I have enjoyed this discussion, as I have been going thorough a similar excercise, and even documents my opinions
https://raspberryfisher.wordpress.com/2 ... and-reels/I will say jgestar's summary is good (not trying to ---- up to the moderator, but this is my honest opinion). I will add,
* really prefer suppliers illustrate there profile and taper as it it does illustrate the thinking of the line designer - is the line for casting or fishing. IMHO RIO trout lines - except for the RIO Lightline - are for casting.
* there are practical limits to 2 and 3 wt lines.
* there are a few front taper lines (aka Triangle taper, Delta Taper) - Cortland, Guideline (possibly Wulff, Airflo) that I will commit $ to. (Wullf fails to document well what they are really delivering, so as after some disappoints with the Ambush, I will look elsewhere).
* Guideline is hard to fine, but it is worth investigating.
* I am disappointed in SA, and the changes at Airflo.
* I am cold, but will consider RIO.
* I do like my Phoenix fly lines (4,5 and 8wt)
* If using a "plastic" line, I will first look to Cortland and Guideline.
* My favourite lines to rods include
. * Cortland 333 DT5 with my Don Anderson 8'0 5wt bamboo (trout)
. * Airflo Switch Streamer 360 with my James Green 7wt Fiberglass (Steelhead)
. * Cortland Bonefish 8 with my Scott Meridian 8wt (Bonefish, also my partners favourite)
. * Cortland Tarpon 11 with my Guideline RSi 11wt (Permit)
. * SGS Scandi 320 grain 31' Trouter with my Mieser 12'6" 4wt (anything I can land!)
. * Gaelforce Equalizer 8 with my Burkhieimer 7134 (steelhead)