Scientific Anglers has done a complete re-design of their tippets and leaders for 2020. From the packaging to the design to the construct...
Absolute Leaders
The new series of leader/tippet from Scientific Anglers is called "absolute". These new leaders offer 100% biodegradable packaging, a drastic increase in knot strength (29%) and a reduction in water absorption. The absolute trout leader series come in several configurations:
Absolute Trout is the all-purpose, everyday trout leader. Available in 7.5' and 9' models and in singles and 3-packs. These badboys are strong, have a good, thick back end and good turnover with accurate presentation.
Absolute Stealth features a slight olive tint to the leaders, which can reduce any glare or "line flash" when fishing at the spookiest of trout. Otherwise, it has the same taper as the Absolute Trout.Absolute Presentation leaders are longer (11' or 14') and feature long front tapers to help deliver the smallest flies with the most accurate and delicate of presentations.
Absolute Streamer features a stout, 4' tapered leader that will turn over the biggest of streamers with ease. Ideal for sink tips and for salmon/steelhead anglers.
Absolute Indicator Stillwater is not just for stillwater fishing. It features a not butt and a long section of thin tippet that is ideal for chironomid fishing in lakes, but is also a great option to make a hybrid euro setup for rivers when you need nymphs to get down quickly in the river.
Other Absolute nylon/co-polymer leaders include Salmon/Steelhead, Bass, Permit, Saltwater and Bonefish designs. All of these include the same biodegradable packaging as well as the 40% increase in knot strength and a drastic reduction in water absorption.
Absolute Fluorocarbon leaders are about as nice as they can get. High abrasion resistance, very low light refraction and increased strength. These will be just what the doctor ordered when you need a high-performing fluorocarbon leader or tippet. They come in trout sizes and in larger strength for various scenarios.
TIPPET
Absolute Tippet feature the same materials and technology as the new leaders, plus some cool new features. The material has that 40% increase in wet knot strength (over the competitors), as well as the famous built-in line cutter, but the big new feature is the silicone band that protects the material from UV rays as well as abrasion that may have occurred with the old metal rings on the elastic bands of the past. The Absolute Trout and Absolute Stealth Trout are supple; the Absolute Stealth features a slight olive tint to reduce any potential line glare and the Absolute Trout is clear. There is also an Absolute Tippet that is medium stiff and clear. This is going to be great for everything from bass to steelhead and salmon to saltwater fishing.
Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon tippet comes in two flavors: Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout is more supple than their other flavor, but boasts a 15% increase in knot strength over their previous materials, while the Absolute Fluorocarbon Tippet is stiff for larger flies and excels at warm water, saltwater and salmon/steelhead fishing while still featuring the increased knot strength, silicone band and built-in cutter. These new leaders and tippets are stronger than the competitors and feature cool stuff like the built-in cutters, biodegradable packaging and silicone bands on the tippet. That should put them at the top of your shopping list before your next big trip.
