Monic Elite Striper

[Factor]

Howdy gang!  Has anyone had a chance to fish this new line yet?  I’m not so much interested with how the tapers worked with your rod- more wanting to know how the line behaved itself.  My last Monic line was very prone to coiling…constantly seemed to be taking out tangles.  Like many of you, I’ve enjoyed Airflo’s Coldwater Striper intermediate line for many years…just considering trying this new one from Monic.  

[KironaFly]

Aside from how well the line behaves in a cold environment  ... I would be very interested in knowing what the head's shape is like & and grain weights. Also is it really "clear" or more opaque?

[Factor]

Hi Kirona, the line I’m referring to isn’t described as clear at all- it’s grey-ish in color.  You can read their description on Monic’s site.  I will most likely just give it a run as I naturally lean toward Airflo and Monic anyway.  Airflo isn’t making their Coldwater Striper Intermediate line at the moment (so I’m told from folks in Colorado) so will likely try the Monic…the only thing that’s making me hesitant is my preference for Airflo’s Power Core (vs a mono core).  This Elite line is a new one, so not expecting many have actually used it, but was hoping a few from the Mid Atlantic States on here might have over the past month.

Edited May 15 by Factor

[Fergal]

I have some interest in this line but I am getting tired of dropping $+100 on a line to find out I don't like it. The site says it is weighted 1 size heavy but it appears to be two sizes heavy. The 8wt comes in 280gr, that's the aftma weight for a 10....

 

I'm tempted to pick up the 8 and see what rod it pairs with.

 

This line weight bull**** is pretty annoying.

[KidDkivahh]

Ahh the good old days when we dumped the old letter system and embraced the number system. When one had an 8 weight rod and 8 weight line and you had a balanced outfit. 

If rod and line makers aren't building their products adhering AFTMA standards move on. Purchase from those that do. Fly fishing should be a cut and dried pursuit not a guessing game. You wouldn't buy a 20-gauge shot gun to find out you had to stuff a 12- gauge shell in it to shoot it. 

[gman1253]

KD -- I have not tried the Monic Striper line but I do have the Skyline Plus in a 10 (throwing on a 8). Throws nice & long too & has nice texture to it BUT does coil. It does not have any stretch & I could not pull it to straighten it out. No I did not tie to the back of my car & step on the gas (;0)....   Compared to every other line (a big tupperware full of lines) it has the least stretch I have ever seen.

 

I e-mailed Monic & they said to try soaking in hot water & then stretching. I may try that next. They also said that they were sorry & would replace the line if I was unhappy with it.

[Fergal]

On 5/16/2023 at 5:42 AM, gman1253 said:

KD -- I have not tried the Monic Striper line but I do have the Skyline Plus in a 10 (throwing on a 8). Throws nice & long too & has nice texture to it BUT does coil. It does not have any stretch & I could not pull it to straighten it out. No I did not tie to the back of my car & step on the gas (;0)....   Compared to every other line (a big tupperware full of lines) it has the least stretch I have ever seen.

 

I e-mailed Monic & they said to try soaking in hot water & then stretching. I may try that next. They also said that they were sorry & would replace the line if I was unhappy with it.

that's a lot of effort in order to get a line to work...

 

 

[JRT]

I like that manufacturers are publishing the total head weight (in grains or grams) now. Long may it continue.

The published Grain weights only refer to the first 30ft, which is not helpful if the head length is more than this - given most would aerialise the entire head to cast. I got caught by this on one of the new SA sinktip lines - uncastable on the given rod rating. 

 

[gman1253]

On 5/16/2023 at 7:26 AM, Fergal said:

that's a lot of effort in order to get a line to work...

 

 

Yea -- I told them They have to be kidding.

[gman1253]

On 5/16/2023 at 8:30 AM, JRT said:

I like that manufacturers are publishing the total head weight (in grains or grams) now. Long may it continue.

The published Grain weights only refer to the first 30ft, which is not helpful if the head length is more than this - given most would aerialise the entire head to cast. I got caught by this on one of the new SA sinktip lines - uncastable on the given rod rating. 

 

Yep..... you also need the taper diagram ... SA & Cortland are both pretty god with that.

 

One reason I tend to buy lines via the EB  site at least I can usually get them in the 50-70 range vs. 90 +. 

[Factor]

Well, sounds like I’m going to have to be the Guinea pig and maybe try this one for myself to see if it behaves itself in the surf.  Thanks anyway crew.  By the way, I fully agree on line prices…although, have mostly been impressed with Airflo’s longevity…very little experience with Monic.

[Liam on the Fly]

I also fish the Airflo Striper Intermediate, I find it can get too limp when fishing on a hot day or in warmer water(~70). Hopefully that mono core keeps it a bit more lively in the heat.

 

I agree with you @Factor, my Airflo lines seem to last WAY longer than my Rio lines

[Fergal]

On 5/16/2023 at 9:19 AM, Factor said:

Well, sounds like I’m going to have to be the Guinea pig and maybe try this one for myself to see if it behaves itself in the surf.  Thanks anyway crew.  By the way, I fully agree on line prices…although, have mostly been impressed with Airflo’s longevity…very little experience with Monic.

I'm probably going to get the longer version in a 8wt, for use on a faster 9 or a more moderate 10. It sure as hell won't go on my 8.

[Fergal]

I got it yesterday. It's pouring rain here today but tomorrow is nice so I will play around with it then. I'm intending to try it on a 9 or 10, certainly not going on an 8.

[ginclear]

I purchased the Monic Striper Elite intermediate short 10wt (380 grain) for primary use with an Echo Boost Blue 9’ 10 Wt rod. I’ve used it once and truly like the performance and casting of the line. The Echo Boost Blue is a fast rod and was able to easily cast the line into wind with a large fly. Yes, it did coil a bit, but I’ve yet to find a line that doesn’t coil. I fix all coiling by untwisting the line after a long cast.  I bought the short head for 2 handed overhead casting use with an 8 wt Redington 11’6” Dually. I’ve yet to try the line with the 2 handed rod. 
 

The head is a light gray color and on first use seems a bit more buoyant than my previous Airflo intermediate striper line. 
 

I also use the Monic Henley Phantom Tip floating lines in 6, 9 and 11 wts for various rods. I’m impressed with Monics’ line quality, casting and durability.