Backing to Varivas:
Dacron line gets a big loop (like 3') with dbl surgen, double that loop over and put another double surgen so you have two loops of identical length. Put the surgen's loop in verivas then loop to loop the two Dacron loops to Varivas loop. The point of creating 2 loops in Dacron is 2x the surface area so it does not cut into the mono, it might be overkill but nor has the system ever failed me.
Varivas to head:
Dbl or triple surgen loop in Varivas and loop to loop with head.
Backing to shooting line - basically a slim beauty - works like a chinese finger trap, super slim and tough.
Shooting line loop - perfection loop or tripple surgeons depending the day i do it, either one is sealed with uv glue to smooth it out.
I sure like it on my summer rods. In winter, with gloves on, I have a tough time controlling/holding on to it.
I should clarify that I've wrapped my cork with rubber tape where I pinch the line when casting. The Varivas is that slick (or I'm THAT jerky).
IMO Varivas is very good compromise. Easiest Nylon line to hold when compared to breaking strength because it is thicker. Although Varivas does not float as well as coated lines it does not sink too fast. But when Varivas tangles bad and a kink appears it is not possible to stretch away and tangling increase so you need to replace it more often than any other SL. So it becomes more expensive to use and sometimes you might need to take a break and replace it.
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