GTPopping.com - Giant Trevally, GTPopping, Topwater & GT Fly-Fishing Resource

Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Tackle & Techniques => Topic started by: DarrenC on July 10, 2008, 01:53:15 PM

Title: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: DarrenC on July 10, 2008, 01:53:15 PM
There hasn't been much discussed about the SMP braid from Varivas in these forums. 

Just filled up an 18k with half a spool (300m) of PE8 and was surprised it required quite abit of backing, so am guessing that the diameter is slightly thinner than the competition. (Shimano quotes 300m of PE8 for the 18k)

Just wondering how they stack up against the usual Avani GT and/or other brands, they cost a bomb and i hope it was money well-spent! Any users here?
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Brandon Khoo on July 10, 2008, 04:24:58 PM
Hi Darren

On the plus side, nothing I have ever used casts as well as the SMP. It's a super premium line and it feels like it. On the negative side, whatever you do, don't get any wind knots because if you do, the likelihood is you will see your lure sailing off into the distance. It is less resistant to shock loads than any other braided line I have ever used.

I prefer the standard Avani GT

Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: DarrenC on July 11, 2008, 12:41:51 PM
I would expect it to perform better than the Avani GT, given the fact that it's an evolution of it. Guess there's no avoiding the fact that thicker diameters mean greater shock absorbancy properties. BTW which PE-8 Avani GT are u comparing the SMP PE-8 with?
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Andrew Woodley-Page on July 12, 2008, 08:07:34 PM
Hi Darren,

I used both Max GT and SMP recently at Bugatti, I also used YGK Ultra Castman.  I like all 3, I agree totally with Brandon, the regular GT was my favourite.

As you point out, SMP is the newer generation and is soooooooo smooth through the guides (like all Varivas)however, not everything that's new is necessarily always an improvement in all areas. 

In relation to your comment in relation to line diameter, PE is the 'designation' determined by diameter, therefore one PE8 should not be 'thicker' than another PE8, breaking strain does vary markedly depending on quality and technology.  Hal Harvey wrote an excellent article on this in the Western Angler some time ago, a search may turn up that article.

AWP     
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Zac Chilvers on July 12, 2008, 09:22:32 PM

  Hal Harvey wrote an excellent article on this in the Western Angler some time ago, a search may turn up that article.

AWP     
Not sure if this is the one Andrew is refering to,
http://www.westernangler.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=242
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Brandon Khoo on July 13, 2008, 01:15:02 AM
Darren - there is only one Avani GT. You can from time to time get limited edition colours but there is only one as far as I know


I would expect it to perform better than the Avani GT, given the fact that it's an evolution of it. Guess there's no avoiding the fact that thicker diameters mean greater shock absorbancy properties. BTW which PE-8 Avani GT are u comparing the SMP PE-8 with?
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: AustralianAngling on July 13, 2008, 09:14:28 AM
There are 2 types of AVANI GT line

AVANI GT MAX POWER & AVANI GT SMP (SUPER MAX POWER)
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Brandon Khoo on July 13, 2008, 10:12:07 AM
Steve is the local distributor, Darren.
Two types - the standard GT and GT SMP. As I wrote earlier, you do from time to time see a special release of a different colour but these are nearly always only for the domestic market in Japan.
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: DarrenC on July 13, 2008, 01:46:21 PM
Thanks guys for the heads up. Just noted that the SMP might be a tad thinner than typical PE8 cos the 18k spool took in so much more than rated for.

Brandon, sorry for the miscomm. Wanted to ask if u were comparing PE8 Avani GT against PE8 SMP. Meaning the lighter rated breaking strain Avani GT actually breaks at a heavier poundage than the heavier rated SMP.
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: AustralianAngling on July 13, 2008, 05:00:10 PM
Hi Brandon

I am the Australian agent.

Yes sometimes they make a special run colour KOZO had some reels spooled with a red when I was in PNG with him.
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: DarrenC on July 14, 2008, 12:41:11 AM
States on the Japanese Morris website that its white for all poudages except for PE-12 which comes in red, which Okubo uses most often.
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: AustralianAngling on July 14, 2008, 09:07:56 AM
I have plenty of PE #12 instock and also use and it is definately white what they send to us. KOZO also had a red in lower #PE ratings as well but said it was special for him.
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Andy Rowe on July 14, 2008, 11:11:48 PM
Good, I thought I was going color blind there for a minute

 ;D ;)
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Andy Rowe on November 20, 2008, 10:38:15 PM
I have plenty of PE #12 instock and also use and it is definately white what they send to us. KOZO also had a red in lower #PE ratings as well but said it was special for him.

Has anyone seen Varivas Avani GT max PE6 in the usual white but with yellow intervals. I see some for sale in Jakarta and it has 10m of yellow every 100 m of white. Usually the stuff is white with alternating red and blue 1m markings every 25 m???

The packaging, plastic spool, and sticker all look authentic enough!!
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Rob Ciotucha on November 21, 2008, 07:28:55 AM
Ive got some pe10 thats white with yellow intervals. As far as im aware there is only limited amounts of this. and yes is authentic.

Cheers
Rob
Title: Re: AVANI GT SMP
Post by: Andy Rowe on November 21, 2008, 10:52:03 AM
Ive got some pe10 thats white with yellow intervals. As far as im aware there is only limited amounts of this. and yes is authentic.

Cheers
Rob

Good news, thanks for your reply Rob.

RGDS
Andy