Power Pro / Spiderwire

[FisherDan]

I've been using PowerPro and Whiplash for the past 2+ years, Fireline before that. Just recently picked up a couple of spools of Spiderwire Stealth 20 lb. (Don't need 65 lb. down here in NC - no rocks and few jetties down this way.)

Here are my thoughts so far:

Before putting it on my reel, I tested the SS for knot strength. I basically use just three knots on PE braided lines, a 50-turn Bimini, the offshore swivel or catspaw knot, and a knot that I stumbled on that I call the zig-zag. It is very similar to Crazy Alberto’s knot but the turns are interwoven. One of the nice features of the zig-zag is that it can be used to connect two Bimini loops and I use it for connecting to the backing. I also use it for attaching shock leaders and here I finish it by taking a couple of extra wraps through the shock leader loop, ala the improved Albright. To test knot and line strength, I use a Manley 50 lb. spring scale that I’ve beefed up a little to keep it from self-destructing when the line breaks. My apparatus is crude, but it gives me a rough comparison of the knot strength of various knots and different brands of braid. All three knots tested above 28 pounds on my scale. The Biminis, and zig-zag shock leader knot consistently tested above 30 pounds. The strength of the line is impressive. I think that the Teflon coating may be a factor in the excellent knot strength. The knots are all much easier to tighten that the same knots using PowerPro. This also may be a factor in the consistency of the knot strength with SS vs. PP. I get varying results with PowerPro - some test above the published line rating some well below. With stealth knots are consistently well above the rated strength.

Next I checked the diameter with a dial caliper. To avoid crushing the line, I opened the jaws at different widths and just slipped the line into the slot. At 0.0105 inch it slips through easily with little or no contact. At 0.0095 it slips through with just a slight amount of drag. My estimate is that the diameter is about 0.010 +/-. I peg it at 0.25 mm. I think this is actually about 8 lb. diameter, maybe a little thicker, not the advertised 6 lb. diameter that the manufacturer claims, but still not too bad.

It’s unfortunate that Spiderwire has understated the line diameter and understated the line strength. If you are having problems loading your reel with enough SS line, you may consider stepping down to the next lower lb. test. I would say that 20 lb. Stealth is the equivalent of 30 lb. PowerPro in diameter and strength. Can’t speak to 30, 50, 65 lb. Stealth diameters and strength.

Finally, I spooled the 20 lb. SS on a 6500 Mag Elite and took it casting. The shock leader made up for what I had used up with my knot testing. I had a little more than 150 yd. from the backing knot to the sinker. (I wish Spider would sell the 20 lb. SS in 300 yd. spools.) During that first session, every cast was into the backing, I just couldn’t resist the urge to let it fly. It handled beautifully. Casts very well. I was very impressed. I almost has the feel of casting a good quality mono like Sufix Tritanium Plus, but quieter and smoother.

Both PowerPro and Stealth are very good lines. I think it is a matter of personal preference. For me, if Stealth holds up well and isn’t plagued by abrasion problems, it will become my preferred PE braid, displacing PowerPro.

Dan