Berkley Vanish vs. Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Lines [Abrasion Test Results]
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
Berkley Vanish vs. Seaguar Blue Label Fishing Line Experiment
It’s line testing time again!
This test is an addition to our continual quest of finding the best fluorocarbon line to use when in need of abrasion-resistant leader line.
And this latest test had some shocking results…
Since we are not affiliated with any line company in any way, we have zero bias either way so you’ll see 100% transparent results.
To make sure that there is absolute transparency, we even film the testing process so you can see exactly what we are doing.
And you’re welcome to critique it if you see any issues or have any questions.
First, let’s take a quick look at the lines tested in this experiment.
Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon [Variant]
Berkley Vanish is becoming a very popular fluorocarbon line in the saltwater industry based on the number of recommendations we’ve received to test it recently.
Here’s a picture of the exact spool that we tested in this experiment:
Berkley Vanish Line Specs:
- Strength: 20 lb
- Diameter: 0.40mm
- Yards: 250
- Cost: $15.49
- Cost per Yard: $0.06 (very inexpensive for fluorocarbon line)
This line is inexpensive relative to many other fluorocarbon options.
So the question now is how it performs relative to expensive fluorocarbon leader material.
That question is what spawned this latest line experiment… here’s the line that we tested Vanish against:
Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon [Control]
Seaguar’s Blue Label line is one of the most popular fluorocarbon lines for saltwater anglers.
Seaguar is known to be the pioneers of fluorocarbon lines. Their Blue Label series has performed very well in our past experiments, so I used this as the control for seeing how strong the Vanish line is.
The exact spool of Seaguar Blue label that we tested in this experiment is shown in this picture:
Seaguar Blue Label Line Specs:
- Strength: 20 lb
- Diameter: 0.405mm
- Yards: 25
- Cost: $15.99
- Cost per Yard: $0.64 (upper-median for fluorocarbon leader line)
This Blue Label line typically costs a bit more than other fluorocarbon leader lines. But it has been known as one of the highest quality lines, so many anglers are completely ok with the higher costs.
Berkley Vanish Vs. Seaguar Blue Label
Had you asked me which of these lines could handle abrasion better last year, I would have been confident in saying Seaguar based on how many people use and recommend it.
But after being surprised from many past experiments, I am now always hesitant to answer questions like that until I’ve actually tested them because hype does not always translate to fact.
So here’s the abrasion test of Berkley Vanish vs. Seaguar Blue Label so you can see for yourself how they compared for the very important abrasion resistance factor.
Just click on the image below to watch the video below:
[Click here to learn more about the Salt Strong “Insider” Fishing Club]
Conclusion
The line testing proved that the general spool of Berkley Vanish can handle abrasion from rough sandpaper-like surfaces better than the much more expensive Seaguar.
And since that sort of abrasion is what I personally am in need of most while snook fishing, I am absolutely making the switch to Vanish.
Because not only did it prove to be stronger, it’s cost per yard is just 6 cents vs. the 64 cents per yard cost of Seaguar.
As for the visibility factor… both lines are 100% fluorocarbon, so their underwater visual characteristics should be very similar. Vanish may very well have a leg up given that it’s slightly thinner making for less refraction of light.
Note: I’ll be performing underwater visibility comparisons of these lines and many others soon.
Please use the Comments section to let me know about the following:
- Are there any factors in testing abrasion strength that I missed or any problems you see with this test
- Are there any other lines you’d like me to run through this test assembly
The quest for the ultimate fishing line will of course continue, so any feedback would be much appreciated so that we can ensure to make these as beneficial as possible.
Here are some other line tests that I believe you’ll enjoy:
1. Is Fluorocarbon Leader More Abrasion Resistant Than Traditional Mono Line?
2. How Much Further Can You Cast With A 10 lb Line Vs A 20 lb Line?
3. Is Fluoro Leader Really Better Than Fluoro Mainline?
P.S. – If you enjoyed this post, please be sure to share it with your friends who like fishing too because they’ll surely enjoy it too.
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Great information as always. I have a question I was shopping for the Berkley line and I noticed there is a fishing line and a leader line. Is there any difference other than price and quantity in the spool?
Hey Luke……..I wonder how the new Seagar Gold Label leader would stand up. It’s much thinner than the Vanish and Blue Label. I ordered a spool just for that reason.
I’m not sure. My assumption is that it’ll be less abrasion resistant since it’s thinner. But it’s def worth a test.
Right, Luke, but since the Gold is much thinner than either Vanish or Blue, 30lb Gold may approximate the same diameter as 20lb Vanish or Blue. Would be interesting to run a test comparing the similar diameter lines. I’m going to try the 20 lb Gold just because of its thinness. I fish a lot of clear water.
Roger that! I’ll try to make some time to bring out the line tester in the next couple weeks to try it out.
Hi Luke,
New member here. So are you still using Vanish 10lb mainline fluorocarbon as your leader material now (I could not find any other post yet that tells what exact material you fish with). Also, were you able to perform a visibility test as the pink (yo-Zuri, and others) seems to be sold to us as the color that best disappears. On another note, do we really need that test given the amount of fish you catch, if in fact on Berkeley Vanish, then it’s good enough for me.
Hey Aaron, I’ll make sure to do a post on line soon… I’ve been testing a lot of them lately, and I can’t tell much of a difference at all in terms of fish caught. I’ve been using traditional mono for the past few months and there has not been a noticeable difference compared to the more expensive fluoro (even when fishing areas with very clear water… I was using regular 20 lb Ande mono on this trip: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/fishing-trip-in-key-biscayne/
The biggest factor is using the proper strength line based on what you’re targeting… I use 20 lb leader when targeting trout and redfish on the flats. And I’ll go up to 30lb when targeting snook. If fishing for big reds/snook in areas with lots of structure and heavy current, I’ll bump up to 40 or 50 lbs.
Traditionally the set up is to use braid as the mainline and tie on a section of fluorocarbon leader. Is the Berkley Vanish intended to be both the mainline and the leader line eliminating the need for the mainline to leader knot?
This test was to see if there is an advantage of using the more expensive “leader” line for our leaders instead of the much less expensive lines sold in bulk for mainline. Given that the casting distance is so much greater with thinner lines and that many saltwater species have teeth or rough mouths, I still recommend using a leader line even if you do use a mono/fluoro mainline. But overall, I recommend a braid mainline and a mono/fluoro leader as shown in this post: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-tie-a-fishing-leader-for-snook-redfish-seatrout/
I know in an earlier test, you tested mono vs flouro, and mono won, but in mono line themselves, in particular, did you ever test Trilene XT vs XL. I think one of your test was the XL mono. I would think the XT, “extra tuff” would preform better.
I have not yet tested Trilene XT line yet… only XL.
Are you using mono leader now?
I am still switching from mono to fluoro to try to determine if there is any difference in results.
Great test guys I will now go with vanish! Kind of tricky how both look equal by the package and price until you read how many feet you get. Way too disproportionate.
When U guys get time would u test some of the Knot tying tools on the market. Are they really any good.
Are there any good tools that you recommend? I have to admit that I’ve never tried any so don’t really know where to start.
I have been using the Vanish on my baitcasters with no leader for lures like crankbaits, chatterbaits, etc. I have found it to be very reliable. On my spinning reels with braid as main line I have been using the Seaguar Red as my leader. Now I know what to do with the leftover line on my Vanish spools. I’ll use it for leader line. Another great review that will save me some cash. Thanks Luke!
Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment, Joseph! Glad to see that you enjoyed this latest line test.
Wow! Seriously…I’ll definitely give it a try. I use seagar red leader and line and never noticed any difference only for the price
I tested the Seaguar Red Label vs. Blue Label earlier, and the Blue Label proved to be stronger for abrasion and knot strength. Here’s a link to the abrasion test in case interested: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/seaguar-leader-line-abrasion-test/