I've noticed how some blanks have a higher line rating for braid then they do for mono/flouro. Does anyone know why? I'm just curious for the reasoning. Is it because braid doesn't stretch? Or is it the fact that braid is a thinner line? Can you use like 15lb braid safely with any rod that is specified for up to 14lb's. Any info or ideas why will be greatly appreciated.

Michael,

Yes, you could use 15 lb braid on a rod which has a line rating to 14 lbs.

The main thing is to not over flex the blank, (deflect it beyond 90 degrees), or pop it while trying to get a lure loose. I have had customers break a rod with 6 lb floro on a rod rated to 10 -12 lbs by setting a drag too tight and letting the fish run under the boat without dropping the rod tip into the water to minimize the tip deflection. I think it is a situation of using good judgement with a rod blank.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

Okay, I just thought it was kinda odd that some manufactors would put a braided line rating and a mono/flouro line rating with the blank

I think it has more to do with comparable line diameters than anything else.

You can use any line on any rod, you just have to have your drag set correctly so the rod is not over powered by the line. Lighter lines on heavier rated blanks don't work well since they don't benefit from the flex of the rod blank. ie, a rod rated for 15 # test is not going to work very well with 4# test line.

Okay, I was just curious why some blanks just had two different ratings for braid and for mono. Like these point blank blanks from get bit [www.getbitoutdoors.com]

I would suggest ( do as you will ) put a mono leader on your braid -- You need something that will break And your main line may not And i am sure you don't want the rod to break

Bill - willierods.com

Mike, you're on the right track. The different ratings are to allow for the fact that braid doesn't stretch. So typically, you use a braid that is higher breaking strain than mono to allow for the lack of stretch. Mono's stretch allows for the sudden rush by the fish and absorbs it whereas braid doesn't. The stretch allows you to catch fish using lighter mono. Look at the records even up to marlin where fishermen have caught on a 20:1 ratio ie 1000lb fish to 50lb line. cant do that with braid.

This issue is complicated by the fact that braid ratings are totally inaccurate unlike most mono. I think this had a lot to do with IGFA rules. Paulus' website shows actual breaking strain of various lines sent in by fishermen which he tested for free and put the results for all to see. Unfortunately, following his heart issues, he's stopped this service. If the braid rating is in PE then this is a Japanese method and uses diameter rather than breaking strain. More reliable even though breaking strains will vary for the same diameter. I don't understand why manufacturers, even such as Berkley, Western Filament, way under rate braid breaking strain. Totally useless info for fishermen, more for selling imo. Sad that they seem to resort to provide rubbish info in order to sell their products.

Thank you ken, that makes total sense, I'll check out that website.