This review pits two budget-friendly ultralight monofilament fishing lines against each other: STREN and Vicious. Both lines offer attractive price points, but this comparison delves deeper than just the cost per yard. We'll examine key performance aspects, including spool design and ease of use, casting performance and line twist, visibility, knot strength, and overall durability under fishing pressure. Ultimately, we aim to determine which line offers the best value for money for different types of anglers and fishing situations.This head-to-head showdown considers factors beyond simple price comparisons. We assess the practical implications of spool design flaws, the impact of line visibility in various conditions, and the crucial difference in line strength when encountering obstacles. Our detailed analysis will help you decide whether the Vicious line's increased yardage and high visibility outweigh its potential drawbacks, or if the superior strength and reliability of STREN are more important for your fishing needs.
Pros And Cons
- Cheap
- Comparable in price to Strand fishing line
- Slightly more yardage than Strand for similar price
- High visibility (Hi-Vis), good for night fishing
- Casts on par with Strand
- Fewer line twists than Strand
- Holds knots well
- Better quality than some cheaper lines like Omniflex
- Spool notches broke easily, making respooling difficult
- Spool design caused line to get stuck
- Not as strong as Strand; breaks off easily in weeds and lily pads
- Lighter and less stiff than Strand
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Price and Yardage Comparison
Both STREN and Vicious fishing lines offer budget-friendly options for anglers. The Vicious line, in its 4-pound test, comes in a 330-yard spool, priced around $4.60 at Walmart. This provides slightly more line than the comparable STREN option for a similar price point. The increased yardage in the Vicious line makes it a compelling value proposition.
However, it's crucial to consider the value proposition. While the Vicious line might seem cheaper initially, other factors like spool quality and durability can affect the overall value.
Spool Quality and Respooling Experience
The Vicious line's spool proved to be a significant drawback. The small notches designed to hold the line in place easily broke during the respooling process, making it a frustrating and time-consuming task. This was a major inconvenience not experienced with the STREN spool.
The spool's poor design impacted the overall fishing experience, even surpassing the slight advantage in yardage. It highlights that ease of use and practicality should be valued as much as raw numbers.
Casting Performance and Line Twist
In terms of casting performance, both lines performed similarly. The Vicious line, a monofilament with noticeable memory, cast on par with the STREN. However, the reviewer reported significantly fewer line twists with the Vicious line compared to the STREN. This is a considerable advantage for smoother casting.
The reduced line twists with Vicious are a testament to its design or material properties. This can significantly impact the fishing experience, improving ease of use and reducing frustration.
Visibility and Line Strength
The Vicious line's high-visibility feature is a standout advantage, particularly useful for night fishing. The bright line is easily seen under a headlamp or lantern, enhancing visibility and enabling more precise casting and retrieval.
However, the STREN line's clear option, though harder to see at night, offers superior strength. The reviewer experienced more broken lines with Vicious when snagged on lily pads, indicating STREN has a strength advantage.
Knot Strength and Overall Performance
Despite its lower strength, the Vicious line held knots surprisingly well. The reviewer noted no issues with various knots, including Trilene and Palomar knots. This contrasts with cheaper lines that often fail under knot pressure.
The Vicious line performed well during the fishing session, successfully landing several crappie and bluegill. It didn't break under normal fishing pressure, despite being less strong than STREN.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Both STREN and Vicious lines have their pros and cons. Vicious provides good value with more yardage at a similar price but suffers from a poorly designed spool. Its high visibility is a major plus for night fishing. STREN is significantly stronger, especially when encountering obstacles like lily pads. However, the lack of color options (other than clear) is a drawback.
For budget-conscious anglers who prioritize visibility and don't mind potential spool issues, Vicious is a decent entry-level option for panfishing. Anglers needing a stronger and more reliable line should opt for STREN. The choice depends on individual priorities: value vs. reliability.
