Berkley Vanish vs Seaguar Blue Label Knot Strength Test

[@Saltstrong]

Don't forget to check out our fishing mastery courses! Check them out here: www.saltstrong.com/courses/

[@PaleHose28]

Awesome follow up video! I commented on the previous video about my experience with the knot issues I had with vanish and it’s pretty awesome to see you put it to the test! I do believe you are correct that abrasion may be better for the toothy fish and using proper drag is key. But at least it gives us anglers more info to use when selecting line and let the Angler chose which is more important to them! Awesome job!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Frankie! Yes, this series of line tests is simply to display the testing and the results so that everyone can make their own conclusions.

[@kwikflikzyakadventures3795]

I've used Berkley Vanish for around 7yrs, I have seagaur, black magic, Sea Lion and Sunline, for 4 yrs I solely only use Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon leader from 4lbs-40lbs, it comes in 150yd spools compared to 30yd spools for a comparable price, and it's tough. Good review Salt Strong

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the various lines. Fish On!

[@edscruggs9655]

Thanks for taking the time to test and video the results. Not surprised at all :-) . It's exactly the reason I prefer Mono leaders when Grouper fishing. High abrasion, and high knot strength combined.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Ed!

[@tmbfishing777]

I believe this is a fair test a lot of people want to say regular fluorocarbon line Is exactly the same as fluorocarbon leader when it’s not that’s what this proved... great video

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks TMB Fishing!

[@mike333h]

Thanks for the quick update video.

[@Saltstrong]

Our pleasure Mike! Glad to see that you enjoyed this video.

[@rogermeyer4843]

Way to go, keep testing and getting real results. Truth rules.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Roger! More line tests coming soon.

[@larryh9525]

Your test was interesting because I have been wondering about the strength of Vanish. As opposed to using expensive fluoro tippet for trout fishing, I've been using 4lb. Vanish. I agree with your assessment of its abrasion resistance. Yesterday, I had a couple of rainbow trout inhale a small streamer to the point where their small but abrasive teeth were coming in contact with the line, and the line showed no signs of wear. However, just like with your strength test, I got hung up this morning and moderate pressure on the line caused it to fail at the knot (on the Vanish side). For the longest time, I thought it was me and that my knots were defective, but after your test, I know it's the line. As I can, for the most, control when and where I get hung up (by taking fewer lower percentage high-risk casts) I can't control a trout that inhales a streamer and reached the same conclusion. Nice job on the test, as anything that takes the guesswork out of fishing helps.

[@jarrodrandel]

Perhaps test them individually, each tied to the same braid and do line strength per diameter dimension (Lbs/mil).

[@jaxbrewery]

I really dig these tests!

[@Saltstrong]

Here's a link to see many more line tests similar to this one: www.saltstrong.com/article_categories/fishing-lines/

[@nicks9360]

Great video I would love to see this test repeated with the vanish leader material up against the Seaguar blue label The vanish leader material is a bit thicker than the main line fluorocarbon. And still cheaper with more yards then the seaguar blue label. (Note I always do a uni knot with seven turns seems to be the sweet spot with vanish also never cinch the knot dry as it severely compromises the knot on vanish just my two cents LOL) Vanish leader Strength: 20lb Diameter: 0.45mm Yards: 40 Cost: $10 (Wally World) Vanish main line Strength: 20lb Diameter: 0.40mm Yards: 250

[@FeathersFurandFins]

I had the same issues with Vanish in the past. That's why I won't use it anymore. I was having a lot of issues with knot strength.

[@jbach711able]

I remember reading a article on trying the uni knot, said tying it with at least 6 turns gives you the best strength. I have got my Berkley BG 30lb around 90 %. In some situation I tie my uni knots with less turns to allow for easy brake offs.

[@anthonyhiggins721]

I have to agree with you luke. I personally feel as long as the knot breaks at what the pound test is rated for I'm okay because you shouldnt have your drag really tight anyway if your using 10 or 20 pound leader and 15 pound braid. I caught a nice 6 to 8 pound jack the other day on 25 pound vanish fluro. that fish ran me through all kinds of pilings with oysters and barnicals all over it not to mention they were concrete and I just had to baby em out. I had no chaffing on my leader or my braid whatsoever and actually went to catch a nice snook on the same leader without retying. Idk if it was luck or just a true testament to the leader but I'll be getting more vanish forsure

[@tunanorth]

The fluorocarbon in Berkley's lineup that competes with Seaguar is Pro-Spec. As you mentioned, there is a large price difference between Vanish and Seaguar. Vanish is mostly just a Wal-Mart product.

[@paulmartin2586]

I would like to see a more partisan test done, where you tie a length of each line to a swivel at one end, then attach a lure to the other, then test a leader to braid connection for both ... I can't think of a situation where I'd have to tie Seaguar to Vanish

[@morganyoder4277]

I noticed that the vanish appears to reflect a significant amount more light than the seaguar, not sure what that says, but just something that I noticed. Either way your tests are awesome.

[@gmanmule6931]

Great video... I personally own a ton of Berkley vanish fluorocarbon leader spools. I also have a few spools of the yo-zuri pink fluorocarbon and a couple spools of seaguar blue label. I do agree that losing a few pounds in strength and gaining that extra durability with the line is the way to go. The only thing I hate about the Berkley vanish as it seems to be a lot thicker and a lot harder to tie due to it being all coiled up , I buy it on the 25-yard small spools... Anyways thanks...

[@gmanmule6931]

Here's a question for you guys... LOL... How come when I take my leader off the school it is always super curled up and has a ton of memory which makes it hard to work with. It seems your guys fluorocarbon or mono seems to lie lot flatter or be more limp when tying your knots???

[@mcaddc]

What's with the lower actual breaking strain than the advertised breaking strain on these lines? Is it that the knots weaken the lines strength? Seems that these lines should only be 15 lb & not 20 lb advertised.

[@tshark2787]

Great job, love your videos. Complainers are going to complain but I dont see their test videos.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the support!

[@geeyoupee]

Can you test seaguar red label breaking strength? I have 15 lb line that breaks around 8lbs. I think line breaking strength is more valuable than 1 line vs another. I've tested multiple other braid from Amazon that broke well below the ratings. Only a few lines I've tested broke around rating, 20lb daiwa x8, zebco 10lb mono. Can you start testing breaking strength? I think many companies are over rating thier lines.

[@Saltstrong]

Here's a link to our line experiments... Seaguar Red label has been in multiple: www.saltstrong.com/article_categories/fishing-lines/

[@davislong9476]

I like the polamur knot better I wonder If that would have a difference. Shoot I would like to see a test to see what knots are better........

[@Howtotrickafish]

Its due to the thinner profile. Makes a smaller knot and allows the line to be squeezed thinner under less pressure.

[@chriswalls5831]

Both pull me in a 10 lb bass or more which has best abrasion for those big hits

[@richardbilic7914]

Thanks again 👍

[@Larry77777]

Hey Luke: Thank you so much for doing this! You clearly saw AND acted on viewer comments. Next: compare Vanish line to Vanish leader (ie repeat the knot test, leaving the Seaguar out of it)

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Larry! Yes, I'll be sure to pick up some of the vanish "leader" line to see if there is any difference.

[@thenobledogs]

Thank you!!

[@horbie5039]

To be fair, lines should be rated and compared by diameter.

[@coolbowfin]

You are testing Vanish fishing line vs. Seaguar leader material. Please do the test with Vanish leader material. Vanish fishing line and Vanish leader material are 2 different products.

[@batcountryfishingrods832]

I agree. I wouldn't recommend Vanish line, but I've been using the Vanish leader for years and it's very dependable.

[@virenpatel2845]

coolbowfin I understand and agree with you a 100% . Test leader line with leader line. But I will say if it still has better abrasion resistance then the segar... who cares about knot strength if your drag is set right. But I still feel the Vanish leader material will have better knot strength the just regular Line

[@garrettscustomandoutdoors2659]

I wonder if they possibly perform better with different knots?

[@alexanderteambillywynn6900]

What makes a line a leader vs standard line? I been running Seagar forever but it’s so expensive these days.

[@84FrankDaTank]

Are you still using Berkley vanish as leader material to this day? I do the same thing I find it works great.

[@Saltstrong]

No. I now use Ande mono since it outperformed the more expensive fluorocarbon lines for abrasion and strength tests while not showing any differences in strikes. Here's the one I use: fishstrong.com/collections/saltwater-braided-line/products/ande-premium-monofilament-leader?variant=32694858580053

[@JPAnglers]

I recommend you to try the "JDM Seaguar" such as Seaguar FXR, I'm sure you will get surprised

[@yeldarbrellef]

Did you notice any difference in the stiffness of the line vs the leader? If so did you fish them against each other. I’d be curious to see if the main line would be too supple for top water or subsurface hard baits. Thanks for putting together all the great comparison videos.

[@SOLITARYMAN474]

Luke, did you test yo-zuri & is a stiffer fluoro leader better than a softer one?

[@scrappys6464]

UGH I had the worst experience with the Vanish stuff. I use XL but switching that soon also.

[@christophernguyen4808]

I watched all the knot strength videos, why not switch up which line goes first? That way we can see if any other variables affect the lines. All the knot strength videos the first line always breaks. Have yet to see it break on the second end. In terms it shouldn't matter, but just to be sure?

[@Saltstrong]

I have not seen much of a difference in one side breaking more than the other. Here's a test on two popular knots against one another where the winner went back and forth every time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqC5h62gds1_e5I

[@lmsmbassaddict7779]

Seagar is stronger but the vanish casts so much better. I've never had a knot fail using vanish. I switched from sunline and seagar due to costs. Vanish is becoming my gubyji go

[@goforthandfish8393]

Seaguar Red Label is better than Vanish. I've fished them both and Vanish is weaker by a lot in actual fishing conditions that I face. I think the knot constricts each time it's pressured and eventually snaps easily on Vanish....lots of breakoffs with clean feeling line. Never had that problem with Red Label. In fact, Red Label feels much stronger than it's rated and Vanish feels like it's far weaker than its rating. Not joking....12lb Vanish sometimes feels like 6-8lb while 12lb Red Label always feels like 15lb+. Too easy to snap Vanish after that knot has been strained a couple times, a little too hard to snap Red Label when you can't free a snag (has save me a few lures though by bending out the hooks). Vanish also burns more easily when tying knots...have noticed frays in Vanish even after moistening the knot HEAVILY before tightening...not an issue with Seaguar. Just my experience though. I am only using Seaguar because I bought it on clearance for $3 per spool...will probably continue using it at full price once I've gone through my stockpile.

[@SeaSlider33]

I found the same results. But knot strength is more important to me. So I'm ditching the Vanish.

[@Saltstrong]

Glad you enjoyed this test!

[@johnbales1036]

I fish lake conway ark, stumpiest lake in north america. I use vanish on everything. I pull bass over stumps, through lily pads and so forth. For the price you can't beat it. I'm not paying $20 for line

[@ThuggLocc]

What about Vanish vs. AbrazX?

[@Saltstrong]

I'll add abrazx to the list of lines to try out.

[@otroflores91]

I have had nothing but bad experiences with vanish. Most of the time the bay water is stained and berkley mono big game works just fine as leader material for me.

[@Saltstrong]

The most shocking test I did was when I put mono against fluoro on the line abrasion testing assembly... here's the report on that one in case you haven't yet seen it: www.saltstrong.com/fishing-tip/fluorocarbon-leader-abrasion-test-vs-mono/

[@edscruggs9655]

+1 for Berkley Big Game Mono. Excellent knot strength. My favorite for Grouper fishing with 60-80Lb leader.

[@otroflores91]

Salt Strong yes I had seen that before. Good job on the video and article. I only use fluoro fishing for tuna and yellowtail. They can be pretty picky with line on live bait.

[@frankiev-tech4630]

2 years later he no longer uses floro! Mono is king!

[@AllGlorytoGod941]

That vanish line is not their leader material. Get the one actually made for leader and then compare it to seaguar leader

[@Saltstrong]

Is there any difference between the Vanish made for leaders vs. the line made for mainline other than the amount of yards per spool?

[@AllGlorytoGod941]

There has to be lol.

[@AllGlorytoGod941]

Prob higher knot strength and less abrasive

[@tonyhernandez2163]

Which one is more invisible underwater

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: www.saltstrong.com/articles/berkley-vanish-vs-seaguar-blue-label/

[@JustAnMMAfan]

still wen't with vanish regardless. If anything i can just jump an extra 5-10lbs of strength, the price is just unbeatable.

[@TheTim16964]

It's thinner so I'd just go up 10 lbs and you'll have the best of both worlds.

[@ichi_go]

So...the BLUE seaguar is the best. RED 2nd. 3rd is the Berkley Vanish.

[@michaelmccarthy9781]

If a line is equl strength in same diamiter a slight thicker will break the thiner line every time

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@John_D2]

vanish leader material , is $8 ot $9 for 30 yds at wally world.

[@alananderson2961]

Great 👍

[@Jp69240]

vanish is trash in my opinion i have some of it that's new i used it on a relatively expensive new combo a brand new 7ft 6 st croix legend tournament med light rated up to 10 lb test never again lost 3 rigs in 5 minutes never again back to 15lb braid BTW its 8lb test berkeley with 1/4 oz spinners that snapped off luckily they were cheap walmart ones am obsessed with not cracking my guides the seagar has always done better for me catching more fish i see the vanish i can not see the seagar in the sun hitting the water just right like a clear creek looking shallow part of the st croix river no glare but sereously i have broken soooo much more off with vanish than segar if you have the money and are looking for leader matereal / main line i would actualy in my opinion recomend seagar !!!BUT!!! i do understand if you dont have like 24.99 before tax to drop on line than i would probably just use the vanish but the seagar is a lot less hassle with line twist esc oh and by the way dont buy the 2$ zebco line off the spool that twists into knots go with cajun mono you get a lot of bang for your buck with that one

[@stevegraf3357]

If you want to see fish Vanish...use Vanish instead of Seaguar. It got reall brittle on me after one month on my reel.

[@devinmiller6981]

K9 fluoro vs Seaguar

[@nomaddamon670]

As already mentioned...do the test using the leader material from both companies. This test and video are a complete waste of time without doing it correctly. Fishing mastery! Hahahaaa

[@Saltstrong]

If anything, I would expect that the leader line would be more abrasion resistant than the main line. So the fact that the Vanish mainline won while also being thinner was all I personally needed to know. I will try the Vanish Leader line against the Vanish mainline, but my assumption is that there is no difference between the two based on the test I did on Seaguar's red label "leader" line vs. the red label "mainline" (www.saltstrong.com/articles/fluorocarbon-leader-vs-main-line/). If there is a difference, please let me know and I'll be happy to test whatever it is out to see if it's a true difference or just a marketing difference.

[@GM-le5ti]

That was a great test. You are scientifically proving that sometimes we purchase our fishing products based on assumptions that we develop due to marketing exposure. Keep them coming. I am glad that you left the door open for others to join your quest of educating the public on something that you are passionate about.

[@tylerr.3209]

Salt Strong would it make a difference if you had slack and then hammered down on the line instead of gradual pressure just curious

[@Saltstrong]

Perhaps. But the gradual route seems reasonable because even a strong surge from a big fish will have multiple things (rod bend, line stretch, water drag, etc.) protecting the knot from a really fast surge. I tested a couple with a gradual pull like this and then a quick surge, and the winner was the winner either way so I stopped doing both tests given how long they take to set up.

[@stevenpalmer6783]

Knot strength for me

[@jairusaudwin2605]

Solution: buy 2lbs larger vanish, it might have same diameter as seaguar.

[@jarrodrandel]

Based on your insightful suggestion, I have been searching everywhere for 22lb vanish fluorocarbon but I can't seem to find it in stock anywhere. Sold out everywhere. Unbelievable.

[@jairusaudwin2605]

Go to 30lbs

[@danyahlayahudah7507]

Stop kidding your self need matter what knot is used it's the reel drag these test don't mean nothing that fish will not break that line if the drag is set properly proof I caught a 5lbder on a 15lb mono just a few days ago but you people can go and spend big money all you want it will not matter if you don't understand your reel drag and get this that 5lb was caught with omniflex which I purchased from Walmart for 1dollar ninty seven cent for 500 yards and I,ve pull monsters from cover using stren 30lb test mono so I don't listen to these guys with all that nonsense I use my extra money to keep my boat afloat and to purchase the lures and such as I need

[@Saltstrong]

You're absolutely right about the knot strength not being an issue as long as the drag is properly set for most scenarios. The time it does matter is when snagged on the bottom (will help retrieve more lures) and when in need of stopping a big fish from getting into structure.

[@7michael7getachew7]

Vanish is garbage, i've had it break on the hook set so many times.

[@davidv9658]

Vanish knots are extremely weak. No brainer. Seaquar

[@Howtotrickafish]

Its due to the thinner profile. Makes a smaller knot and allows the line to be squeezed thinner under less pressure.