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What To Look For
Berkley Trilene XT Extra Tough fishing line comes in the standard variety of pound tests. The 4-pound test has a line diameter of .008 inches while a test as high as 20 pounds has a diameter of .019 inches. Colors such as clear, red and green are available. Spools of 330 yards can fill at least two reels and perhaps three depending on your line capacity. The outstanding feature of this line is its strength. An angler often has to cut the line--it will not break when trying to free a snagged hook or lure. This translates into very few line breakages when you hook big fish and play them in various scenarios such as weeds and close to shore. It resists abrasion from logs, rocks and other commonly encountered obstacles. The line casts well, but not as far as Berkley Smooth Casting for instance.
Common Pitfalls
Some of the problems an angler could potentially have with Berkley Trilene XT are that the line is somewhat stiff when compared to other monofilaments. This is due to the line's strength and the process that makes it so resistant to abrasion. The angler who tries to pull this line free from a tangle in a tree or a snag needs to take care. The line could cut him or hold and then spring free, sending a lure or split shot at his head at a high rate of speed.
Where To Buy
The majority of large name sporting goods stores such as Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops and Dick's Sporting Goods carry plenty of Trilene XT in stock. Walmart also features this line along with other versions of Trilene from Berkley. Order this at any of the online sites that carry fishing line, with the Berkley site being an obvious option.
Cost
For a 1,000-yard spool of Berkley Trilene XT 6-pound test, you will pay approximately $13 before taxes. The higher tests go up in price, with 20-pound test going for around $20 for the 1,000 yards. The smaller 330-yard spools cost a bit under $6 for the 4-pound through 8-pound test, $7 for 10-pound through 17-pound variety and $8 for 20-pound test.
Comparison Shopping
Berkley Trilene XT stacks up well when compared to the other line of Berkley Trilene monofilaments. It is stronger than the Trilene XL Smooth Cast but will not cast as far. The Berkley Trilene Maxx combines the casting and strength qualities of the two but is not an obviously superior line to XT. Compared to other company's monofilaments, the Berkley Trilene XT is the upper echelon in terms of its strength. It's slightly more expensive but not enough to warrant not considering it.
