Since their invention, hollow elastics have been king on commercials – but, more recently, solid hybrid elastics have come to the fore.
A fair bit cheaper than the hollow versions, they possess similar characteristics, though many still struggle to match hollows in terms of durability and raw power, especially in warm water conditions when fish fight their hardest.
Both types still have their place though, so here are our favourite three hollow elastics and three best hybrids for you to try. You’re sure to find at least one that best suits your style of fishing.
MATRIX SLICK
Slik is a solid elastic with a huge 600 per cent stretch factor, similar to that of a hollow.
Once set up correctly, it doesn’t flatten out or fail to retract into the pole-tip.
Easy to knot, hard-wearing and with an exceptionally smooth and slick finish that doesn’t require much lubrication, it comes in 3m packs.
Price: £7.99, www.fishmatrix.co.uk
NUFISH ZIPP HYBRID ELASTIC
An excellent-value hybrid with many of the benefits of hollows, and few of their failings. It’s exceptionally lightweight and doesn’t flatten out as it passes over the lip of a PTFE bush when under pressure from a big fish.
Zipp is said to have a 700 per cent stretch factor and is made to withstand the extra friction created by using side puller kits.
Price: £4.99, www.nufish.co.uk
PRESTON DURA HOLLO
A powerful performer, especially in warm weather when big fish are on the cards, and/or it’s a bit snaggy and you need to get the fish away from a feature quickly.
Dura Hollo now has an upgraded core material and, besides being as tough as old boots, it powers up really quickly.
The more stress it comes under, the more pressure it exerts.
Price: £14.99, www.prestoninnovations.com
MIDDY REACTACORE HOLLOW ELASTIC
REACTACORE Hollow has a micro-bore that gives it a very slight tension increase when put under pressure. A grey compound mixed with black nano-carbon particles makes it easier and quicker to land big fish.
It has a high-viz finish and is pre-coated with lubricant that doesn’t wear off easily. Importantly, it’s sold in 5m lengths, meaning it will elasticate two top kits on most poles.
Price: £14.99, www.middytackle.com
DAIWA HYDROLASTIC
The original hollow elastic which is still regarded by many as the best around today. The beauty of Hydro lies in its all-round versatility and choice of strengths. The internal core is filled with a fluid that allows it to stretch evenly but, when under stress, the walls remain apart, to exert consistent all-round pressure on hooked fish.
Price: £14.99, www.daiwasports.co.uk
MAP TKS HYBRID
One of the later additions to the high-tech solid market, MAP TKS Hybrid was well worth waiting for!
Ultra-durable, smooth-flowing and packing plenty of power even as it nears full stretch, the comprehensive range covers lighter silvers work right up to heavy margin fishing. Best of all, it comes in huge 6m lengths, so one pack will cover three shallow or two standard kits.
Price: £8.50, www.mapfishing.co.uk
