Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid
First Impression
Making its introduction into the US market earlier this year, the Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid carried a reputation in Japan as one of the best braids available, especially for serious bass anglers. Out of the package, the 8-strand weave of the PEX8 was commended by our testers for being “silky-smooth” and “ultra-thin”—two attributes that often separate good braid from great braid. The reviewers also noted the passion pink colorway that is contrasted by metered green markings. Presumably, this should make it easy to eyeball distances while fishing, providing a direct advantage with forward-facing sonar. Out of the gate, the Seaguar JDM PEX8 braid seems to have all the hallmarks of premium braid, but there’s only one way to find out!
“It’s no secret the Japanese make some of the most high-quality and innovative bass fishing products, and judging only by looks, the JDM PEX8 Braided Line appears to be high-end, well-made, and is very smooth to the touch.” – TK
- Strength-to-diameter ratio
- Ideal for FG leader knot
- Low memory
- Casts a mile
- High price point
Final Verdict
Breakdown
Performance: 8
Earning a solid performance score across the board, every reviewer noticed the outstanding casting distance and remarkable strength of the Seaguar JDM PEX8 Braid. Seamlessly transitioning on and off the spool, the braid’s smooth exterior allows it to move through guides with minimal friction and produce the longest possible cast. Not a single issue was cited in regard to breakage or lack of power, even with the braid’s incredibly thin diameter. To our reviewers, this spoke volumes as to the overall power and abrasion resistance of the material. The smaller sizes do require a bit more focus when tying a knot due to the nano-thin diameter, however that is one of the tradeoffs when dealing with such thin line.
“Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid performed excellently. It is incredibly smooth and soft. It's thin, which raises its strength into question, but personally I did not have any issue with breakage or lack of power.”
Durability: 8
When evaluating the longevity of braided line, abrasion resistance and color retention are the primary factors, and the high-vis passion pink coloring maintained its vibrance and was easy to detect, even after months of fishing. The line’s abrasion resistance was never brought into question, but because PEX8 is an 8-carrier braid with an incredibly thin construction, the tag end of knots tended to fray. While this isn’t likely to challenge the integrity of your knot, some of our more fastidious testers made a habit of retying, if only for peace of mind. At the end of the day, our reviewers came to the consensus that Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid should last through a full season of fishing and beyond.
Value: 6
Coming in at a price point of $37.99 for a 219-yard spool, Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid is by no means the cheapest braid on the market. However, for tournament anglers looking for a competitive edge, Seaguar PEX8 Lure Edition Braid’s amazing strength-to-diameter ratio makes it an attractive choice, even with its premium price point.
Utility: 8
Whether you’re using a spinning reel or bait finesse casting reel, the Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid’s slick PE construction delivers smooth casting for a range of finesse applications. One reviewer also commented that PEX8 took well to an FG knot as the thin construction dug into the leader material and created a secure connection. For anglers seeking the absolute best, the Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid is it.
“I appreciated the sensitivity, castability, and the way the thinner line cut through the water and wind. I was pleasantly surprised how well this smoother style 8-strand braid took to an FG knot, as normally I fish 4-strand, which is a little easier to tie.”
Final Thoughts
Built for anglers who can’t afford to compromise when the stakes are high, Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid is as good as it gets for finesse applications. Whether you’re looking for more strength, smaller diameter, or great, long-lasting color, the Seaguar JDM PEX8 braid delivers it all in spades. Amplifying performance with spinning gear or bait finesse casting gear, the Seaguar JDM PEX8 Lure Edition Braid lives up to the towering reputation that it brought to the US from Japan without question.
Breakdown Summary
| Performance | 8 |
| Durability | 8 |
| Value | 6 |
| Utility | 8 |
Final Verdict |
7.5 |