The Scientific Anglers Dacron Fly Line Backing (20lb / 250 yards, White – 607477) is a durable and reliable backing material designed for fly fishing. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Key Features:
1. Material: Made from braided Dacron (polyester), known for its strength, abrasion resistance, and low stretch.
2. Strength: Rated for 20-pound test, making it suitable for large freshwater or light saltwater species (e.g., trout, bass, bonefish, or smaller tarpon).
3. Length: Provides 250 yards of backing, which helps fill up your reel arbor and provides extra line capacity when fighting strong fish.
4. Color: White for high visibility, making it easier to manage and inspect for wear.
5. Compatibility: Works well with fly reels needing backing behind the main fly line (common for large-arbor or saltwater reels).
6. Low Memory: Resists coiling, ensuring smooth release off the reel.
Common Uses:
– Backing for fly lines (adds extra line capacity for long runs).
– Connection between fly line and reel (via arbor knot or Albright knot).
– Budget-friendly alternative to gel-spun polyethylene (GSP) backing (though Dacron is thicker and less strong pound-for-pound).
Pros:
✔ Affordable and widely available.
✔ Soft handling, easy to knot.
✔ Proven durability in freshwater and mild saltwater.
Cons:
✖ Thicker than modern alternatives like GSP (e.g., 20lb Dacron is ~0.018″ diameter vs. 0.009″ for 20lb GSP).
✖ Limited strength for heavy saltwater species (e.g., tuna, large tarpon).
Alternatives:
– Gel-Spun (GSP) Backing: Thinner and stronger (e.g., Scientific Anglers Gel-Spun Backing), but more expensive.
– Micron: Even thinner but prone to cutting if improperly handled.
Final Verdict:
A solid, traditional choice for most freshwater and light saltwater applications. If you need max line capacity or target powerful saltwater fish, consider upgrading to GSP. Otherwise, this Dacron backing is a trusted, cost-effective option.
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