What Is The Best Floating Line Out There?

[unclebuck]

I'm looking at getting some new floating line this year for my 5 wt. What is the best line you have had for both performance and durability?

[rusty]

The new Sharskin notwithstanding, I love the Airflo Freshwater Tacticals. They last a long time and have a warranty if anything goes wrong.

 

They have bad memory in the cold, but that's the only bad thing I could say.

[headscan]

I really enjoy the new version of the SA GPX line - it shoots well and can still give a delicate presentation with smaller flies. Have a spool of Sharkskin but haven't had an opportunity to cast it yet. Durability has a lot to do with how you use it. Cold weather, dragging it on rocks, standing on it, etc. will all take a toll. That being said, I'm hard on my line and the GPX has held up well.

[Guest bigbadbrent]

Sharkskin, then GPX, then RIO Gold

 

i'll never buy airflo again, i broke 2 of their lines in one year, and each replacement is cracking on me

[unclebuck]

Is the courtland stuff any good? I have read mixed reviews. Thanks for the suggestions!

[walker1]

I have owned 5 SA GPX and they are all great. Looking at a Sharkskin 5 wt floater myself.

[troutlover]

i had a gpx got talked into an airflo because they last longer. Can't wait for it to die so i can buy another gpx.

[rhuseby]

I have used mostly Cortland lines over the years. I have had few problems with, and I abuse my lines badly, trying lay sneaky casts over rocks and gravel, snagging trees and willows and just fishing a lot. The 444SL is my prefered line, although I have used the 555 as well. The 444 is not as high tech, the first foot or so tends to sink a bit, and the shooting characteristics aren't all that great. However, how often will you actually need to fish more than 40-50 feet away? The 444 will fill your needs in 90% of situations at a modest cost compared to the latest and greatest lines and it's very durable.

[brntrut]

I used GPX last year and had great success with it. just picked up Sharkskin so i guess i will have to see what it is all about. But would definitely recommend GPX to anyone.

[albannachxcuileag]

For Airflo Floating lines read AIRFLOP! These are the most slated lines in the UK which for Airflo is a pity as their sinking lines are excellent in comparison.

As for the Ridge lines - compare these with an Abrafile on your rod rings!

 

I have had a variety of floating lines and still have one that is 14 years old - a Masterline Challenge chestnut coloured floater. Currently I am using a Fulling Mill 7 weight WF and this is proving to be a good one for the relatively low price of £25:00. I would rate the Greys Platinum series as a good line to buy if the sink tip that I have is anything to go by.

 

As in all things, it is a matter of personal preference.