lka wrote:
SNIP
Lines are a mixed bag. I mostly use the cheap $8 lines available on eBay. There is no other way I could affordably experiment with different fishing styles across a bunch of different line weights. They fish well if you keep them dressed and stretch them. They don't shoot quite as well as the high-end lines, and they last half as long before the coating cracks. So in this the more expensive lines are demonstrably "better". Does it matter? Not to me at that price. If they only last a season or I catch it in the boat prop, who cares!
One of my lines is a Sci Anglers DT6F my father bought -- in 1972ish (I have the package and his notes!). He fished it a lot. I just end for ended it this year. I fished the snot out of it the past 2 years. It sat for close to 15 before that. 45 years-15 = 30 years vs 1 year there....(I know I know, this is all anecdotal ;-D
I have a $14 (list price) Cortland Fairplay line that fishes just fine. That's American made and $14 not on sale mind you. 2 seasons and going strong.