Best-of guide
Right, here's the lot. Every bit of mainline we've dug into, ranked by our on-paper score — that's our own desk research on specs, build and price across five things: product quality, performance, how much it helps you catch, ease of use and value for money. We haven't bank-tested these, so treat it as a smart shortlist, not gospel.
Top of the pile right now: Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Streamer Max Short Fly Line (9/10), Airflo Superflo Elite Fly Line (8.9/10) and Airflo Velocity Fly Line (8.7/10). Tap into any review for the full lowdown, the comparison and a buying checklist.
Top tip: match the kit to how and where you actually fish before chasing the highest number. A cracking bit of gear for big open waters can be overkill on a snug club pond. How we score.
90%Airflo
Streamer Max Short Fly Line
A punchy, fast-sinking streamer line built for getting big flies down quickly, without turning every cast into a full-on workout.
89%Airflo
Weight Forward and Double Taper floating versions
A smart freshwater floater with a delicate front taper, slim running line and handy welded loops. Proper versatile fly-line kit for trout and general stillwater work.
87%Airflo
Floating Optic Green version
A friendly, forgiving fly line for beginners, returners and anyone wanting less faff when the fish are on the munch.
87%Airflo
Superflo Ridge 2.0 Power Taper floating
A slightly heavy weight-forward fly line for loading the rod readily and turning over less delicate outfits. Properly useful when you want authority rather than the softest possible touchdown.
87%Airflo
Tactical Taper · WF2–WF7 · Bamboo/watery olive
A weight-forward fly line for anglers who care about presentation and line control, with lighter sizes, a low-stretch core and neat connections. More about placing the fly than simply giving it a massive wallop.
87%Airflo
Superflo Ridge 2.0 Universal Taper Floating
A versatile floating fly line with a longer rear taper, a textured finish and slim running line. A cracking fit for anglers who want control as well as shooting potential.
86%Airflo
Sixth Sense 2 sinking range: Di3, Di5, Di7 and Di8
A stillwater sinker with a low-stretch core, a long front taper and a handy hang mark. Pick the right density and it gives your flies a proper chance of reaching feeding trout.
86%Snowbee
XS weight-forward floating; Ivory and Hi-Viz Orange
A weight-forward floating fly line with a low-stretch core and a coating designed to keep things slipping through the rings. A sensible all-round option for trout fishing, provided you pick the right line weight.
86%Airflo
Superflo 40+ Sniper · WF8–WF10 · Floating, Fast Intermediate, Di3 and Di7
A short-headed fly line for shifting bulky flies, with floating and sinking options to cover different depths. Just match the head weight to your rod before getting carried away.
85%Airflo
Forty Plus Expert range; WF7 and WF8 Di3, Di5 and Di7 options
A 45-foot head, Power Core construction and Ridge running line give this distance-minded fly line plenty of appeal for reservoir anglers. Just don’t mistake it for a shortcut to tidy casting.
85%Snowbee
Floating WF · WF1/4, WF2/5 and WF5/7 · Olive/buckskin
A weight-forward floating fly line with multi-rating options, looped ends and a braided core. Properly useful for trout fishing, provided you don’t mistake its broad ratings for a promise that every rod will feel the same.