Backing

Cliff

Cliff

Steelhead
I have at least five trout sized reels that I need to add backing to. I was going to buy a spool of Rio 20lb dacron backing for $15.00, but I found a much cheaper spool of braided backing (doesn't say dacron) for $6.99. Does the non-dacron thing matter? I'm talking fishing for trout not much over 20" and mostly much smaller. Thanks.
 
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When the non Dacron gets wet it will rot unless you dry it. While Dacron will almost last forever. I stuck it on one of my reels over 25 years ago. Just as strong as it was when I first put it on.

When fly reels were first made you put backing on to keep your fly line from getting kinks in them. Also to build up the base so your line fits better. My first fly reel was bought in 1957. There weren't made like todays reels. The spools weren't flat and smooth.
 
Not sure what the less expensive backing is made of, but realistically, you're spending an extra $8, which is less than 2 gal of gas, on something that will likely last you many years (as @Old Man notes). I wouldn't think twice about dropping the $15 on the Rio, and I'm generally pretty thrifty.
 
It might be gelspun, which would be OK as it does not rot and is really strong. You just have to find out.
 
20# dacron in 1200 yard spools is pretty economical, especially if it doesn't carry a brand label that contributes to price hike. I wouldn't buy the Max Catch if I couldn't verify that it is indeed dacron ( a polyester filament).
 
Salmo_g said:
20# dacron in 1200 yard spools is pretty economical, especially if it doesn't carry a brand label that contributes to price hike. I wouldn't buy the Max Catch if I couldn't verify that it is indeed dacron ( a polyester filament).
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No, I doubt that its dacron. I'm buying the Rio dacron. Thank you.
 
 
Old406Kid said:
I just submitted this question regarding rot.
"Does this backing have the same or better resistance to rot if left on the reel wet?"
I'll let you know if I get a decent answer.
Supposedly it's braided line made specifically for fly line backing.
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Thank you.
 
A couple of thoughts on this question. First of all, backing doesn't usually get much use and is mostly just a filler to flesh out the spool. In that regard almost anything will do that has sufficient strength to hold a fish should it get into the backing. It should never rot and this line appears to be dacron but not as tightly woven as the name brands. It should be more than adequate for most fishermen who rarely have a fish into the backing.

On the other hand I am still using dacron backing that is over 20 years old so longevity is not an issue with quality backing. The extra $8.00 for a known quality product when amortized over 15 years is about .53 cents a year, if it last 20 years the annual cost is .40 cents a year. Some guys will pinch pennies until they squeal, even though I am no longer a wage earner I can still pony up 40 or 50 cents a year for a known product. There is a lot of shit to worry about when you are in your mid eighties-fly line backing ain't on the list.
 
iveofione said:
A couple of thoughts on this question. First of all, backing doesn't usually get much use and is mostly just a filler to flesh out the spool. In that regard almost anything will do that has sufficient strength to hold a fish should it get into the backing. It should never rot and this line appears to be dacron but not as tightly woven as the name brands. It should be more than adequate for most fishermen who rarely have a fish into the backing.

On the other hand I am still using dacron backing that is over 20 years old so longevity is not an issue with quality backing. The extra $8.00 for a known quality product when amortized over 15 years is about .53 cents a year, if it last 20 years the annual cost is .40 cents a year. Some guys will pinch pennies until they squeal, even though I am no longer a wage earner I can still pony up 40 or 50 cents a year for a known product. There is a lot of shit to worry about when you are in your mid eighties-fly line backing ain't on the list.
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Ive, I quit worrying a long time ago. Why worry when you can't change the outcome of your life. Here today gone tomorrow. Hell, one never knows when the end is here. I eat good, sleep good. What sucks with me is my typing. I took typing in High School, on a non-electronic typewriter. Only one semester. I have the Can't remember shit problem.
 
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