Japanese Line Tensile Strength

[esc4fr]

Hello, this is my first post and I have a question about line.

Can somebody explain how fishing line strength is measured in Japan? I see 5, 6, 7, 8 号 and so on but I don't think this is kilograms.

Thanks

[kaminoseki]

Hey man, how's it goin, eh?

So, what brand of fishing line are you using?
The strengths of the various lines are close, but not exactly the same between different companies.

F'rinstance, Daiwa makes S.W. LINE which is an IGFA Class Tournament line. Here's their chart rating each line:
btw, "go" is the Japanese for that symbol (kanji) you used. I can't write Japanese script on my crappy lap-top.

lb. --- "go"
4 --- 1
5 --- 1.2
6 --- 1.5
8 --- 2
10 -- 2.5
12 -- 3
14 -- 3.5
16 -- 4
20 -- 5
How does 20lb equal 5 go?? I dunno. 20lb is 9.1kg, so where did the 5 come from?

This varies with other lines and other companies. My Japanese PE line is rated about 15% lighter than my Canadian PE. Mono-filament and Fluorocarbon is different. But, ya know, roughly they're about even.

I've got 1.5 Go FluoroCarbon spun up on my ISO rod. That's 6lbs, plenty for mejina, gure, and tai.

cheers, Pat

[esc4fr]

Thanks for the reply! That makes choosing line a lot less easy. I think in the States people rely on the "test" rating too much. We should have something as nebulous as "go".