Decoding Fishing Line Ratings: A Guide to PE Ratings, Diameters, and Strength

PE ratings represent a Japanese method for specifying line diameters. Most reels indicate how many meters of a particular PE line will fit on them. Some anglers prefer this system because it helps determine the reel's line capacity.

Line diameter in millimeters is a traditional method for indicating line thickness. However, there is ongoing debate about how this is measured with braided lines, as some pressure can flatten the lines.

Braided line strength is also usually measured in pounds. However, unlike monofilament lines, braided lines often test above their rated strength by a significant margin. Some manufacturers may have considered the lower knot strength of braided lines and the fact that braided lines break much more easily on a quick pull due to their lack of stretch, which is also known as shock load. This "over-testing" can be confusing for anglers who may not understand why braided lines are not rated closer to their actual breaking point.

Monofilament line strength is typically measured in pounds. Unlike braided lines, monofilament lines are not often rated in the PE system and are still commonly rated in pounds and kilograms. Most lines slightly exceed their rated strength, but IGFA pre-tested lines are available, which test slightly below their rating, allowing for IGFA record claims.

This table shows the relationship between braid and mono: