PowerPro’s new Maxcuatro is a dramatic new gel-spun fishing line that is 25 percent thinner than the existing PowerPro product of equal test weight. Plus its four-carrier braided weave makes for a lighter and softer line that spools easily on your reel and also gives you some added casting distance – gotta love that “less is more” stuff!
MICROFILAMENT SCIENCE
I reached out to the PowerPro folks right after the ICAST tackle show, and they sent me an actual 10x magnified image of a side-by-side comparison of their current PowerPro product and the new Maxcuatro. The Maxcuatro was rounder, thinner and undoubtedly would qualify for adding more line on my chosen fishing reel’s spool.
This latest generation of PowerPro is labeled as a “microfilament” braided fishing line using the latest technology in Spectra fiber. Maxcuatro is 25 percent thinner in overall diameter compared to the equivalent strength standard PowerPro superbraid. The secret to making this “addition by subtraction” work is to employ a four-carrier braid (other lines use 6 or 8 carriers). This manufacturing technique really packs the Honeywell Spectra HT fiber into a neat and tidy package that takes up less space and allows anglers to increase the line capacity on their favorite spinning or conventional reel. And when you specialize in big game, light tackle hunting like I do for my near offshore charters, less really is more!
This solid core, super-soft superbraid ties some high-confidence knots and passed the ultimate test for my style of full-contact sport fishing with a 99 percent no-bind, three-turn surgeon’s knot and my fave 13-turn Yucatan (Bristol) knot for doing a direct connection of the monofilament top shot to my reel’s Maxcuatro super braid running line. This low-profile knot has never failed me, even on the largest and feistiest pelagics, and passes through the rod guides with no problems. It packs onto the reel spool smoothly with zero hiccups. If you prefer the usual stalwarts like the uni-knot or the improved clinch, Maxcuatro is good to go tying those proven performers too.
According to the PowerPro techs, the Spectra HT fiber, which is exclusive to PowerPro for use in braided fishing line, allows for “4-End Construction,” contributing to less bulk and longer casting distance. Anglers will quickly notice this improved casting performance when used on spinning, baitcasting and/or conventional jigging reels, and can downsize their tackle and still have plenty of capacity when used in saltwater situations.
PowerPro Maxcuatro braid is offered in two colors, moss green primarily for freshwater situations, and high-vis Yellow for both fresh and saltwater fishing use. Both colors are available in 50-, 65-, 80- and 100-pound test, loaded on 150-, 500-, 1,500- and 3,000-yard spools.
ADDED BENEFITS
Beside the thinner diameter, added line capacity, reduced visibility footprint and softer feel, another benefit of Maxcuatro will be a bit hit with sinker bouncers, wreck jockeys and drift fishermen: the reduced profile translates to needing less lead weight to hold the bottom. Plus casting distance will also improve for bucktail tossers and plug casters.
The hi-vis canary yellow Maxcuatro was definitely calling my name, and I have a 500-yard spool of 65-pound test that I will load up on a 16-pound class two-speed just in time for August tuna trolling and fall inshore sharking. I will report back in a later issue of the Fisherman with some additional intel on how this combo fared on the tough mako, thresher and thunnus tribes. The MSRP for a 500-yard spool of 65-pound Maxcuatro is $89.99, with prices for the other lengths and weights varying from $28.99 (150 yards of 50-pound) to $699.99 (3,000-yard spool of 100-pound).
As with other PowerPro braided fishing line, Maxcuatro is up to eight-times more sensitive and has minimal stretch when compared to nylon and fluorocarbon fishing lines. Anglers will be able to feel even the lightest strikes, allowing them to make quick, solid hooksets, all in hopes of catching more fish or bringing more big ones to boatside for tag and release. Made in the USA at its facility in Grand Junction, Colorado, Maxcuatro joins other advances in braided fishing line, including Enhanced Body Technology, available to anglers from PowerPro. Part of Shimano American Corp., PowerPro provides braided fishing line to fishermen around the globe. For more information, visit the website.
