Sunline's Next Generation Braided Line

Introduction: In the world of fishing line manufacturers, if there's one that can be accused of resting on their laurels, Sunline is not it. Case in point, if there's a technique or presentation that could benefit from a specialized extrusion of fluorocarbon, with close to twenty different skus, Sunline likely has the solution. However, the category of fishing line where the manufacturer has me most excited recently isn't fluorocarbon, its braid. With established stalwarts like FX2, SX1, and Siglon, Sunline didn't really need to venture forward, but as we said, they're not one to just sit around and bask in their accomplishments. On the contrary, over the last two years, the manufacturer has introduced three brand new braids to their catalog. Let's take a look.

Siglon PE AMZ 8 is a new eight strand braid from Sunline with a more all purpose type bent than FX2

Siglon PE AMZ: Debuted in 2023, Sunline's Siglon PE AMZ is their latest, general purpose 8-strand braid. The line is treated with a process the manufacturer is referring to as Performance Sustainable Process (PSP) designed to prolong initial performance characteristics. As far as I can tell, it's just a coating that seems to have some staying power and doesn't flake off. This coating provides a smooth, semi-slick finish to aid in casting and reduce fraying.

I've fished it sparingly thus far but like the way it handles

I've fished Sunline's new AMZ on both spinning and casting gear to good success and would probably use it more extensively if the orange color were available in higher strengths (I'm just not a fan of green braid). I'm told, as more and more anglers are now gravitating towards the strategy tying leaders at the end of their braid, that the manufacturer has plans to offer the high vis orange in higher strengths as well.

For now AMZ remains on my short list of braids when looking for something non-hollow to fill casting reels because I like the way it handles and that special PSP finish is not sticky. I look forward to the availability of orange in the higher strengths which will give me more motivation to really test the longevity of that finish and the line overall. Even though the lightest strength AMZ is just about right for my spinning and BFS combos, I've been leaning towards the next product to fulfill those needs.

AMZ is now on my short list of braided lines to rely upon when looking to fill my spool with new line

New for 2023 is Overwatch, a metered line designed specifically for spinning gear

Overwatch: This product also debuted in 2023 and is an eight strand braid made of ULT-PE, a type of material made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Overwatch is designed specifically for use on spinning gear and is a metered braid with alternating sections of dark green (30") and chartreuse (12") making it easier to visually detect bites while at the same time giving the angler a bit of camouflage.

Shown here spooled on a 2024 Daiwa Certate

Though I've been meaning to test it on my BFS combos, I've not yet had that opportunity. However, I have used it on a couple of spinning reels and so far, like the way it handles. The best thing about the line, of course, is the visibility of that chartreuse section and for me, the fact it's metered makes the chartreuse stand out even more. You can really see it jump and move when left on slack.

The metered color allows you to line watch while at the same time, providing a degree of camouflage

Almight: The product that has me most excited, however, is Sunline's 2024 debut, Almight. They describe the strand configuration of Almight as four plus one - four traditional fibers of PE wrapped around a core of unspecified material that has a high specific gravity. This composition results in a line with a specific gravity of 1.48 compared to that of water at 1.0. That's right, Almight is a sinking braid.

Almight is Sunline's new sinking braid and is available in two colors, pink and olive camo

Finally Sunline joins the ranks of other JDM line manufacturers that offers a sinking braid. Why does this excite me? Because braids with this higher specific gravity just handle better - especially in the wind. While designed with spinning in mind, where I really notice the effect is on BFS gear. When you make a cast with spinning gear, your line comes off the spool very quickly resulting in a wide bow in your line. It is just inherent with those types of reels. With casting gear, because there's a tighter connection (less slack) between your reel and the lure, the accuracy of your cast can be effected if it's windy.

Having a line with more density behind helps resist the wind a little bit more. It's marginal to be sure, but the difference is there. I also believe the density helps with the transmission of vibration giving you better feel for what's at the end of your line. This is all based on experience with other, similar product because I've not yet had the opportunity to spool Almight on a reel and fish it.

Introduced in the last year or two, V-Hard is a JDM style fluoro leader material from Sunline