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Better Casting through Science with S.A. Sharkskin Fly Lines
| Date: |
3/7/09 |
| Tackle type: |
Fly Lines |
| Manufacturer: |
Scientific
Anglers |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.08
Introduction:
Scientific Anglers
applies advanced science to their new premium Sharkskin lines in an effort to
improve casting distance and line handling. Using a precise texturing process
the sophisticated new line is not only designed to cast better but deliver
higher flotation and offer easier mending and enhanced durability.
|
Scientific
Anglers Sharkskin Fly Line (Ultimate Trout Taper)
Specifications |
| Type |
Floating |
| Core |
Braided Multifilament |
|
Colors Available |
Bluer heron, Chartreuse |
|
Weights Available |
3,4,5,6,7,8 |
| Loop |
Yes.
Welded streamlined loop |
| Price
as tested |
$99.00 |
Impressions:
To create their new line
the team at Scientific Anglers turned to nature for inspiration. They studied
how insects are able to walk on water and how plants like the Lotus are able to
shed and clean the surfaces of their leaves, and even how geckos are able to
adhere to surfaces with ease. By
modifying the surface of their fly line with a micro-repeating structure they
sought to achieve surface interface properties that mimic these instances in
nature.
Sharkskin Lines make use a
microtextured surface on specially formulated 3M PVC integrated with the
company's patented Advanced Shooting technology
Sharkskin technology is a
“precise texturing process that embosses the surface of the fly line coating
with a repeating geometric micro-pattern.” The result is a line with a surface
that is more matte in feel and no longer smooth, the line does not exhibit
unwanted line flash, and can be optimized for superior floatation, casting
performance, and overall line suppleness and durability. Does it sound too good
to be true? It certainly did to us, but we were eager to see just how this
“science” would translate to real world performance.
What does TT Girl Ms. Casey have
in the bag?
We spooled up an S.A.
System 2LA Model 678 reel with 6wt. Sharkskin lines and paired the reel with a
Powell Tiboron XL 6Wt. Fly rod. The minute we began spooling the line we could
already feel the difference. The line was not slick in feel at all, instead it
almost felt like a leathery string, or that there was chalk on top of a normal
fly line. It was obvious why Scientific Anglers gave this new line the name
“Sharkskin” the micro-pattern really does cause the line to feel like the coarse
skin of a shark.
A Scientific Anglers System LTA
reel spooled up with Sharkskin Ultimate Trout Taper for our tests
Real World Test: To test
the Scientific Anglers Sharkskin lines we head to the Eastern Sierras where we
could test the new lines casting and handing abilities on a variety of streams
as well as on a few high altitude lakes including Crowley which is famous for
its hard fighting rainbows.
There is plenty of technology
behind this new line, and the scientists turned to nature for inspiration
Casting and Management: On
my first few casts I noticed two things right away, first I did seem to gain a
small amount of casting distance and second the line behaved quite differently
going through the guides. The texturing on the line reduces line friction in the
guides but the micro patterning does create a different noise than I was used to
when casting.
Under the microscope you can see
the Sharkskin micropattern
In the past line
manufacturers successfully increased casting distance by reducing the line
diameters on weight forward lines, but while casting distance improved this
change also brought on a number of undesirable attributes including reduced
durability and increasing line tangles. Scientific Anglers wanted to offer the
best of both worlds by simply finding a way to reduce friction without adversely
affecting any other important performance metrics, the texturing of the line
achieves this by reducing surface contact with the guides during casting.
Spooled up and ready to go in the
Eastern Sierras
Next Section: Time to catch some trout
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