braid has an approximate (depending on what kind) diameter of 1/3 mono of the equivalent # test rating....for example, 65# PowerPro has the diameter of 18# mono.....
there are many braids to choose from, like fireline, powerpro, stealth, whiplash(discontinued) , everyone has their favorites.
Mono has some stretch to it, don't know the exact percentage but I think its something like 25%? Braid has no stretch, allowing you to feel EVERYTHING which can be a great advantage but hard to get used to after fishing mono for a while.
Braid is good for alot of things, like plugging from the surf, fishing lures, all that stuff, but mono is preferred by most chunk fisherman. When fishing braid it is important to have a "top-shot" of mono, of variable lengths depending on the fish you are after. I use a 3' mono topshot when trolling for bluefish, but a 50' for cod jigging....so its greatly dependant on the species your after.
I like powerpro alot, everyone has there own opinions and I have heard more than once about "bad batches" of powerpro. my batches seem to be great, I love its limpness, sensitivity, small diameter and strength compared to mono, and fished in cold weather its alot easier in my opinion. mono is easier to tie knots with though. ive fished both but overall i like braid more
as for durability, most braids can be left on your reels for like 2 years, when mono should be changed often, like once a month depending on how much fishing you do.
I dont have alot of experience, im only a 15 yr old kid whos been fishing the salt for a year but I have learned alot from these boards so much of my information has been taken from what I have learned here, coupled with the little experience I have.
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