Choosing a new main line used to be fairly straightforward. These days, there are so many options that it can be difficult to know what’s actually worth buying.
The Most Recommended Main Lines
Shimano Technium
Despite some controversy surrounding the infamous “Bobco batch”, Shimano Technium is still one of the most trusted lines around.
Several anglers reported years of faultless use, praising it for being:
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Tough and abrasion resistant
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Low stretch
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Smooth casting
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Long-lasting on the reel
However, many anglers are still cautious after reports of a batch sold cheaply by Bobco that could apparently be snapped with surprisingly little force. While some tested theirs and found no problems at all, others threw multiple spools away after losing confidence in it.
Gardner GT-HD
GT-HD also received plenty of recommendations.
Most users praised it for:
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Excellent abrasion resistance
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Good casting performance
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Sinking well
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Good value for money
Although a handful of anglers felt recent batches had become more twisted or wiry than they remembered, plenty still consider it one of the safest all-round choices.
Thinking Anglers OGX
OGX appears to have built a very loyal following.
Comments included:
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“Best line I’ve ever used.”
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Casts brilliantly.
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Nice amount of stretch.
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Behaves well on the reel.
Several anglers have switched from Synchro and GT-HD to OGX and haven’t looked back.
Korda Kaizen Mono
Kaizen has quickly become another popular option.
Users liked:
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Low memory
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Very little coiling
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Smooth casting
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Good sinking properties
One angler even reported reels left loaded since the previous autumn still performed perfectly months later.
ESP Synchro XT
This line divided opinion more than any other.
Some anglers still swear by it, especially for snag fishing and its subtle underwater colour.
Others believe the formula has changed in recent years, saying it has become:
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More wiry
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Less supple
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Doesn’t last as long
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Not the line it once was
According to discussion on the thread, ESP confirmed the original XT now shares the same coating/formula as Loaded, with the main difference now being colour rather than performance.
Other Lines Worth Mentioning
Several other lines received positive comments:
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Fox Exocet Pro
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Gardner Pro
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Gardner Dark Blend
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PB Hybron
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Berkley Trilene XL
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Fox Carp Mono
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Daiwa Sensor (still popular thanks to its price)
So Which One Would You Choose?
If the thread proves anything, it’s that confidence counts for a lot. One angler’s favourite is another angler’s nightmare, and factors like casting distance, weed, snags and budget all influence what works best.
That said, these seemed to be the standout performers:
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Shimano Technium (current batches)
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Gardner GT-HD
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Thinking Anglers OGX
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Korda Kaizen Mono
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ESP Synchro XT (although opinions are now mixed)
Over to You…
What main line are you currently using?
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Shimano Technium
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Gardner GT-HD
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OGX
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Kaizen
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ESP Synchro XT
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Fox Exocet Pro
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Something else?
Has your favourite line changed over the last few years, or have you found one you’ll never switch away from?