Daiwa J Braid X8 150m Dark Green

Strength & Abrasion

How much strength do you get for the diameter? With any lure braid, that's the question that matters most, and it's where the J-Braid X8 does really well.

Breaking strains run from 9lb to 58lb (4.1kg to 26.3kg) across diameters from 0.06mm to 0.28mm, so you can go very fine for small lures or step up for pike, big jigs and sea work.

The strength comes from high-quality Japanese-made yarn in an eight-strand weave, and with ultra low stretch, pretty much all of it goes straight into setting the hook and steering the fish.

Brands measure braid diameters in different ways, though, so I'd be wary of comparing those figures directly with another make's.

To be fair, the X8 is built around strength and smoothness more than out-and-out abrasion resistance, so over rocks, mussel beds or snags I'd let a fluorocarbon leader take the knocks. Overall, I think the 9.0 is fair for a braid that's this strong for its size.

Casting & Handling

So, why does an eight-strand braid cast better than a four-strand one? More strands make a rounder, smoother line, and the X8's weave gives it a highly circular profile with a smooth surface.

That shape should slip through the rod rings with less friction, which is where the extra distance and the quieter line travel come from.

Being soft and smooth helps on the reel as well. A supple braid should lie neatly on a fixed spool and peel off cleanly, and the finer diameters cut through the air with very little drag when you're flicking light lures for perch or chub.

The ultra low stretch matters once the lure is working, as every knock, tap and change in the current comes straight back up the line. For me, that mix of distance, quietness and feel is exactly what a lure braid should give you.

Overall, it should be a pleasure to cast and fish with, which is why it earns a 9.0.

Presentation

Dark Green is a muted colour, and it should blend in well against the weed and coloured water of most UK rivers, canals and stillwaters. It isn't a stealth line in the way fluorocarbon is, though, as any braid is easier for fish to see than a good leader material.

As for the lure itself, the thin diameters mean less drag in the water, so small soft lures, spinners and jigs should run more naturally and sink without a thick line pulling them off course.

Low stretch also lets you feel exactly what the lure is doing, which helps when you're twitching a jerkbait or hopping a jig along the bottom.

That said, I'd always add a fluorocarbon leader for perch, zander and clear-water bass, and a wire trace whenever pike are about. Overall, I think it presents well for a braid, and the 8.5 sits just under its strength and casting scores because braid is never invisible.

Is it good value for money?

Is it worth the money? It's a mid-priced braid rather than a budget one, and 150m doesn't go as far as the 300m spool of the Spiderwire Stealth Smooth 8, so it isn't the cheapest way to load a reel per metre.

Even so, 150m is plenty for a lure reel, as you'll only ever cast a fraction of it, and you're paying for Japanese yarn, a round eight-strand weave and a spread of strains that runs from light perch line to heavy sea jigging braid.

If money is tight, the Wychwood Agitator AX8 is a cheaper and simpler place to start.

Overall, I'd recommend the J-Braid X8 to lure anglers who want one braid family for everything, using the lighter strains for perch, zander, chub and bass, and the heavier ones for pike and sea jigging.

If you want a single braid you can trust across most lure fishing, it's a very easy choice.