Rapala - Sensithin line -

[REW]

Based on a comment that I read here last week, I picked up a spool of 4 lb and 6 lb finesse Rapala line.

I also picked up a spool of 4 lb and 6 lb Berkley Sensithin line.

I have fished with the sensithin line for a couple of years and have liked its no stetch properties (for mono).

I happened to try to break the 4 lb sensithin and found it very difficult to break.
So, I did a break test on each of the 4 lines. I tied each line around a brrom stick handle, so that there was no kinking, then put the end of the broom stick in a scale to measure the breaking strength.

I found the results rather interesting. I will all use all of the lines but did find the results interesting:

Line Breaking Strength
Rapala 4 lb-----4.1 lb
Rapala 6 lb-----6.2 lb

Berkley Sensithin 4 lb----7.3 lb
Berkley Sensithin 6 lb----9.3 lbs.

I did notice that the diameter of the rapala 4 lb line is about the same diameter as berkelys 2lb trilene. Berkleys trilen breaks at 4.2 lbs - so it does seem that the mono diameter does have a fairly large correlation between breaking strength and size.

The previous post was correct - the rapala finesse line is certainly limp and flexible and should certainly be an outstanding line for live bait fishing, where you want maximum limpness for that application.

Take care

REW

[JKJ]

REW,

Do you know the line diameters for the Berkly and Rapala you tested?

Great post as usual,
Thanks.

[cmb]

interesting indeed! I was just at wall mart (less than an hour ago) looking at the rapala line. I put it back after comparing its diameter to the sensithin. I found myself wondering if it would be as strong as the berlky line. I'll wonder no more and am glad I put it back. not that there is anything wrong with an 8lb line breaking at 8lbs but I am used to using lines like sensithin that are considerably tougher than theit min. rating.

[sean caldwell]

I used the Rapala line this last weekend. I found the Finesse to be very soft at the 6lb test. Knot strenght was great and very fishable in a snaggy river. The line did seem to give more easily than other lines. However, I am more used to using 8lb lines. Also, my 3/8 oz. jigs felt like cannon balls and I was a little annoyed by that. Usually, I can barely get those jigs down to the bottom in the currents and wind. But I was nice to think I might even be able to use a 1/4 oz. with this line. Not that I had any and the eyes were mostly interested in live bait rigs, well … for everyone else.

I also used the 10lb Tough. Not to shabby of a line. Strong, great castablity, smooth, and excellent knot strenght. Worked good for using bottom bouncers and crank baits. Seams to be as thick at the berekey stuff but much softer.

The 10lb Tough line would be an excellent bass fishing line.

Both lines have very good abrasion resistance.

My only problem with them is they both have a memory problem. I did have my fare share of tip taggels. But after a few casts the line streghtend out fairly quickly. And was much easier to work with.


Overall I would give both lines a grade of a B.
This line might become my general use line. Good stuff and I am a tough grader of service and products.

Good luck this summer.

sean

[Jim Carroll]

REW- Did you test the lines wet? I'm curious if the results would change if the lines were soaked for 24 hours...

I am also in search of a new line. I have always used Trilene XL in the past but like many others here I had some problems with twist and durability last year. I assumed it was a bail roller problem but after reading all the posts here on WC I've come to the conclusion that Berkley has done something to the formulation of XL that has diminished its qualities. JC

[Eyelander]

Did these lines break at the knot?? If so which ones? What type of knot was used in the test?
I have never tested line but I read an interesting post on this and the way this gentleman tested his line was : Tie both ends to a swivel using a palomar knot, hang one end from a hook on the ceiling and add weight to the other end. This will give you an idea on what the line can withstand but even more importantly the knot srength also. Just my 2 cents.

[John]

I'm not real experienced yet, but I was at a walleye class this spring taught by a PWT pro. He likes using Sensithin 14# for trolling with in-line planer boards, because it is roughly the same diameter as 10#, and you can still use the Precision Trolling book depth figures. I'll be trying it very soon.