Power Pro As Fly Line Backing?

[ChemFly]

I read a post in the New England section regarding the use of Power Pro braided line as fly line backing for tuna rigs. I have no experience with this product, is it a better option then standard dacron, micron or gel spun backing? Pros-Cons?
Thanks
Chemfly

[Ray]

PP and other braids are all pretty similar to each other and the gel-spun type backing you mention. If you do use it, which is just fine, back it with a little standard dacron backing or even a bit of mono. This will prevent it from spinning on the spool arbor.

You will hear people talk about casting problems (throwing knots) using braids on spinning reels mostly. But this shouldn't be a problem when used as a backing on any size fly reel.

Just be careful when palming the spool during a fast run. The small diameters of the lighter braids have been known to cut fingers.

[ruge13]

Make sure its spooled tight! PP cuts into itself bad over time and may cause extra resistance that you don't want. Even the heaver 50lb stuff cuts in.

[ChemFly]

Thanks for your educated input.
I'm seting up a new 12wt JA Forbes LA reel and will rig one of the spools with PP, the other with gel spun. --127-3-

[Slamdance]

The lines that are specifically designed to be used as fly line backing tend to be spun flat as opposed to the braids used on conventional/spinning reels, which are round. The flatter backing lines won't dig-in on the wraps as much and you'll have fewer problems with it in the long run. I like the Gudebrod SST backing and the Orvis Big Game myself, but I'm sure there are others out there as well.