Line Diameter + spooling ??

[dan_WA]

Howdy folks,
Just about to spool up one of my (non-breamin') reels with some braid; and was wondering does anyone have the secret formula to work out how much backing to put on spool so that my (braid) spools right to the edge ?
Also have noticed that most of the berkley lines specify a "lb diameter" - not the actual mm or inch thickness - do you just make a guess of an average size diameter ?
eg. Got some gorilla braid 15lb - which has 4lb diameter.........4lb WHAT ??? - how do I rate this to spool capacity ?.

Any suggestions ?

[SimonT]

I usually put the braid on first, then join the backing to the braid and fill the reel to the desired level. Then the long winded part of the prcess happens. From here I wind it all onto another reel, then onto another one, and finally back onto the original reel. I have a couple of old Alveys which do a good job for transferring the line around. Also it allows you to get good tension onto the line if you tighten the drag on the alvey up a bit.

If it is a small reel with a limited capacity you could spool up with the braid and then top up with backing, and then go down to the local park and do a walk around in the trees. Then just reattach the backing and respool with the braid on top. Less winding in total, but a better chance at strangling someone with braid!!!

If there is an easier way then I am keen to find out too!!

[jimi]

I've done the same thing as Simon to solve the braid/backing problem. The only improvement I can offer is to put a bolt through an old fireline (or other) spool and then use a battery drill to wind the line on and off the reel (the bolt goes into the chuck of the drill). You will need two spools so that you can reverse the line direction before winding back on to the original. The drill just makes it a bit faster.

Alternatively, if you have a spare spool that is identical to the original (not many are unfortunately), you can wind the line on there (fireline first), and then back onto the original spool. Saves a couple of steps in between.

Cheers
James

[scott]

i do the same as above (braid, then backing chuck it on another spool then back again) but when i do it, i throw the spool in a icecream container of water so the line goes on wet

scott

[SimonT]

What is the benefit of putting the line on wet?