Pennaz Post: First Glimpse at Berkley's New NanoFil

39 comments NAFC Staff Blogs

Apr 11

Berkley will unveil a new line technology when it launches NanoFil in June. I can assure you, there is simply nothing else like it.

You haven't heard of NanoFil because this is the first authorized release of information on it, but you can bet that in the coming weeks and months there will be plenty of buzz.

I've been fishing/field testing NanoFil for several months, a span that included a Midwest bass/walleye/pike/panfish outing with Berkley's head of line, Clay Norris and Joe Meyer, head of superlines.

Neither Clay nor Joe shared much information on the line prior to the trip, other than to let me know we'd be field testing a new concept in fishing lines. First impressions are hard to break and so is this line. NanoFil feels and handles much like a supple mono, but with performance characteristics of a braid. However, it's neither a mono nor a braid.

"I nearly killed a squirrel on my first cast." -- Steve Pennaz

NanoFil line is round and so smooth it feels almost slippery. Initially, I was concerned about knot strength/slippage so I used the Double Palomar with solid results for attaching lure to line. Not once during testing of the line did I experience a single knot failure.

If you must define NanoFil, it is the world's first Uni-Filament fishing Line. It features hundreds of Dyneema® nanofilaments and through a process of molecularly linking and shaping, offering incredible strength per diameter and superb sensitivity. The name NanoFil reflects the line's DNA. Nano means tiny, minuscule, microscopic. For example, a nanosecond is one-billionth of a second.

Berkley's NanoFil: The New Standard In Superlines?

NanoFil is so thin it's unquestionably built for spinning reels. On the spool the line looks more white than translucent, but off the spool it looks more clear than opaque.

What I was completely unprepared for was the flat-out castability ... I nearly killed a squirrel on my first cast. NanoFil is unquestionably the best casting line I've ever used. While testing I've launched everything from 1/64-ounce jigs to 1/2-ounce crankbaits with it (mostly using 8-pound break strength which offers about the diameter of 2-pound mono). Actual casting distances were not recorded, but you can fully expect to increase your casting distance over mono by 1/3 or more. In some cases with a stiff wind at my back and a crankbait on the line I felt spool-clearing casts were actually possible (but never achieved).

At first, I had trouble adjusting to the greater distances. Several of my first casts ended up on shore or deep in the weeds, but after awhile I made an important adjustment...I moved the boat farther from shore!

With near zero stretch, hooksets were rock solid, and part of the testing process involved hoisting bass, walleyes and pike to nearly four pounds directly into the boat to see if we could get the line to fail. It didn't.

NanoFil diameters will make it easier to downsize offerings to today's educated fish, and its thin diameter will make it easier to fish farther, deeper and faster than ever before. I've also noticed the line's diameter makes it act line a buzz-saw in cover...it cuts through grass unlike any other line I've fished.

When NanoFil hits the shelves of your local tackle dealers this June, you'll find it available in 150-, 300- and 1,500-yard spools, and the following pound tests: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. The only color available will be translucent "Clear Mist." The package will look like the image above.

It has been awhile since a new product introduction left me slack jawed and weak kneed, however, Nanofil does both.

Steve

39 comments

# cbennett257

Monday, April 11, 2011 4:24 PM

This stuff sounds awesome. Any info about the price?

# dtesky

Monday, April 11, 2011 9:10 PM

Is this going to ba an affordable line with the economy the way it is? If the 8lb. test is the dia. of 2lb. test, what is the dia. of 10 and 12lb.?

# etabor

Monday, April 11, 2011 9:29 PM

WOW! sounds like its going be pretty good cant wait to get some of my own.

# Pegsguy

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:18 PM

Sounds interesting. Does it sink or float?

# Rasczack

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:41 PM

I think I'm going to use this as fly fishing tippet and on my spinning reels.

# Rasczack

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:43 PM

Is this going to be a test product for the club? If so as I have several uses for it I would volunteer my services for it.

# cmontalbano

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 1:42 PM

If 8lb. test is the same diameter as 2 lb. mono, I would say that it would be very similar to Power Pro. As nice as this line sounds though, it also sounds VERY expensive, I would be surprised to see it for under $18 for a 150 yd. spool of 8lb. test. However, if it is that good, it may well be worth it, so we'll just have to see.

# jmahnke61

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 4:44 PM

Just built a new spinning rod that I would love to try it on. Drop shot with a with a Berkley gulp minnow and catch a Larry.

# leubanks1

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 4:49 PM

Yeah I agree with the above questions. How much, what are the diameters of the 10 and 12 lb, and does it sink or float?

# Rasczack

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 5:08 PM

so where is this contest that we are supposed to answer questions for?

# navyfish

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 11:39 AM

I'm thinking bass fishing for this line

# evan.gomes

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 4:02 PM

We need prices! Sounds awesome though. Especially since I only use spinning reels and am getting sick of mono-filament line breaking on me.

# slezan

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 6:43 PM

This sounds like really great line, but if the cost is up with all the other specialized lines, I'll have to stick with mono.

# dawaltonia

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 6:59 PM

I agree it sounds too good to be affordable. However will have to take a look at it.

# jlewis5

Thursday, April 14, 2011 10:03 AM

sounds fricken amazing cant wait till june when it comes out.... just hope the price is gud too... like tatsu and steez line.. great lines !!!!!!!!!!!!!

# speck

Thursday, April 14, 2011 2:29 PM

I wouid like to test this line as well. I use spider line and big game it would be nice to have more realy stong line.

# navyfish

Thursday, April 14, 2011 3:52 PM

Ok I just broke out the rod n reel I got for the lifetime membership to tune and clean. I could use this in a 10-12lb range to spool with for going after calico bass along the breakwater. Slap a berkley creature bait on and drag it off the rocks like a baby lobster and HOOK UP!!! Let me put a west coast test on the product.

# fishalotadays

Friday, April 15, 2011 7:12 AM

This sounds like a great line for that special someone in my life who's always spouting those sensitive words that some around the lake could do without every time a birds nest makes an appearance. Maybe this year we can keep a full spool on his reel if this is as good as the write up makes claim too. Although the ultimate test will be when I hear my husband yelling Wooo and boo yah instead of OH @&^$

# aprichard

Friday, April 15, 2011 6:54 PM

i'm gonna have to try this stuff out in june sounds pretty sweet and on my spinning reel

# earmstrong1

Sunday, April 17, 2011 8:37 PM

I cannot wait to try this line i am an avid spiderwire user and cant wait to see how it compares

# allenkyer

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 8:33 PM

I can not wait try it myself . I am 100% fluorocarbon by berkley see it to

# fishy

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 3:14 AM

This stuff sound great. My biggest problem with the style of shore fishing I do this time of year is getting out far enough to reach suspended crappie. Sure would like to try some out.

# jjackson19

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 9:10 AM

Wow interesting, nice to see there is a better alternative to braid coming into the market. Gonna have to pick me up a spool and try it out. Although would be super happy as well if someone could send me a 100yard product testing sample. :-)

# Bassman47312013

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 2:39 PM

sounds great alot of buzz about it i would also love a product test sample of it

# ctf1800

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 4:20 PM

Why don't you offer a free trial? if it's so good well always buy more and for our other poles!

# fshrmn#1

Friday, April 22, 2011 2:34 PM

aw man i just bought some new braid, should have waited.

# cavemandan

Saturday, April 23, 2011 6:53 AM

This line sound like a winner to me, but would love to test some of the knot wars knot with it. I fish multiple speices of fish (or what ever bites).

# eye

Saturday, April 23, 2011 7:59 AM

I wud like to try it but will wait to see what it costs

# sgrouse

Sunday, April 24, 2011 12:13 PM

Looks like we found the Holy Grial of fishing line. the fish won't stand a chance, even with novice like me. i am heading to the big box fishing store to get some spare spools.

# oleo40

Monday, April 25, 2011 7:14 AM

Sounds good. I would like to give it a try on my rive Smallies and Walleye's. Hope it will hold up to logs and rocks. Might give my fire-line Cristal a run for its money.

# UnderDogRPL

Monday, April 25, 2011 3:09 PM

I hope many have found the specifications for this new line on the site. I am eager to find out the relative density and refractivity as compared to water. Also, I am very interested in the prolonged usage effects on different eyelet materials compared to braid and if the process of loading my reel will be as easy as mono and flouro lines. Overall, I am very excited to try this new line.

# brick

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 4:15 PM

Where can you find this and when can you purchese this???

# philmar10

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 7:21 PM

Think they'll send us members some free sample so we can answere these comments by ourselves?

# Jim Edlund, Web Editor

Thursday, April 28, 2011 7:28 AM

Hey guys!

I want to get back to your questions regarding Berkley's new NanoFil line. It certainly sounds like you're excited about it; I know we are! Who isn't jazzed at the possibility of throwing a 1/16-ounce jig half way across the lake?

First, the line will be launched in June. That said, inquire with your favorite tackle retailers to find out when they plan on stocking their shelves! Second, yes, we are working toward a program to offer some promotional samples. Also -- if you haven't already -- make sure to "Like" us on Facebook to get the latest news on upcoming contests, including a NanoFil giveway down-the-road.

As far as prices and sizes, check this out:

Available in pound tests ranging from 1 to 12 pounds, and unbelievably thin diameters of 0.001” to 0.008”, Berkley NanoFil is available in 150-, 300- and 1500-yard spools with an MSRP of $19.95 to $179.95.

FEATURES

Pound Tests: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12-pound test

Diameters: 0.001”, 0.002”, 0.003”, 0.004”, 0.005”, 0.006”, 0.007”, 0.008”

Color: Clear Mist

Spool Sizes

150-yard Filler Spool
300-yard Filler Spool
1500-yard Bulk Spool

MSRP

150-yard Filler Spool: $19.95 (1-12 pound test);
300-yard Filler Spool: $38.95 (1-12 pound test)
1500-yd Bulk Spool: $179.95 (4-12 pound test)

Uni-Filament: Unified Filament Technology

•Effortless Casting
•Superb Sensitivity
•ZERO Memory
•Minimum Diameter, Maximum Strength
•The thinnest Berkley line by label rating

That's all we can tell you for now. Until then, hit the water and catch some fish! Good luck!

Jim Edlund, NAFC staffer/online editor

# Reel Surfin'

Monday, May 30, 2011 1:52 AM

Will Uni-Filament Technology be Saltwater Approved?

# Bucktails and Baits

Saturday, June 11, 2011 6:42 AM

The article say that it will be out in June. I have been trying to find this line in the stores with no luck. How can I find this line?

# bhawkins1

Saturday, August 27, 2011 12:32 PM

This article talks about how this line is on a spinning reel. I am wondering how it would be on a bait casting reel. I am hoping to upgrade to a 7 or 8 bearing reel soon. If anyone would know how this would work on a bait caster please let me know.

# johnpetersen

Saturday, October 15, 2011 10:49 PM

I know I'm a lil late to the show but, did it cut into the guides any?

# oceankayakjohn

Friday, January 13, 2012 7:56 AM

I was also one of the 1st to get a spool of Nanofil from Berkley. I love my Nanofil on my spinning reels. My friends that see me cast think that I am superman. One friend said that he thought that I could tie his shoes with a cast from the other side of the lake. I can't even imagine what it would be like if there was a version of Nanofil for baitcasters. If they made a version for baitcasting it would be 1000 lb. test and still thin enough to fish because of Nanofil's characteristics. This line has changed my fishing so much. I have my bait in the water more and cover more water than ever before. That equals more fish caught. Thanks Berkley.

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