As we test products, we define the qualities we are looking for and we identify the product that best suits our needs. As far as fluorocarbon is concerned, after several more or less satisfactory tests, I chose the Top Knot from Yo-Zuri.
Transparent but not shiny
First of all, if this point is not determining by dirty waters and dark weather, I admit that when the light is important and the waters are clear as it is regularly the case in Brittany, the transparency is part of my selection criteria for the leaders. It brings an additional discretion not negligible in these often difficult conditions. On this point, the Yo-Zuri is very satisfactory, because it has a refractive index close to that of water.
High linear resistance
The second point that interests me is obviously the solidity, because it conditions the good management of the fights on the big fishes and avoids us to lose too many lures during the hookings.
In terms of linear resistance, the Yo-Zuri Top Knot is amazing! I have not made any scientific measurements so I can't attest to the advertised values, but with use, it turns out that this fluorocarbon has never betrayed me and I thus allow myself to go down in leader diameter. I've used more impressive models from competitors, notably Seaguar, but the price range is totally different. Thus, I use the 33/100 (15lbs) with a PE1.5, the 28/100 with a PE1.2 and finally the 26/100 with a PE1. These combinations are consistent in terms of strength and with an FG knot, I don't have any breakage at this level.
A perfect knot hold
Yo-Zuri's Top Knot fluorocarbon has excellent knot strength. Since it retains a good flexibility and has very little memory, it does not mark when tying knots, whether it is a spoon knot or palomar knot which I use most often. The glide is good when wet and the fluorocarbon remains intact after tightening.
Excellent abrasion resistance
Being a 100% fluorocarbon model, its resistance to abrasion is also excellent. You will notice that, unlike nylon, fluorocarbon is hard and therefore more resistant when rubbing against rocks or fish teeth. The downside is that they often lose their flexibility. This is not the case with this fluorocarbon model.
Excellent value for money
For a price between 10 and 12 euros the reel of 27 meters in the most often used diameters (20 to 37/100). The Yo-Zuri Top Knot fluorocarbon has a very good quality-price ratio, that's why, among the different models tested, I chose this reference.
