Riddle me this.. How much backing to Braid??

[planter]

I sure can't figure it out but I'm NOT very bright. The reel is a 3500B that can hold 305 yards of 8lb line.

Problem is I want to back up 20lb Spiderwire with 17lb big game. How could I ever know how much of the backing to put on to use up the entire spool (150yds) of braid on top of it.
$35.00 bucks each for two new Baitrunner spools. Could have got them a little cheaper on line but I Petes not in business I won't have a place to yak and but chunking meat...

[Saltheart]

Best way is to wind it onto a second spool inside out . You cut the backing when the spool is full where you like it then rewind onto the second spool backing side in and it comes out perfect.

[planter]

Saltheart.... That is so simple. I swear that even though I have extra spools I never even thought to reel the braid first onto one spool followed by the backing and then just reverse the process onto a fresh spool!! Your the greatest.

You should be a moderator!!!!

[Frankiesurf]

Holy crap am I an idiot. I have been trying to figure that out by doing the math. I usually come close but not exactly where I wanted it. That idea makes much more sense.

[planter]

Frankiesurf I was trying to do the math as well and can't even balance my check book. My 16 YO boy even laughed it off when I asked him to figure it out and he is a little math genius.

Sigh... Age is gonna be the death of me.

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by Saltheart

Best way is to wind it onto a second spool inside out . You cut the backing when the spool is full where you like it then rewind onto the second spool backing side in and it comes out perfect.

I used to do it that way when I wanted it perfect.. Now I don't worry about perfect much so now I just put enough backing on to cover the spool a few times..

[nightfighter]

I've gone to electrical tape on the empty spool, and eliminating the backing. As long as I lay the initial couple dozen turns of braid carefully, with proper tension, covering the spool base with a couple layers, I have not had any issues. I use PowerPro, and some Suffix.

[trophyfishing]

I'm right there with ya on the electrical tape method.

[planter]

I like the electrical tape idea but a 300yard spool of 50lb/12lb diameter Power Pro won't fill a 4500BTR spool. Do they make a larger filler spool for the average Joe??

I guess it would fill a 3500BTR with no problem but I doubt I want 50 lb on a 3500. This is gonna be my first time trying the braids and I never minded a nice fresh Mono so I am really not sure what I am trying to gain. Sometime I get so confused.