Testing Procedures & Equipment
4 main tests are performed on each line sample:
- Diameter check and Line Construction
- Breaking strain
- Abrasion resistance
- FG Knot strength
Diameter & Line Construction
Both of these checks are performed under high magnification. A USB microscope is used, connected to a PC to allow high resolution photos to be taken and analyzed. Prior to each measurement being taken, the microscope is calibrated using a Stage Micrometer which displays a reference measurement down to 0.01mm, to ensure results are as accurate and consistent as possible.
More recently, we have introduced a 360° measuring method. This involved the lines’ diameter being measured, then twisted 45° and measured again. This process is repeated 8 times to give us 8 measurments. This will more acurately indicate the lines profile and clearly show how round (or flat) the line may be.
Breaking Strain
Breaking String is measured using a digital Force Gauge again connected to a PC. This allows real time recordings multiple times per second to be captured and plotted against time, along with the peak breaking force. This data is then put into a graph for easier visual analysis.
The Force gauge is mounted to a motorized Linear Actuator which allows the line to be tightened at a controlled rate of 5.7mm/second. All of this in turn is mounted on a Linear Rail sliding system to provide low-friction stability under high pressure.
Line is held in place between 2 posts, each wrapped in high density silicon rubber to provide even force. No knots are used in the maximum breaking strain testing.
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance is tested a little differently to a lot of the other tests that we have seen. Most tests are performed as “the number of times the line can go back and forth over sandpaper with a given weight attached.”
After significant testing, we decided to go in a different direction and measure the amount of pressure you could put on a line when it is in contact with an abrasive surface, in the hope that this more accurately simulates what happens in the real world. Our logic was that rarely is a line rubbed back and forth over a rock (or whatever it is) with a constant even pressure time and time again, on exactly the same small section of line. In our experience it may be more realistic to measure “how much pressure can I apply when I am in contact with an abrasive surface or structure (rock, branch etc)?”, so we measure the breaking strain of the line when it is put in contact with a consistent abrasive surface (hardened steel file). This then gives us the force in pounds that the line can handle when in contact with an obstacle, and allows us to compare this value to its maximum (non abrasion) breaking strain. We can then calculate the abrasion resistance of a given line as a percentage of its maximum breaking strain, which in turn allows us to compare lines of different construction, thickness and rating against each other to find out what line type provides the user with the highest abrasion resistance irrespective of its construction, breaking strain or diameter.
FG Knot Breaking Strain
The FG Knot is tied using the “FG Wizz” available HERE
This tool is used to ensure the highest level of consistency possible. The method used to tie all knots is the same, that being 10 wraps each side with the leader (20 wraps in total), followed by a half hitch in the tag end of the braid around just the leader to lock the knot off. Finally, the knot is finished with 4 hitches again using the tag end of the line, and wrapping around both the leader and the main line. Both tag ends are then trimmed down.