Seaguar Smackdown Braid Review: 20 LB Test At A 6 LB Mono Diameter

What’s the answer to achieving a thinner braided fishing line? Some lines, like the Power Pro Maxcuatro, use only 4 strands and a tight weave. Seaguar Smackdown approaches the solution in a different manner. Rather than having a rough 4-strand weave, they stick with an 8 micro strand braid. The result is a smoother braided line, better for casting, and easier on your gear. Get the rundown on Seaguar Smackdown braided line in the following review.

Seaguar Smackdown Braided Line

Product: Seaguar Smackdown braided fishing line.

Overall Ranking: 91 out of 100.

Price: Lower high level.

Company/Owner: Kureha Corporation.

Website: Seaguar.com.

Intro To Seaguar Smackdown Braid

Just because the big name brands get all the attention, doesn’t mean their braids can’t be beaten. Brands like Power Pro Super 8 Slick and Sufix 832 Advanced Superline get media showcasing due to their popularity. But talk to an angler that tries Seaguar Smackdown and you’ll hear nothing but praises.

Seaguar Smackdown braid is true to its breaking strength while greatly thinning out its diameter. By reducing the size of each individual strand, Seaguar is able to keep the 8 pattern weave. Anglers are not going back after trying this line. They put more length on their reels with Smackdown and appreciate its smooth casting ability.

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Seaguar Smackdown Spools, Specs, & Features

Smackdown Spools

Spools of Seaguar Smackdown come in two colors, Green or Stealth Gray. Spools in Stealth Gray are new, and just arriving on the market. Line tests begin at 10 LBS and go up to 65 LBS. Spools of Seaguar Smackdown come in lengths of 150 yards. Check the list below for full details:

• 10 LB: 150 Yards – Green or Stealth Gray
• 15 LB: 150 Yards – Green or Stealth Gray
• 20 LB: 150 Yards – Green or Stealth Gray
• 30 LB: 150 Yards – Green or Stealth Gray
• 40 LB: 150 Yards – Green or Stealth Gray
• 50 LB: 150 Yards – Green or Stealth Gray
• 65 LB: 150 Yards – Green or Stealth Gray

Seaguar Smackdown Specs

Like most braided fishing lines, Seaguar provides the diameters of Smackdown in inches and in millimeters. Anglers can compare and contrast the claims that Seaguar Smackdown braid is thinner, as well as check the mono equivalent.

• 10 LB: 0.128 (MM) 0.005 (IN) – 2 LB Mono
• 15 LB: 0.165 (MM) 0.006 (IN) – 4 LB Mono
• 20 LB: 0.185 (MM) 0.007 (IN) – 6 LB Mono
• 30 LB: 0.235 (MM) 0.009 (IN) – 8 LB Mono
• 40 LB: 0.285 (MM) 0.011 (IN) – 12 LB Mono
• 50 LB: 0.370 (MM) 0.015 (IN) – 20 LB Mono
• 65 LB: 0.405 (MM) 0.016 (IN) – 25 LB Mono

Key Features

8-Strands Of Micro-Dyneema

Most braided lines reduce the number of strands in the weave to get a thinner diameter. Seaguar Smackdown disagrees with this philosophy. In order to keep an 8 strand weave, however, means reducing the size of the strands themselves. With 8 carriers on the braiding machine, each one has a spool of ultra-small micro-Dyneema line. The resulting line has the round profile of an 8 carrier braid with a much thinner diameter.

Ultra-Thin Diameter

The most prominent feature of Seaguar Smackdown braid is its thin diameter. Seaguar provides the specifications to prove it as well. They boast that the 20 LB Smackdown has a diameter relative to that of 6 LB monofilament line. Specs of the Seaguar Smackdown 20 LB test are 0.185 millimeters or 0.017 inches in diameter. Compare that to 20 LB Power Pro Maxcuatro which has a diameter of 0.019 millimeters. They are virtually the same and the Maxcuatro uses only 4 strands.

Round & Smooth Profile For Casting

One of the reasons for using an 8-strand weave is the pattern results in a natural round profile. Weaving with 4 strands may achieve a thinner diameter, but the pattern leaves unavoidably rougher edges. The round profile of Seaguar Smackdown braid lends a smoothness that extends casting distance. It has less friction through the line guides and on the reel spool, meaning it won’t wear so heavily your equipment.

High Abrasion Resistance

Anglers appreciate Seaguar Smackdown for its durability. Smackdown braid uses a solid filament core which adds to its smooth profile. This also increases the property of resistance to abrasion. You’re better off with 8 strands when knicks or cuts occur, but braid will fray over time. Seaguar Smackdown doesn’t dig into itself on the spool, even with lunkers stripping off yards of line. And a braided line that doesn’t dig won’t fray as fast as ones that do.

Excellent Knot & True Breaking Strength

What does true breaking strength mean? It means simply that Seaguar Smackdown braid will break very close to its stated test. Wouldn’t you want a braid that breaks over the test limit, as many brands do? At first glance, that seems to be a desirable quality. But think about it for a minute. By gaining that extra strength, you lose length on the reel spool. Seaguar Smackdown allows knots to cinch and hold with a lot more line on the reel.

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Pros & Cons Of Seaguar Smackdown Braided Line

Pros

Two of the most profound advantages that come using Seaguar Smackdown are its round profile and super thin diameter. For anglers who need good casting distance, Smackdown makes it possible. Like all braided lines, it is sensitive and doesn’t stretch. The 8-strand weave of micro-Dyneema material is incredibly strong and will cut right through kelp and other types of vegetation.

Any angler with experience using braid can understand the frustration of line that digs on the spool. Smackdown offers one of the better lays among braids and resists the tendency to wrap into itself. Anglers get more line on their spools with Seaguar Smackdown and count on using it for quite some time.

Cons

Seaguar Smackdown offers some great qualities, but it definitely has its drawbacks. The braid was originally available in Hi-Vis Yellow and Green. Now the Hi-Vis Yellow is out, though the Stealth Gray is a new addition. So there are still only two colors, and anglers have only one choice in spool length. It really would be favorable, even though it’s a Tournament style braid, to offer longer spools.

Not that the construction style would be well-suited to lighter or heavier tests, but the limitations are worth pointing out. You won’t find less than 10 LB or heavier than 65 in Smackdown spools. It’s a braided fishing line for a narrower set of uses than other name brands.

Best Use/Fishing Style For Seaguar Smackdown

For freshwater bass fishing, Seaguar Smackdown has plenty of uses. Its thin diameter can be a big blessing when fish are line shy and it’ll cut through most aquatic foliage. The range of available tests and a 150-yard spool fit right in line with most freshwater bass situations. Smackdown makes a fine choice on your spinning or baitcasting reel. Pair it with your favorite freshwater bass rod, or for saltwater consider the Shimano Teramar.

Moving over to the ocean and saltwater applications, Seaguar Smackdown is more limited in its uses. It will still make a great braid for fishing lagoon bass or targeting inshore halibut. Offshore anglers can make good use of Smackdown on their lighter outfits. 150 yards will fill most baitcasters or 20-30 class conventional reels. Finally, the extra casting distance is perfect for kelp bed fishing along the coastline.

Seaguar Customer Support

Though braided fishing lines don’t come with a warranty, Seaguar does provide a quality guarantee. Anglers can visit the Seaguar website to get in touch with a company representative or to browse for information. You’ll find knot tying techniques, tips from the Seaguar Pro Staff, and Frequently Asked Questions on Seaguar.com.

Winding Up The Review

91 out of 100 anglers approve of Seaguar Smackdown Braid

Keep in mind that Seaguar Smackdown wouldn’t rate as well as a general braided fishing line. Within its specific areas of use, Smackdown outperforms many other labels. There aren’t too many braided lines that offer such strength and smoothness along with a super-thin diameter. Anglers who use Seaguar Smackdown are not disappointed. In fact, other user reviews are also highly favorable.

Don’t hesitate to share your experience with Seaguar Smackdown braid or throw out a question you might have. I appreciate your feedback as do your fellow anglers. Just scroll down to the comment section below.