Braided lines overview: PE number vs lb rating
PE number = a size grade (linear density); lb = a strength label. There is no universal conversion. Before comparing, say which: same label lb, same measured break, or same measured diameter?
| Japanese PE number | US lb rating | |
|---|---|---|
| What it labels | Linear density (weight per length) | Label strength (lb) |
| Written as | PE 0.6 / 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 | 10 / 20 / 30 / 50 lb |
| Where strength appears | A Max lb or Class note | It is the main label |
| Diameter | Approximate, not a caliper guarantee | Often a "mono-equivalent" diameter, not measured |
| Typical products | Japanese x8 | Power Pro, J-Braid, Sufix 832 |
| Comparable across brands? | Size roughly; strength no | No |
By job: PE number and the matching label lb (approximate; brands differ)
| Job | PE | ≈ lb | Reel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear-water finesse (drop shot, Ned, Neko) | 0.6–0.8 | 10–15 | Spinning 2000–2500 |
| Everyday spinning (bass, walleye, light pike) | 1.0–1.5 | 20–30 | Spinning 2500–3000 |
| Big swimbaits, glides | 2.0–3.0 | 30–40 | Baitcaster |
| Frogs, swim jigs, flipping | 3–4 | 40–50 | Baitcaster |
| Punching mats | 5–6 | 60–65 | Baitcaster |
| Thickest mats, muskie | 8+ | 80–100 | Baitcaster |
All labelled 20 lb: how far apart are the diameters? (manufacturer labels)
| Product | System | Label | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARIVAS HighGrade PE Marking Type II x8 (discontinued) | Japanese | PE 1 · 20 lb | ≈0.171 mm (0.0067″) |
| Sufix 832 braid | US | 20 lb | 0.229 mm (0.009″) |
| Sufix Advance fluorocarbon | US | 20 lb | 0.432 mm (0.017″) |
| Sufix Elite nylon | US | 20 lb | 0.457 mm (0.018″) |
All about 0.279 mm (0.011″): how far apart are the ratings?
| Sufix 832 braid | Sufix Advance FC | Sufix Elite nylon |
|---|---|---|
| 30 lb | 10 lb | 8 lb |
- Label lb is not measured break strength; compare wet, knotted and abraded strength separately.
- These are specific products' labels, not material ratios, and do not stand for every US or Japanese line.
- Prefer makers who publish a real diameter.
- Do not pick by the flag or the price: neither proves the yarn grade or the real diameter.
Sources: Sufix 832 · Sufix Advance FC · Sufix Elite · VARIVAS (checked 2026-09-13)
← Carrier count · Colour →
Braided lines overview
Braid in six tables: carrier count, PE number vs lb, colour, leaders and knots, other braid types, spooling and troubleshooting.
- Carrier count
- PE number vs lb rating
- Colour
- Leaders and knots
- Other braid types
- Spooling and troubleshooting