Choosing the right fishing line can significantly impact your success on the water, and abrasion resistance is a critical factor. This article presents a rigorous, head-to-head comparison of four popular monofilament lines: Berkley Big Game, Stren Original, Berkley Trilene XL, and Ande Mono. We subjected these lines to a unique abrasion test designed to mimic the real-world stresses of a fighting fish. Our testing methodology involved a controlled, back-and-forth motion against sandpaper, simulating the abrasive action of a fish's head shakes, under both wet and dry conditions. This ensured a fair and accurate comparison of each line's ability to withstand the wear and tear of fishing.Through a series of competitive rounds, each line battled it out against another, with multiple trials conducted to eliminate any inconsistencies. The results offer valuable insights into the relative abrasion resistance of each brand, revealing surprising outcomes and challenging common assumptions about line thickness and performance. Discover which line emerged as the ultimate champion of abrasion resistance, and learn which factors truly matter when selecting the best monofilament for your fishing needs.
Pros And Cons
- Comparable abrasion resistance to other lines tested.
- Cost effective compared to fluorocarbon
- Available in large spools, saving money.
- Cost effective compared to fluorocarbon
- Available in large spools, saving money.
Read more: Best 5 Nylon Fishing Lines for [Year]
Abrasion Test Methodology
This experiment rigorously tests the abrasion resistance of four popular monofilament fishing lines using a unique setup. Two lines are tested simultaneously, weighted and subjected to a back-and-forth motion against sandpaper. This mimics the action of a fish shaking its head, a common cause of line breakage.

The sandpaper is mounted on an oscillating pole creating consistent friction. Both dry and wet line tests are conducted to simulate real-world fishing conditions. The lines are tested side-by-side under identical tension and friction to ensure a fair comparison.
The test continues until one line breaks, declaring the other the winner of that round. Winners then face off against each other until a single, most abrasion-resistant line remains. This ensures a comprehensive comparison of each line's resilience.
Round 1: Berkley Big Game vs. Stren Original
The first round pits Berkley Big Game against Stren Original. Both lines are subjected to the abrasion test, and the results are surprisingly close.

The initial test ends in a near tie, prompting a second test to confirm the results. This second trial reveals a slight advantage for Berkley Big Game, demonstrating its superior abrasion resistance in this matchup.

This highlights the importance of conducting multiple tests to eliminate any variables that may affect the outcome.
Round 2: Berkley Trilene XL vs. Ande Mono
Round two features Berkley Trilene XL against Ande Mono. The Ande Mono, designed as a leader line, is anticipated to perform well due to its thicker diameter.

The Ande Mono consistently outperforms the Berkley Trilene XL, demonstrating higher abrasion resistance. Multiple trials confirm this result, solidifying the Ande Mono's superior durability.

This round underscores the importance of line type and thickness in determining abrasion strength.
Final Showdown: Stren Original vs. Ande Mono
The final test pits the winners from the previous rounds against each other: Stren Original and Ande Mono. Both lines are tested multiple times for accuracy.

Despite the Ande Mono's earlier success, the Stren Original consistently outperforms it in this final showdown. This demonstrates the surprising abrasion resilience of the Stren Original.
The results confirm that thickness isn't the sole determining factor in abrasion resistance, as the thinner Stren Original proved superior to the thicker Ande Mono.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Monofilament Line
The experiment reveals Stren Original as the most abrasion-resistant monofilament line among the four tested. While Ande Mono performed admirably, its thicker design didn't guarantee superior durability.
Berkley Big Game and Trilene XL showed decent abrasion resistance. However, they lagged behind Stren Original, particularly when compared directly.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences; however, these results offer valuable insights into the abrasion performance of several popular monofilament fishing lines.