Check the diameter before buying a new braided line, particularly the newer sinking braided lines. Braided lines continue to grow in popularity while targeting many fish species, including bass, walleye, and panfish. The advent of Forward Facing Sonar is changing the dominant techniques being used for these species. This article goes in-depth on those impacts. 

Japanese Produced Braided Lines

With many of the popular braided lines being made in Japan, you need to check the diameter of a braided line before choosing your line size. Line companies in Japan use a different rating system for their braided lines and manufacture them to a different diameter standard than what is common in the United States.

In Japan, companies are required to make their lines to a specific diameter range for each lb test. This policy ensures lines rated at a specific lb test will break at that lb test for true accuracy.

Denier Measures Strength

The true measure of a line or fiber is the denier rating. Denier is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. The mass in grams per 9000 meters of fiber provides a true measure of the strength of a line or fiber. It allows the strength of different materials to be compared regardless of the diameter. 

One fiber may have a higher breaking strength because it is larger, but that does not mean it is stronger; it is only thicker in diameter. Denier allows fibers to be tested and compared regardless of diameter for a true comparison. 

EFTTA Line Charter

European companies selling lines are also held to a similar standard for diameters with the EFTTA Line Charter. The charter is a pledge by over 35 line manufacturers stating they will only manufacture lines that meet agreed-upon standards. 

A few of those include:

• Print on their products clear and accurate descriptions in terms of diameters and breaking strength that are easy to understand.
• Truthful and respectful of consumer protection laws and industry standards, in Compliance with the ISO 2062 Standards.
• Run quality controls in sufficient quantities and often enough to ensure that product labels are always accurate.
• Not to use any other labeling in terms of breaking strength that is not scientifically demonstrated or agreed upon by the industry to avoid any confusion among consumers leading to unfair competition.

Line Diameter Requirements in the United States

So, what about the US? There are no such guidelines or charters in the US market regulating diameters. Line companies can produce and label a line with any lb test they want. What better way to make a line seem stronger than it really is than to make a larger line and label it with a lower lb test? This will make the line seem much stronger than it really is. An angler thinks the line is strong but doesn't realize they are fishing with a much larger line size.

If an angler were to catch a record fish using one of these inflated lines, the record would not be upheld when they submitted the record-catching line for testing. This is not illegal in the US, as no diameter requirements are enforced. This discrepancy in diameters is why you should look at the diameter of each lb test of the braided line before you buy.  The example below shows a comparison of a few popular sizes.

Sunline manufactures their lines to strict diameter tolerances that require a specific diameter range for each lb test. These diameter specifications are held across the globe for any line we offer. 

These two articles provide more information about the importance of line diameter in other types of fishing lines:

Why you should buy fishing line based on diameter not lb test.

The importance of line diameter when cranking. 

The First Sinking Braided Line in the US Market

The Research and Development Department engineers at Sunline are continuously seeking innovative solutions to improve angling experiences. With the introduction of the groundbreaking Almight Sinking PE Braided Line, Sunline has filled a void in the braided line market. With precision and performance in mind, this sinking braided line addresses some of the most common frustrations that anglers face—line drift, bowing, and inconsistent lure control.

Offering a unique blend of durability, sensitivity, and versatility, Almight is quickly becoming a must-have tool for serious anglers, particularly those utilizing forward-facing sonar techniques.

Why Sinking Braided Line?

Traditionally, braided lines have been a favorite among anglers for their strength, sensitivity, and low stretch. However, one major drawback of these lines, especially when used on spinning reels, is their tendency to float or bow on the water's surface. This can cause a significant loss of control, particularly in windy conditions or when fishing in deep waters.

Sunline recognized this problem and developed the Almight Sinking PE Braided Line—the only sinking braided line available in the US market. With a specific gravity of 1.48, Almight is 50% heavier than traditional braided lines, allowing it to sink faster and more effectively. This rapid sinking ability helps reduce line drift and the bow caused by wind and waves, providing anglers with more control and better contact with their lures. For more information on why to use a sinking braid, click here. 

Key Benefits of Almight

Sinking Ability

One of the standout features of the Almight Sinking Braided Line is its rapid sink rate. By sinking quickly after the cast, Almight minimizes line drift and bow, resulting in superior lure control. This feature makes Almight an excellent choice for deep-water presentations, such as "minnow shaking," where a quick and precise fall can make all the difference in getting a bite or not.

With less slack and reduced line drift, anglers will experience improved sensitivity and better contact with the bottom when employing shaky head or drop shotting techniques. This increased sensitivity enhances bite detection, even when fishing in deep or challenging conditions. Almight helps maintain a straight line from reel to lure, allowing for immediate reaction to subtle bites, which can be the key to landing fish.

The sinking nature and design of Almight is particularly beneficial for spinning reels, which are prone to line bow and twist due to their design. By quickly sinking and staying straight, Almight improves control over the presentation, and reduces the opportunity for line twist and those pesky wind knots.

Durable Construction

Crafted with a four-plus-one fiber design, the Almight Sinking Braided Line combines four external strands of PE with a high-specific gravity core at the center. This unique construction provides outstanding durability, maintaining strength even in harsh conditions. Anglers can trust Almight to withstand rugged cover and retain strength and durability.

Two Color Options

Almight is available in two color options: Pink and Olive Camo, each catering to different fishing needs. The pink color offers high visibility, making it easier for anglers to track their line. At the same time, the olive camo provides a more stealthy presentation for wary fish. 

Various Breaking Strengths

Whether targeting smaller species or chasing larger catches, Almight has various breaking strengths—7lb, 11lb, 13lb, 16lb, and 18lb—and is available in a 165-yard spool. This makes it versatile enough to suit a wide range of fishing styles, from finesse techniques to heavy-duty battles with big fish.

How to Choose the Right Line for You

When choosing what lb test Almight is the best for you, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Sunline manufactures its lines according to strict diameter tolerances that require a specific diameter range for each lb test. These diameter specifications are held across the globe for any line offered. Japanese laws require line companies selling lines in the Japanese domestic market to label lines with a specific lab test based on pre-determined diameter ranges. This policy ensures lines rated at a specific lb test will break at that lb test for true accuracy.

Final Thoughts on Sinking Braid

The Almight Sinking Braided Line is a game-changer for anglers seeking precision, sensitivity, and control. With its fast-sinking rate, enhanced sensitivity, and durability, Almight sets a new standard for braided lines used in spinning reels. With a choice of high-visibility or camouflaged colors, Almight is ideal for anglers who demand performance under any condition. Upgrade your spinning tackle game with Almight today—your next catch could be waiting just beneath the surface!