Whilst we're talking about braid, has anyone got an opinion of it's life expectancy in use?
We all know that mono can be affected by UV light and gradualy deteriorates over time, but what about braid.
I ask because I have heard of one season old braid just snapping for no apparant reason. And I don't mean on a knot, it has been snapping on the main run of line at several different points.
Afishionado
You do get the (very) occasional bad spool of braid ; sometimes it can have 2 or 3 weak points in 300 yards, and you won't see or feel them as loading it on or winding it back in.
Not even (usually) if using a magnifying glass or (jeweller's) loop to examine closely.
It is very unusual nowadays.
braids only enemies are cracked/chipped rod rings, abrasion (on the seabed or hull, or another line) and heat ... including heat caused by friction.
I don't know if heat (up to 60 degrees C) from leaving it under the windscreen of a car on a hot, sunny day is hot enough.
It is not worried by UV light, "wet oxidation" or any other things that make mono deteriorate . Some people have had braid on their reels for 8 or more years (perhaps as backing, so it is not getting worn) and say it is still good.
Now here's a question I've asked before:-
If you suspect there may be one or two weak points anywhere in several hundred yards of new braid, what's the easiest way to test the whole length (to find out if you are right) ?
assume that any weak spot will be
much weaker.