I myself use Trilene. Last year I bought a spool of Stren 17# and I could tell a big difference in the 2 lines. I am goin with Trilene. However this season I was told that Bass Pro Shops has upgraded the Excel line so I just respooled all my reels with it to try it out. I like trying different stuff and it would save me some money if the excell works out. I do notice thet the sxcel is still larger in Diameter than Trilene XL. I will see how it fish's.