The sweep lines are quite good, they give good presentation on the upward curve of the retrieve.
I would opt for the sweep.

 

In a word yes.For some of us "sweep lines" are the norm as all the old sinkers used to sink in this way.

 

I'm happy enough with the normal di3 and di5. I don't really see much benefit for a sweep.

 

Trout love curves and changes in direction,they are well worth having in your bag.

 

In my opinion the Sweep line will outfish the standard line almost every time....the curve change in direction etc..already mentioned

The only exception is when the fish are hard on the bottom or really deep...in these cases a Di-8 or a standard DI-7 will allow you to get deeper faster and so outfish the sweep version of the line...


But If I had to choose between the 2 lines....I'd go with the Sweep - I honestly cant remember the last time I used a Standard DI-3, or DI-5 (these are used when the fish are midwater)

Cheers Rob

 

How about hanging a floating polyleader on the front thus ONE line can then serve TWO purposes. Just a thought.

 

sorry guys ... but what is the difference between a sweep line and a normal line ??

 

The line density isn't constant throughout the length so the tip sinks slower than the belly (and the running line also sinks slower than the belly on some lines)

This means the line curves up to the tip so when you retrieve the fly a follows a more natural path as it smooths out the slight hinge that occurs between the leader and line.

 

Thanks roll cast

 

If you are a typical competition angler I guess you'll have both as it'll increases your options… sometimes small differences are the difference between a good day and a memorable day.

If, like me, you are a lesser mortal who just likes to catch the odd fish, I suspect it'll make little difference.

I never buy into the "experts" telling us that any product is the latest and greatest, and it's the only thing they will use. I'm quite sure they said the same about the lines brought in to eliminate this "sweep" phenomenon (density compensated, I think they called it) allowing sinking lines to sink evenly.

I guarantee if Airflo - or whoever these people are paid to endorse - bring out a "belly up" range next year that'll become the latest and greatest and the only one for them. Then just watch the poor old "sweep" lines being swept aside!

 

Yea, it's bizarre. "Sweep" lines, when I started out, were the standard. They sank belly first coz that was the heaviest part of the line just by the nature of the materials. Then folk started producing the density-compensated lines that sank more consistently and the marketers told us these were the bees-knees. Then, just this morning I was catching up on the November edition of Total Flyfisher... and there's a big article in there about sweep lines and how innovative they are - the latest thing - they sink belly first and produce a nice curve fishing through the depths. Seriously, you'd think it was something new, but "sweep" is just a new name for an old line.

So when folk talk about a "standard" line, I now get very confused. For old timers, sweep is standard and density compensated is the newfangledness. For young whipper snappers, it's the "sweep" lines which are new and density compensated is "standard". Go figure.

Forget about it. Fish a floater.

 

I still can't see the advantages of a DI3 sweep. Maybe the deeper ones do make a difference. Interesting what RE had to say a bit earlier in the thread though.

 

As a competition angler I have a standard di-3 and di-5........the 40+ versions and the sweep versions..... occasionally the different profile of each line will give you a distinct advantage.....

Ie....the 40+ gives you extra distance and a flatter retrieve angle if pulled straight back..........or a near vertical angle if left to hinge/sink...

The sweep lines give you the fish inducing curve that is so deadly....and they are low stretch 6%ish.....compared to 15-18% stretch in a traditional line

A pleasure angler does not need all these different lines.......and the 40+range although good does not last more than 12-14months as they will crack up......even the new range (in fast sinking densities)

But if you had to choose just one........I would honestly pick the sweep range.....you can search the depths better, induce the takes better, they are nicer to use, they last for ages in di3 and di5 versions, they are non stretch .....and they are not a gimmick and are here to stay.

Yes the sweep range are based on a 30 year old line the hi-de by scientific anglers.....but this was reduced from 32 m to a mere 27m in the 1990's........the line didn't, produce the arc/curve and so didn't perform as well.....and it has a traditional core of 15-18% stretch....so yes its not a new idea , but the product has been significantly improved and the range added to in the form of the di3 sweep

Yes you can change the retrieve profile by fishing boobies, fabs and by using different length leaders on a standard line......but it will not give you the performance or options that the sweep range do....

the following lines I consider essential (all others a luxury) for reservoirs and comps.

Floater
Midge tip . original
Fast glass
Di3 sweep
Di5 sweep
Di7 sweep
Di8 competitor

That's it......I'd guess that most anglers that have both the standard and sweep versions of the 3 and 5 will like the sweep versions better and use them much more.

 

As a competition angler I have a standard di-3 and di-5........the 40+ versions and the sweep versions..... occasionally the different profile of each line will give you a distinct advantage.....

Ie....the 40+ gives you extra distance and a flatter retrieve angle if pulled straight back..........or a near vertical angle if left to hinge/sink...

The sweep lines give you the fish inducing curve that is so deadly....and they are low stretch 6%ish.....compared to 15-18% stretch in a traditional line

A pleasure angler does not need all these different lines.......and the 40+range although good does not last more than 12-14months as they will crack up......even the new range (in fast sinking densities)

But if you had to choose just one........I would honestly pick the sweep range.....you can search the depths better, induce the takes better, they are nicer to use, they last for ages in di3 and di5 versions, they are non stretch .....and they are not a gimmick and are here to stay.

Yes you can change the retrieve profile by fishing boobies, fabs and by using different length leaders on a standard line......but it will not give you the performance or options that the sweep range do....

the following lines I consider essential (all others a luxury) for reservoirs and comps.

Floater
Midge tip . original
Fast glass
Di3 sweep
Di5 sweep
Di7 sweep
Di8 competitor

That's it......I'd guess that most anglers that have both the standard and sweep versions of the 3 and 5 will like the sweep versions better and use them much more.

Since when did you become an expert with a sinking line? mg:

Cheers Rob interesting stuff.

 

The airflo sweep lines are a fantastic and versatile line in the 3 & 5. I particularly like the 3. I have also found the three good for pulling for wild browns.

 

the following lines I consider essential (all others a luxury) for reservoirs and comps.

Floater
Midge tip . original
Fast glass
Di3 sweep
Di5 sweep
Di7 sweep
Di8 competitor

Rob when you refer to the midge tip is it an Airflo or another make ??

Cheers:wine:

 

Midge tips.......ohhhhh

Again I have both the airflo mini tip and the Rio midge tip......in my box!

Personally I do prefer the Rio midge tip over the airflo(and yes Rio do sponsor me)...coz someone's bound to say there is a conflict of interests and I would say that.

Rio make excellent floaters and midge tips( in my opinion the best out there).....airflo make the best sinkers( by far)

Simple as that for me

 

Thanks for the info the rio seems to be the goto midge tip ,also look like the look of the snowbee buzzer line.

Rio or Snowbee mg: mg:

How long does the Rio last ?

 

Choice should depend on the rod being used.Both good lines just one is more or less true to grain weight and the other Rio is at the upper end of the scale.

JP

 

Depends how much you use it.......

I get 2 seasons out of a Rio midge tip ......,,,and I do use it at least once a week through the season

You must however treat the floating part of the line with cleaner and floatent I'd say every 2 to 3 months.......it really does make a big difference with performance and prolongs the life of your product

Whatever you buy.......please do this....I was amazed at the difference it made

Dave.......cleaning your kit may come as a new experience to you

 

Cleaning kit? Whats that all about? Half the battle is raking round the bottom of my tackle-box seeing what I have and haven't got, or whether it works or not! haha. mg::thumbs: One day I'll get organised! Maybe!

 

A very interesting and informative thread. I may be mistaken, but it seems that everything on the subject appears to have been written about using sweep lines in still waters, most recently in this months Trout Fisherman. I need to get flies down in 11 to 12 feet of water that is moving at a moderate pace. To this end I've bought a DI-5 line. I've reasoned that it might take some time to get a weighted fly down and that even after a 15 yard cast upstream, even allowing for the fact that the current near the bottom will be slower, my weighted fly will probably be 10 yards downstream before its near the bottom and I can start a slow twitchy retrieve. Has anyone tackled similar conditions? Any observations and suggestions will be most welcome.

 

This reads like the domain of T-Tips/MOW-tips for river fishing designed to get flies down quickly.Di/Sweep lines were designed for reservoir fishing although can be used on the river but would not think suited to situation as described.

JP

 

Thank you for your observations/suggestions. I was not aware of T-tips or MOW-tips and must follow up on that.

Castaway_3

 

Will allow line mending to fish the fly better in deeper flows.

Best JP

 

Having now looked at the T-tips/MOW-tips suggestion, it appears that they are intended for spey style salmon fishing, whereas I'm fishing moderately moving midlands rivers. I'm using a 9'6" 7wt single handed rod for deep water work and the quarry is wild trout to maybe 5lbs or a little above together with chub and perch, so T-tips/MOW-tips seem not to represent the solution I'm seeking.

castaway_3

 

Having now looked at the T-tips/MOW-tips suggestion, it appears that they are intended for spey style salmon fishing, whereas I'm fishing moderately moving midlands rivers. I'm using a 9'6" 7wt single handed rod for deep water work and the quarry is wild trout to maybe 5lbs or a little above together with chub and perch, so T-tips/MOW-tips seem not to represent the solution I'm seeking.

castaway_3

 

Yes T-tips etc are from the salmon fishing arena but can be used no problem on single hand fly rods.T(tungsten)-tips are rated in different densities and can be cut to length to suit.I use the T-14 cut to various lengths to suit.Have a look on Gary Evans Tackle site for a description of how this works.Not sure how you were looking to fish the fly or the fly type but with a full line I was guessing streamers,Woolly B*****s and the like.I too fish local mid size rivers for ''wild fish'' and whatever bites and these tips tailored to suit are really good in situations where a full line would be useless.Not spate rivers so plenty of weed growth and need to drop the fly quick in limited space sometimes.Good in weir/hatch pools too because can control the line easier.Euro nymph style sometimes.Understand may well not suit your requirements but worth a try.

Best JP

---------- Post added at 12:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:36 PM ----------

Sorry folks no intention to hi-jack thread.On the reservoir Sweeeeeeep for me:thumbs: unless right on the deck.

Best JP

 

Thank you for the useful info. Most of my river fishing is done with a 10' 3/4wt and one or two nymphs pretty much Euro style with little line on the water up to depths of 5' at most. However there is a significant section 30-40' wide and maybe 300m long as earlier described where I would struggle with a floating line. I'll need to read up on skagit-type techniques and take it from there.

regards

castaway_3

Also my apologies to one and all for off topic digression, your patience appreciated.

 

There's a delicious irony in 'sweep' lines.

It used to be that back in the 70s all our sinking lines, the Wetcel I and II, the Gladding Super Aquasink etc were all 'sweep' lines in that the belly sank faster than the front taper. However, we were all 'saved' by the introduction of 'density compensated' lines that sank in a straight line and which gave us 'direct contact' with the fly . . . Now, full circle, we have 'sweep' lines, "With a faster sinking belly and slower sinking tip and running line, this range of Sinking flylines follows a U shaped path through the water column.

The diving action of your flies getting pulled downwards by the belly make an attractive movement . . ."

 

This might just be me, but interested to hear if anyone else has thought this...

I wasn't happy with my last DI-5 sweep. I felt the sweep effect was way too exaggerated. It was as if the belly was away down, and the tip and flies were still at the surface. In a drifting boat, I was getting to the end of the retrieve just as the flies were finally making their way down. I actually went back to a standard DI-5 - it may be 'density compensated' but you still describe a U-shaped retreive in the path of the flies, as the flies/leader/tip are lighter and less able to punch through the water than the heavy, thicker belly... sort of thing... so you still get a curve-down/curve-up effect. Or do you? Anyway, I just wasn't happy with the 'super-sweep' effect I was seeing, and am happier with the line that takes the flies down a bit further before they come back up.

Col

 

My Di 5 Sweep is an 8wt and did not display the characteristics you describe Cap'n.I do not fish this line on a regular basis and it is now a few seasons old.
I found it fished well drifting on Chew Valley which is a relatively shallow water overall.Even on a quite fast early season drift could still fish the hang okay and flies came up vertical from below.On Farmoor which is 20-30ft all across the bowl it covered the layers well albeit on slower drifts.Even my Di three sweep which is a lighter line fishes as it is supposed to.Again this line is a few seasons old now.

Best JP