Super Duper Backing?

[Kai]

I've heard rumors of some newfangled backing that is stronger and finer than dacron, allowing you to put substantiall more of it on your reel compared with dacron.

Anyone heard of this stuff? Anyone know what companies sell it?

 

[Joni]

I have heard of and use Gel Spun, which is a lot smaller in diameter so you can put more on. You can't cut this stuff with scissors, it is strong stuff, but have been around for quite awhile.
Any place that carries backing will have Gel Spun.

 

[Kai]

I have heard of and use Gel Spun, which is a lot smaller in diameter so you can put more on. You can't cut this stuff with scissors, it is strong stuff, but have been around for quite awhile.
Any place that carries backing will have Gel Spun.

Thanks

Just ordered some from Orvis for my new 8 weight rig. We'll see how it works out.

 

[Joni]

Thanks

Just ordered some from Orvis for my new 8 weight rig. We'll see how it works out.

You might want to connect your fly line to backing with an Albright knot. That Gel Spun will cut into your fly line.

 

[BigCliff]

The Gel Spun stuff works very well, but be very careful with it. It is very similar to "Spider Wire" and thus is extremely strong for its diameter. This also means it will cut skin much worse than mono or dacron.Just want to make sure all are aware, as I've heard of it getting looped around a finger and snipping it clean off.

 

[TheFlyMaster]

Yes be very careful with the super braid lines. I personally use Power Pro lines on all my spinning gear and been know to use it as short leader material when fly fishing for pike. I also use braid lines when fly fishing thick stuff like lily pads for bass. The super braids have virturly no stretch and most are very smooth to the touch. I've seen it more then once cut fingers when trying to pull snags free and normally straigtens out hooks before the line breaks, but depends on the line test. Up here where I live most anglers use braid not for more line capacity, but for greater line breaking strength, but at the same thickness of what they would normally use. IE 6lb mono diameter is equal to 20lb super braid.

I've never used any super lines for backing, I still stick with Dacron. It's served well so far, no need to change for me.

 

[Joni]

TheFlyMaster, one reason Gell Spu is so popular is the Large Arbors. They don't hold a lot of backing so the Gell Spun allowes you to put about double the amount.

 

[BigCliff]

Joni, that characteristic is one reason why I will never own some LA reels. the LA B'kill hasn't near enough room for backing. I much prefer one configured like the Lamson Velocity or Lightspeed. The Mid-arbor B'kill looks like a great compromise between backing capacity and arbor diameter to me.

 

[Joni]

Joni, that characteristic is one reason why I will never own some LA reels. the LA B'kill hasn't near enough room for backing. I much prefer one configured like the Lamson Velocity or Lightspeed. The Mid-arbor B'kill looks like a great compromise between backing capacity and arbor diameter to me.

Just got a Lamson Litespeed 1.5 in a trade and I don't blame you at all Cliff. NICE!I do use the LA Battenkill and so far have only seen the backing twice (knock on wood) but I was able to chase the fish.So, needless to say, I still like my LA's battenkill. I even have the #I on my 2 weight. Kinda cool looking.

 

[Questor]

The problem with superlines in a fly line is that it's thin and it will cut you. I have stuck with dacron because it is durable, is larger in diameter, is easy to handle, and reels are designed with dacron in mind. The super lines are also expensive without delivering value for most fly fishing applications.

Try it if you have a small reel that you want to increase the backing capacity of.