Berkley Fireline Fused Crystal

[Rooger]

Anyone have any reviews on this line? I found a gift card in my wallet for Big 5 yesterday that was just begging to be spent. When I was running errands, I wanted to get a couple of filler spools, so I stopped in the local Big 5 to see what they had in the way of string (and gear in general) which wasn't much.

Anyway, I came across this fused crystal and thought I'd give it a try. Pretty pricey stuff! I've never heard of it so I thought I would look to the voice(s) of experience before I throw the receipt away.

I bought some 4# for my ultralight spinning reel, but as I was driving home, I started thinking that maybe "translucent" line defeats the purpose for such finesse gear. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help!

Rooger

[Bill K]

Roger. I have switched over to the Fireline Crystal on most of my reels (for main line) then use a 3-6 ft length of flouro leader, when I need it. I really like this line, just seems to work and hold up way better than Power Pro ever did for me.
As for the translustant part and disappearing under water, no. That is why I use the leader when I feel I want no line view, etc.
I think you will find Crystal works much better than any of the main line braids, etc.
Only you will decide by trying it and seeing how it compares, for you, again others you use. Bill K

[macinckirk]

Bill K

If you like it that much I have a 300 yd spool of 14lb that I got 2 years ago and tryed it 1 time on a spinning reel and hated it, so there is about 250 yards or so on this spool pm me your address and I'll send it to you

[snapitoff2002]

Haha.. I have the same spool Mac.. I have NEVER used it.. don't remember what I bought it for!

[big_gorilla]

Mac 14 on a spinning reel? Wow you must miss Orlando Wilson on tv. LOL

I never use more then 8 on a spinning reel but that's just me.

[Bill K]

I never use that heavy of line, especially on spin reels. 6-8 at the most. No problem that way. Over 8 will not work well, at all, on spin. It is fine on baitcasters.
Someone down your way could probably use it, or maybe Cooch's kid fishing events would like free line. Thanks anyway. BIll K

[macinckirk]

well its the size of 6lb test so they say so thats why I got it. but trust me it does not work to good on my 1000 stella's I think it may work on a 2500 or bigger

I know why I got it but it never work for me

LOL I cann't even give it away

maybe obi will take it since thats the reason I got it

[Rooger]

Thanks to all who commented. I guess I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

Great weekend to all!

Rooger

[brambo0311]

Stick with power pro or black water. They both make a hollow core and you can insert your flouro or mono leader inside. One drop of super glue and it's like a Chinese finger trap on your line. No knots. I like to use the rio or umpqua tapered fly fishing leaders, they hold better being tapered and are stronger being higher quality. It's an expensive set up, but lasts forever.

[Rooger]

Interesting technique - I've never heard of this before. I used to use blood knots until I finally figured out how to tie a uni to uni. I use power pro, but never noticed it being hollow. Is that a specific kind of PP? I didn't know there are different varieties.

[tunaman]

It's used a lot on the saltwater scene for many years, with Jerry Brown Line One spectra for instance.

Typically on the salt you seize the splice with thread or floss, using a series of half-hitches, as you don't rely on the Chinese puzzle-effect alone.

Freshwater might be OK, and given Brambo's recommendation I guess he's had enough experience with it to know... I personally leave the hollow braid for the salt and use 'solid' braid for my freshwater needs.

Also, knowing the challenge and level of effort of polishing and working the leader up into the braid (using braid splicing needles even) I don't see that this is more effective or practical than just braid to leader using the uni-to-uni.

Certainly makes for a clean, seamless splice though.

Roger