Lab Tests: We subjected some test spools of both the Camo-Escent and X-Line fishing lines to our standard barrage of tests to evaluate material strength, stretch, abrasion resistance, and knot strength, and then compared this data to that of 12 Berkley Trilene (our baseline data for the 2007 Fluorocarbon Showdown.

A close-up of the X-Line spool straight out of the package.

Material Strength: In our tests, both lines tested significantly lower in material strength than that of Berkley Trilene (115,615 psi), and that inherent strength declines as the material is soaked in water for more than two hours. What this translates to in the real world in fishing line product is, diameter for diameter, Berkley Trilene is going to have more strength in the line than either Camo-escent or X-Line, so for lines rated to true breaking strength, the Triple Fish products should have a larger diameter than Berkley Trilene. Of course, what we've come to find out is rarely do lines packaged for the North American Market come with true rated breaking strengths labeled on their packaging.

For Camo-escent, the 12lb line tested at eleven pounds breaking strength dry and ten and a half pounds wet, while the 12lb X-Line tested at thirteen pounds dry, and just over eleven pounds wet.

Stretch: Both lines possess a good amount of stretch, but as advertised with the Perlon based Camo-escent, once the pressure causing the line to stretch has been released, the line bounces back to its original length with no troubles. The X-Line doesn't quite recover one hundred percent, but it does come back close.

The Camo-Escent makes an excellent line for big baits and is an easy choice to fill larger reels like this Daiwa Luna 253L.

On The Water: Out on the water, spooled onto my Daiwa Luna fishing reels and used primarily as a big bait line, I had a slight preference to the Camo-escent product. Both lines, if left on the fishing reels for several weeks between use have an incredible amount of memory. It takes a while for this memory to work itself out while fishing so casting performance can be affected. The thing is, both lines, and the Camo-escent especially, are so inexpensive, it is very easy just to spool up with new line before each and every trip to mitigate against the memory issues.

Same goes for the X-Line, shown here on a Daiwa Luna 300L.

Otherwise, as expected, knot strength holds up very well and while abrasion resistance is one thing in the lab, fished in open water with big baits in and around mostly weedbeds as structure, it is a more or less moot point. Using the line in thicker diameters is the best defense against abrasion with any line and the Camo-escent and X-Line in twenty and twenty five pound test have plenty diameter to get you through some tough, abrasive conditions should you get caught unexpectedly.

Pluses and Minuses:

On a budget and looking to save on fishing line? Triple Fish International's Camo-escent and X-Line products offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Conclusion: What I really like about both these products is their affordability. Sure memory could be better, but as mentioned earlier, at just under twelve dollars a spool for a quarter pound spool of Camo-escent, it's just as easy to load up with new line every couple of weeks if you're worried about memory and get the side benefit of brand new spanking line on your reels each time. No, the Triple Fish International lines we looked at today may not be the most glamorous lines on the market today, but they sure get the job done without breaking your wallet. In today's economy, that's a very important benefit in and of itself.

Looking for Triple Fish Lines? Check out Tackle Warehouse