This is a question for you guys experienced with using this kind of float line as well as a simple polypropylene rope. If you've never used both extensively please don't respond.
I'd like to learn what are the real advantages of this float line so as to make a decision whether to recommend/stock it or not. At this point I really dislike the tube style float line, but I understand that there may be conditions I'm not aware of in which there would be an advantage to using it, and that's what I want to hear about.
Based on my experience the tube style floatline and a polypropylene rope are equal in strength and both float. The disadvantages of the tube style float line are:
1. It's bulky, can't be spooled so as to vary the length you're going to use. And takes too much space in general on the boat or in the dive bag.
2. I don't like its texture, I find it slippery to grip.
3. It's stretchy and doesn't allow me to feel the fish properly when playing it.
4. It can be punctured or there can be water intrusion through the ends which will make it not float.
5. Doesn't handle knots well, such as in the case when you have to use it to secure something that will not fit on the stringer or float.
6. Time consuming to make or expensive to buy.