10-01-2008, 08:57 PM
7X, 6X, 5X, etc are diameter measurements. Breaking strength (2lb, 4lb, 6lb test), while related to diameter is a separate consideration. For example, 2X diameter Maxima might only have 6 or 8lb breaking strength while most 2X trout tippets (Orvis Super Strong, Rio Powerflex, etc) are more like 11 lb breaking strength.
The diameter is most important in considering what tippet to use with a particular size of fly. For example, throwing a size 6 hopper or stonefly with 6X would be problematic because the fine diameter would tend to twist on the back cast. Conversely, a size 20 BWO is difficult to present properly with the 3X that would probably work quite well for the hopper. Notice that this discussion on tippet diameter makes no mention of breaking strength.
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The diameter is most important in considering what tippet to use with a particular size of fly. For example, throwing a size 6 hopper or stonefly with 6X would be problematic because the fine diameter would tend to twist on the back cast. Conversely, a size 20 BWO is difficult to present properly with the 3X that would probably work quite well for the hopper. Notice that this discussion on tippet diameter makes no mention of breaking strength.
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