YGK Jigman WX4 : First Look

After trying the YGK X-3 Soul I got pretty much hooked with the braids produced by this amazing Japanese Company.  I think YGK is a step ahead in term of braid quality and this something I also heard around anglers when I was in Tokyo.
Anyway, I had the chance to buy a nice spoolf of YGK JigMan WX4 for my new Biomaster SW reel. I was looking for a 2PE capable of dealing with medium heavy fishes and this was the best choice in terms of quality/cost ratio.
I took some photos to share in my blog. The line is a 30LB , 4 strand PE line that comes with 5 colors (10mm for color). The reason is (as the name says) that this braid is originally designed for vertical jigging but  there is no problem in using for casting setups.

The spool is the famous DOUGHNUT. It allows easy spooling. 

The strands are quite tightly woven and the line appears thin for a 30LB breaking strength. The line doesn't look very slick (as the Slick 8 by Power Pro) but it gives you more confidence and looks to be more resistant to fraying.
Anyway, only time and repeat casting will give better idea about the quality of this line.

30lb for PE2.

Here is what the YGK english page says about the line:

Same four-strand Super PE base line as conventional Jig Man with compacted braiding for high durability and strength stability. Highly sensitive, all-around economy jigging line also suitable for casting. Specialty sheath processing for reduced friction with guides and resistance during reel-out. High performance for beginners and pros alike. New five-color (10m interval) version. 


I have added a detailed photo of the braid:

5 colors for the WX4. 

MORE INFO: YGK JIGMAN WX4  / YGK ENGLISH PAGE

Review: YGK G-soul X3

Here is an interesting PE line. YGK is a very famous and respected Japanese brand of PE line. I actually consider them to be at the top together with Varivas.

 I was eager to try the brand but given the high prices of the latest 4 and 8 strand models I have always took a step back and didn't have the courage to spend all that cash on a PE line.
I was, however, lucky enough to find about the lowest and cheapest model of the YGK brand: the G-Soul X3.

On paper it is supposed to be something not worth buying: only "3" strands Dyneema braid sold at a very cheap price (1200-1500YEN). I started doing some researches and read positive opinions about it, enough to convince to give it a try.

During that period I had just purchased the Shimano ELF reel 2000s for some LRF action and I was looking for a 0.4 PE to fill the spool. After a couple of google searches I found the PE online and ordered it.

How it is? Well, the first impression I got was very good. Before even pooling it I have touched and analyzed the braid closely and the smoothness surprised me a lot. I almost couldn't tell the difference between this 3 strand and a regular 8 strand like the Shimano PP 8 Slick. I was, in other words, very baffled by the first impression it gave to me. I read about the special YGK coating that give superb finish and smoothness.
The braid was a 0.4PE which is very thin but somehow the smoothness gives an extra feel of "thinness" and strength. I think YGK did a great job with tightening the strands.

Finally last week I have  used it and I can give my first "on the field" impressions about it.

Castability: The braid casts great. Period. It is thin and it never created me any problem during my casts. I was able to shoot lures at great distances. No bird nests so far.

Line Retrieving: Here is the only spot where this line loses some points. The PE just twists a lot. It is supposed to be round (and feels like it) but during the retrieve I couldn't help but notice that the line got twisted. As for the reel, the Elf managed the line without problem. See photo

Line is smooth and well laid on the spool. I think the merit goes to both the
line and the reel.

Noise: It is smooth but I think not as smooth like a 8 strand (obvious I guess). I could hear some guide noise during the retrieve. Nothing major or annoying for me.

Feel: The line felt good after every cast. No worry for bird nests.

Durability: Very early to tell. The color is still vivid and I don't see any fray or damage after at least 50 - 60 casts. I need some more time for this.

Overall: Definitely a great buy. Accessing the quality of YGK with only 15-20 dollars for a 100 mt spool. It is a 3 strand and in a period were 8 strand rules the market seems like a bad choice but you will be impressed.  Quality/price ratio is unbeatable.  I would go with this braid in other PE diameters too.
The line twist is the only downside of this product but it didn't bother me much.
Last bonus is the spool. A patented design that allows an easy spool filling. Ingenious stuff.

Give it a try!

Looks and feels good on the spool. No problem handling this thin braid with
the Shimano Elf.

Source: YGK
Where to buy: Japan Tackle  , Samurai Tackle

Seaguar Kanzen Braid

I was looking around (as usual) and found this braid from a very reputable company such as Seaguar. Seaguar is know for its high quality fluorocarbon lines, and now they came up with this braid named Kanzen
According to the interview below, it is a three and four strand braid. From 6lb to 20lb it is a 3 strand and from 20lb + is a four strand. Nowadays we have 8 strand braids so I am not sure how it would be the 3 strand version braid compare in today's market but I have already found a great three strand braid in the YGK X-3 G-Soul braid so I am tempted to try it. It is not very expensive and the name behind this product should not disappoint either.
I'll research is more and see what is the response from the angling world.

Click here for details.

Power Pro Super 8 Slick: First Impressions

I have been lure fishing for years and until now I have only tried and used a bunch of braids. My first choice has been the TUF Line XP. A braid that I used with good success for years. A regular 4 strand braid with good castability and abrasion resistance. I had friends who used the regular Power Pro saying that it was the best braid out there. In all these years I have tried it only once on my friend's reel and I didn't see much of a difference compared to the TUF line. It was good but in my opinion not any better than the Tuf XP.
Last year, after extensive reading on the net, I decided to switch to a 8 strand braid made by Varivas (Super PE) and I was quite pleased with the smoothness and the overall small diameter of the braid. I quickly felt  the  the difference of four strands vs eight strands.The advantage of 8 strands was so clear that I decided to stick with it for my future purchases. Just when I was about to ditch the TUF line and the Power Pro, I read about the new Power Pro Super 8 Slick braid. My first thought was "If Power Pro is good, a 8 strand version must be even better". I finally placed an order over the net and this week I received my Power Pro Super 8 Slick from Cabelas. 

10 lb test 150 yards

It is still on the box and I haven't spooled it yet. For now I will just give my first impressions and later do a proper test on the water. I got a 10lb aqua green color spool.

Aqua Green color looks much better than the previous green.

At first look, the aqua green color is an improvement over the "old classic" dark green. It looks fresh and the color is bright enough to be seen in the water. Not as flashy as the yellow but still easy to spot in the water without scaring fishes.
The braid looks tight woven, round and neat. There isn't anything sloppy or presence of frayed fibers.

The braid is smooth.

Time to spool it on my Elf 2500.

At the  touch, I can easily tell the difference with a regular Power Pro. This things is smooth as silk. The 8 strands do really feel great. Compared to the Varivas I couldn't tell much of a difference. It is just smooth. Maybe it is a little larger in diameter than the Super PE at a similar breaking strength but still feels light and silky.

The question is how it casts and how it resists abrasion. Also wind knots are a big question. These are details that need to be checked on the field. Details coming soon...

Info:


8 yarn Spectra Fiber.
Available sizes: 10,15,20,30,40,50,65,80lb
Available colors: Hi-Vis Yellow, Aqua Green, Timber Brown and Marine Blue)
Price:   $19.99 for 150 yd (135 mt)