Honeywell has launched Spectra® HT high tenacity fibre, the newest generation of high-strength Spectra fibre and the world’s strongest fishing-line material of its size.
They also announced that Shimano, makers of the popular PowerPro® brand of fishing-line products, will be the first fishing-line manufacturer to use Spectra HT in its new product, PowerPro Maxcuatro™. PowerPro Maxcuatro with Spectra HT will be introduced at the Bassmaster Classic, which is widely known as “the Super Bowl of bass fishing,” on February 20.
“Increasingly, anglers are seeking specific fishing lines and other equipment to help ensure success in certain environments. The market for braided super-lines, like those made with Spectra fibre, continues to outpace the overall fishing-line market, growing 4 to 5 percent over the last five years compared to an overall market growth of 2 to 3 percent. Avid and competitive anglers continue to trade up for braided lines with higher performance and value for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments”, said Honeywell in a press release.
Braided fishing lines made with Spectra HT offer anglers an additional competitive edge as it is 25 per cent stronger than equivalent-size competitive materials. This enables up to 30 per cent thinner braided fishing lines so anglers can cast more easily, get more line onto their reel or use a lighter reel without sacrificing line strength or spool capacity.
According to Honeywell, fishing lines made with Spectra HT are also abrasion-resistant and less visible under water, so anglers can catch more fish. “Honeywell’s new Spectra HT technology allowed Shimano to develop an entirely new type of product,” said Konrad Krauland, division president of Innovative Textiles, Inc., a division of Shimano. “PowerPro Maxcuatro uses Spectra HT to enable a fishing line that is 25 percent thinner than our existing products with equivalent strength. Anglers can downsize their tackle and maximize their fishing performance with our thinnest, strongest line to date.”
“Spectra HT is more than 80 percent stronger than nylon or fluorocarbon-based fishing line materials, and 25 percent stronger than competitive fibres, including traditional grades of Spectra fibre used in braided fishing line. The strength of Spectra HT comes from the same technology used to develop the most recent innovations in ballistic armour made to protect military personnel and police officers globally,” Honeywell added.
Honeywell also stated, “Pound-for-pound, Spectra fibre is 15 times stronger than steel but is light enough to float, which helps fishing line manufacturers develop stronger, more durable and more sensitive braided fishing lines so anglers can cast more easily and hold onto prize catches. Spectra fibre is highly resistant to chemicals and damaging ultraviolet light, and is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process.”
Spectra fibre is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. Industrial applications for Spectra fibre include security netting, rope, cordage, and fishing line, as well as curtains designed to protect windows and doors during hurricanes. The fibre is also commonly used in bullet-resistant armour.
