Since switching over to the Syncro XT mono last November Gaz hasn’t looked back, a sound endorsement to a great line. It’s helped him extract some big, stunning looking carp in very precarious situations, from winching them in through thick weed at long range, to heart stopping under-the-rod-top battles.
There are other good mono’s out there but if you are looking for a new line that’s tough, ultra strong, just the right colour, casts like a dream and sinks like a brick then take a look at the ESP Syncro XT.
When we started working on the development of a new high performance ‘top end’ big carp monofilament for the ESP range last year it was absolutely essential that it would have to meet a strict set of requirements and be at least as good as, but preferably surpass the best lines already available.
It was generally known that Terry Hearn and Nigel Sharp used another brand of mono, GR-60 which they had absolute faith in, and had done so for many years. So to get them to even load up their reels with a new line would require something a bit special. When you consider that these two anglers have made their names fishing for the UK’s biggest and most sought after carp often in difficult, demanding conditions, a reliable mainline is of absolute, paramount importance. These guys are not easily impressed but to say they are totally sold on this new line would be a massive understatement!
We have tested countless monofilaments over recent years from various manufacturers and also competitor’s own brands to use as a comparison. ESP Syncro XT is a high performance co-polyamide monofilament which is diameter for diameter the strongest line we have ever tested. On a five turn grinner it out performed everything we compared it to.
Traditionally though, strong, highly abrasion resistant mono’s have had a tendency to be quite wiry or springy, which inhibits distance casting and makes them quite difficult to manage on the reel, but this is not the case with the new E-S-P line. Whilst it does have a tough, ‘steely’ feel to it, it is also silky smooth and relatively supple making it perform brilliantly for long range work.
We also paid special attention to the stretch factor. Some mono’s are excessively stretchy which can inhibit ‘feedback’ when feeling the lead down at range and also when clipping up the extra stretch can cause the lead to bounce back and affect accuracy. The Syncro XT has optimum stretch making it perfect for all situations.
It also measures up admirably with regards to abrasion resistance, not only on dry bench tests but also during extensive field testing where carp have been retrieved safely from around the back of islands and through thick weed beds on waters where leaders are banned, without the slightest sign of damage to the monofilament. This line has already accounted for some very special big carp from very demanding venues. During the first few weeks of testing it accounted for two 47lb + fish from different, very tricky venues.
For a monofilament it sinks like a stone too, and with its translucent ‘smoky green’ colouring it just seems to disappear under water.
Available in four different diameters and breaking strains, on 1,000m spools: 10lb (0.30mm), 12lb (0.33mm), 15lb (0.37mm) and 18lb (0.40mm). The stated breaking strains on the spools are a nominal guide, however, with carefully tied 5 turn grinners the following average breaking strains were achieved during testing:
10lb (0.30mm) – 15.14lb
12lb (0.33mm) – 18.10lb
15lb (0.37mm) – 21.70lb
18lb (0.40mm) – 26.08lb
So as you can see Syncro XT is highly underrated and is seriously strong! Coupled with its excellent abrasion resistance, fast sink rate and silky smooth finish, it is the perfect carp line with few rivals when it comes to fishing for big carp in demanding situations.
Check out these great videos on Syncro XT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FegC2JMVqDE&list=UUSYHDTjv9nMITv8n8kbFDFg&index=4&feature=plcp
