of course 1). The only 'problem' with Kevlar, is its negative reaction when exposed to UV light. Exposure to sunlight, over a long period of time, will reduce its strength by up to 40%, thereby lowering the overall ‘life’ of the line. Kevlar also stretches under tension, at a slightly different rate to that of Dyneema. This may cause undue stress on the Dyneema filaments making up the other 80% of the line, potentially causing a line failure. A similar problem was encountered when adding Dacron to Spectra (see below). Not something you want to hear when paying £60 odd for 600 meters!! Also Kevlar is very abrasive, not only to guides but also to itself. In dynamic bending, it is difficult to predict when Aramids will fail.
Other 'sinking' lines contain 'Polyester', in the same percentage amounts i.e.. 10-20%. This material is also added to make the finished product sink in the water. However, its abrasion resistant qualities are negligible, and it is added to the lines make up to reduce overall cost of manufacture. The only advantageous factor being, it does make the line sink.
The braid lines being sold under the labels of the big UK carp firms are generally manufactured in Europe (Holland) although, as I mentioned before, the quality of material used, Dyneema, is slightly inferior to that of Spectra.
No sinking version is, currently, manufactured in the US. Because they apparently have no need for one as they are mainly predator fishermen using lures. This does not mean however that one will not be coming on the market in the future. I understand ‘talks’ are in progress; we will have to wait and see on that one. But it will not contain either Kevlar or Polyester as, in my opinion, these materials are used to reduce manufacturing costs, as they are considerably cheaper to buy than Dyneema, which will set you back a 'mere' £2000 per Kilo, trade!
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Topic: Braided/No Stretch Lines etc. (Read 24919 times)