Cortland Hollow-X Fly Line Backing

Cortland Hollow-X Fly Line Backing is a premium solution designed for anglers targeting the strongest fish in the ocean. Built with a hollow core construction, this backing allows for spliceable connections that maintain 100 percent of the line strength, eliminating the potential failure points found in standard knots. Its incredibly thin diameter relative to its breaking strength enables you to load significantly more yardage onto your reel, providing the necessary insurance when a Giant Trevally or Tarpon decides to make a run for the horizon.

Features

Hollow Core Construction - The defining characteristic of this backing is its hollow weave, which allows anglers to splice the fly line directly into the backing or create seamless loop-to-loop connections. This eliminates bulky knots that can snag on guides during a high-speed run and ensures a completely smooth transition as the line clears the reel.

FiberTech Treatment - Cortland applies a specialized treatment that penetrates the weave and bonds with individual fibers. This process stiffens the line slightly to improve handling and reduce tangles, while creating a slick surface that cuts through water with minimal drag and packs tightly on the spool without digging in.

Uses

Big Game Saltwater - This backing is the primary choice for filling large arbor reels destined for blue water or flats fishing where capacity is critical. The reduced diameter allows you to gain hundreds of extra yards compared to standard Dacron, giving you the upper hand against long-running species like Tuna, Marlin, and Sailfish.

Seamless Rigging - Because it is spliceable, Hollow-X is perfect for creating custom setups where smooth connections are vital. Anglers use it to protect rod guides from the impact of knots leaving the reel at high velocity, ensuring that sudden direction changes or blistering runs result in a landed fish rather than a broken setup.

Durability / Conditions

Engineered for the harshest saltwater environments, this backing features extreme abrasion resistance to withstand contact with coral, rocks, and boat gunnels. It utilizes ColorLast technology to lock in visibility and prevent fading or bleeding, even after prolonged exposure to intense tropical sun and saltwater. The synthetic fibers are impervious to rot and mildew, ensuring the backing retains its integrity on the spool for seasons of use.

Material / Design

Constructed from 16-carrier High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (HMWPE) fibers, Hollow-X offers a superior strength-to-diameter ratio. For example, the 50 lb test version is roughly half the diameter of standard 30 lb Dacron. The tight, round braid lies flat on the reel, while the texture is engineered to be smooth enough to prevent friction burns yet substantial enough to grip the spool securely under heavy drag pressure.

More Info

• Best for: Saltwater, Big Game, Spey

• Material: HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)

• Capacity: High volume, approximately half the diameter of Dacron