does braid on the spool expire?

[bigbee43]

How old is too old for braid that is still on the spool? Is 5year old braid still in the box as good as new? same with 10yr old?

I know mono has problems with age, UV, light exposure etc., but not sure about braid.

For thoughts are appreciated.

[haftafish22]

there's a reason police officers have to get new vest every few years....made out of the same material...

[Gambler Bob]

I have had some braid on my reels for going on three seasons, seems to be fine still, just looses some color after getting wet. Not sure how long it lasts on the spool.

[aussiebasser]

If it is out of the sun it will be fine. I have reels with 6 year old braid on them. No problems. The colors will fade, because you cannot properly dye dyneema/spectra. The colour is more on the outside.

[bigbee43]

Thanks for the replies, I am not worried about the color. I am more worried about the performance.

will 5yr old never used 25lbs braid break at same point as brand new 25lbs braid?

[aussiebasser]

There should be no difference at all.

[Blazer1]

Just pull it off and re-spool it. I do it about every two years. What was tied to a lure is now on the bottom and what was on the bottom is now tied to a lure. Just reverse it!

[Bryanmc57]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by haftafish22 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">there's a reason police officers have to get new vest every few years....made out of the same material... </td></tr></table>

Body armor is made of kevlar, braided line is generally made of spectra. Two different materials.

[bigbee43]

just for clarity, I am not planning on shooting at the fish.

[Blazer1]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by hurricane_e &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">just for clarity, I am not planning on shooting at the fish.</td></tr></table>

LMAO..........

[cubswin]

I use braid alot, and usually change it out on casting reels about once a year. Mainly because I don't put that much on to begin with and the spool gets low over the course of a year.

On spinning, I've got fireline on some of those reels that is at least 5 years old. If it starts looking ragged, I'll spool it on a different reel, get the fresh line that has been down on the spool that way at the end.

Now mono...that stuff I replace often.

[Bryanmc57]

FWIW, I'm pretty sure I have some 50 lb test TUF line on a reel in my storage that was spooled in 1995 and fished for 3 years. It's been sitting on that reel since then. I'll cut off 10 yards and send it to you if you want to make an informed decision.

[bigbee43]

Bryanmc57
I appreciate your offer. No need to send though, I will take your opinion on the effect of age on braid.

I guess you are leaning towards "no effect"

[Gambler Bob]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by hurricane_e &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">just for clarity, I am not planning on shooting at the fish.</td></tr></table>

that is some funny chit.

[siskiyoucrash]

I'll have to let you know when I manage to wear some out,,have never done it yet! I have reversed it on a couple of reels that I use alot. Some of it has got to be close to 10 yrs old.!!

[hizzah]

I've notice it just seems to flatten and strands pull apart a little bit easier when you cut it. One time it was like the end sheathing just slid up so I cut a couple yard off and it was fine. Strength wise I haven't noticed a problem but the longest I went was 3 seasons.

[Bronzefly]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by hurricane_e &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">just for clarity, I am not planning on shooting at the fish.</td></tr></table>

One of the best replies I've seen in a while