Fishing line companies and salespeople think nothing of asking $125 for a new fly line. That's $1.38 a foot for plastic-coated string. I recently bought two imported fly lines on line - a floating and a sinking line to be used in saltwater. The lines have no brand name on the box.* These lines cast beautifully; as well as any I have ever used. They arrived in the mail in two days. I had no trouble casting either line 90 feet - a 6wt. full sink and a 9wt. full floater. I can't yet speak to the durability of these lines - haven't used them enough - but these full fly lines cost less than $18 each! You can buy lines of several weights and test-cast them on your new fly-rod builds, or have your rod customers test cast different weight lines to see which weight line works best for them on their new rod. * Brand names may be added when U.S. importers name and package these lines for sale.

Phil,

These type posts would really be much more appropriate on a fly fishing forum somewhere. Thanks.

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Sorry, it won't happen again. I hoped this information would be useful to those learning to fly cast or those matching a new line to a newly built rod.

I have no problem with the post it fits well with rod building, just like previous posts concerning spinning and casting reels as well as braided line brands and knots. If it saves money and performs well I’m all for it. Just wish he would told us specifically where to get them.
Norm

Phil, do these lines come in hot and cold water types? And as Norman said, can you tell where to get them? thanks

The best I should say is to search for fly lines on the internet, check out the numerous entries, find one anonymous line at a price you like, and go from there. Personally, I doubt I'll pay over $18 from now on for a new fly line. I have no advice about temperature-specific lines. These days my fly lines are used in Florida, and the no-name lines I have bought so far have performed very well in warm/HOT temperatures.

I tried the search and found nothing but the usual brands. How about getting specific with a web address?

Amazon

I would suggest the top line costs are due, in part, to high tech material costs, design costs, R&D, etc. Yes, marketing and margin costs are also part of the equation. SA, Orvis and Rio all offer quality lines for $50 or less, so the market is being served. Clearly folks are buying the more expensive lines. As a demographic, fly fisherman tend to have high house hold incomes. Yes, you can get a lower cost line that may perform. It may not perform as well, or last nearly as long, with cracking being a major issue. In a previous post you complain about American Tackle Matrix not being produced in U.S.A., but now extol fly lines that are likely sourced out of China. That seems contradictory. You can buy decent lines from companies such as Blue Halo, also, for less than $50. A top tier fly line will cost $1 per foot, or a bit more. Consumers determine if it is worth it or not. It seems they have voted with their wallets in the affirmative.