braids

what are the advantages or disadvantages of braid over mono

Main 3 advantages:
1/ No line streach so every litte knock gives a bleep.
2/ Thiner in diameter than an equal pondage line.
3/ Lasts for a good 3 years, then respool it onto another spool and use the other end for 3 years.

Disadvantages:
1/ Initial outlay 2 times more than Line.
2/ Subject to wind knots when casting if the spool is not fully wetted prior to 1st cast of session.
3/ If you don't slacken the clutch off you can get hook pulls when nearing the net due to the lack of streach.
4/ You MUST use tubing (use a pole threader to put it on)otherwise when the Carp roles it will scuff up its flanks severly.
5/ Advisable to where a finger stall when cast as the braid will slice through your finger very easly on an aborted/cocked up cast.
Having said the above I personally use braid and love it

2/ Subject to wind knots when casting if the spool is not fully wetted prior to 1st cast of session.
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Prime cause of this is not spooling the line on tight enough in the first place and closing the bail arm by turning the reel handle, which usually lets a couple of slacker turns on.

Close it by hand and trap the line between thumb and forefinger of your rod hand for the first few turns until the line's tight should cure it.