I've done a lot of experimentation with low diameter monos over the years and found that there is a huge variation in performance. The trouble is that the variation isn't just from line to line, but from angler to angler. This is probably because these lines are very sensitive to the type of knot used and to the way knots are tied. Here's a review:
Drennan Double Strength
I've not used this line since the mid 90s. I tried it as a hook length and found it very unreliable.
Stroft
See Drennna Double Strength!
Reflo Powerline
I use this for hook lengths for most of my trotting and still water float fishing. I've also used it as a main line for trotting and it has worked well but isn't very durable - needs changing at least every season. I don't use this for barbel fishing as it does tend to go at the knot under shock loads.
Shimano Antares Silk Shock
A bit of a curates egg of a line. I've used it in the higher breaking strains and it's been fine, including some epic battles with good barbel. In the lower breaking strains I've found it very unreliable. This has eroded my trust in this line and I no longer use it. Graham Marsden has had almost exactly the same experience as me with this line.
Silstar/WB Clarke Matchline
I use this for both hooklinks and as a main line. It's been very reliable and is an excellent trotting line. I also use it in the 9lb (ish) breaking strain on a centre pin for carp and I've had wildies to low doubles on it with no problems.
Sagitar Dip
This is a pole rig line that works really well for hook lengths and has great knot strength. I was put on to it by Graham Marsden whos been using it for a good while now. I've used it in the 12lb bs for barbel fishing on the Trent and it performs as well as fluorocarbon line. One thing to watch is that the surface is very slick and you need to use a few extra turns on blood knots and water knots. It makes an excellent fly leader line.
Sagitar also do a nice feeder line which I suspect is fluorcarbon coated. It works well for trotting when treated with a floatant, but migh not work well for floater fishing. You can get this stuff from
http://www.italiafishing.co.uk
Fox Rage Reflex
This is designed as a lure fishing line, but if you can stand Fox's current hip street cred wannabe style ("This line is ideal for short distance fishing such as street fishing, popper fishing, soft jerking or fishing clear streams or small rivers") it is really good. It breaks exactly on the stated breaking strain when knotted so if you're used to Maxima then buy it in a size up.
Maver Jurrasic
This is a really good line, thin, knots well and is totally bomb proof. I use it in 10lb bs on my light barbel rod. It's a dark line so I haven't used it for hook lengths but it is very thin - the 10lb is .23mm and this is a good knotted strength.
I've mentioned Graham Marsden a few times on this as we've had a few discussions on low diameter lines and have shared info. I like using low diameter lines for trotting and for general medium fish feeder fishing. They work well on rivers and are less conspicuous than standard monos. The rise in carp match fishing had given us some great lines and there will be others out there that I haven't tried.
If you're having problems with these lines then I would suggest using a knot lubricant. Airflo do one called Knot Perfect which works well. I suspect that the reliability of the Sagitar Dip is due to its smooth surface which gives a consistent knot.
Phew! :ugeek: