The SlickStream is a limp line- even in cold conditions it has very little coil memory, and what it has it casts out easily. The coating is very smooth, not oily.

The first 30ft of the line comply with AFTMA ratings for a #7 line- i'd ignore the dual rating. I'm tempted to say that this throws a neat loop, but loops are decided by casters more than rods and lines- turnover is clean and positive.The tip seems relativley fine, so presentation at short distance is precise and crisp. At long range the SlickStream extends fully and turns over consistently. Since this is a #7 i wont dwell on short-range casting, i expect to be throwing some distance- at least the full head if i'm using lines of this weight. The SlickStream deals with all the fishing distances i need and more. Considerably more.This is a shooters line. I cons-istently found myself carrying 55ft to 60ft of line, ie the head and a good few feet of running line, and shooting the rest. Carrying beyond 60ft felt both awkward, time consuming and rather pointless given the distances I acheived with shoot.

While this is essentially a white line, the designers have built a"Hauling Zone", a 5ft orange section, into the running line about 6ft after the rear taper. The idea behind the hauling zone it to give obvious points of reference. In use, I must say the orange section proved useful, strip back the running line and lift; quicker and more positive than any single coloured WF line. Depending on rod length I found myself varying the position at which I picked up the head: for 9ft rods the orange section(Hauling Zone) was in my hand: 9ft 6in it was in the rings: 10ft it was just touching the tip ring.


Overall: The hauling zone is a nice addition to a very good general purpose floating line.

Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Magazine May 2005