Shimano · Fishing Tackle & Gear
Shimano Core G9 PE Dark Mocha Braided Line 11lb
Lower risk, polyethylene braided line carries minimal PFAS concern.
This polyethylene braided line is a hydrocarbon polymer without fluorine chemistry. Shimano offers no PFAS disclosure, but the base material is not a typical PFAS source.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polyethylene (PE) braided fishing line
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Microplastic shedding (low level)
PE braided lines can shed microscopic fibers during heavy use or abrasion against rocks and structures; however, braided PE is far more stable than monofilament. The volume released under normal fishing conditions is low and not formally quantified for this product.
UV and thermal degradation products
Extended UV exposure or heat (above 80 degrees Celsius) can cause PE to degrade and release trace volatile organic compounds; under normal fishing conditions (outdoor air temperature, water immersion) this is minimal and not a practical concern.
Bacterial biofilm accumulation (storage/maintenance issue)
Wet braided lines stored without drying can accumulate bacteria or mold if left damp in enclosed spaces; this is a storage hygiene issue rather than an inherent product hazard and is easily prevented by air-drying before storage.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Colorant migration
Iron oxide and carbon black pigments used in dark mocha formulations are non-toxic and insoluble in water; no evidence of leaching into fish tissue or water systems has been documented for any PE braided line.
Heavy metals
No lead, cadmium, or other restricted heavy metals have been reported in PE braided fishing lines by regulatory agencies or independent testing organizations; Shimano products are generally subject to Japanese and international safety standards.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Shimano Core G9 is a polyethylene (PE) braided line, meaning multiple strands of PE polymer are woven together to create strength and abrasion resistance. PE itself is a relatively inert thermoplastic with no known leaching of regulated toxins like BPA or phthalates under normal fishing conditions (room temperature, saltwater, freshwater exposure). The dark mocha color is achieved through colorant additives (likely carbon black and iron oxides) that are physically trapped in the polymer matrix rather than chemically bonded, so migration into water or fish tissue under normal use is negligible.
The brand's record and disclosure
Shimano is a major Japanese fishing and sports equipment manufacturer with no documented product safety recalls or controversies related to their braided lines. The company does not publicly disclose PFAS testing results for fishing line products, which is consistent with industry silence rather than a red flag specific to Shimano. No third-party independent testing of Shimano braided lines for heavy metals, residual monomers, or other contaminants has been published in consumer safety databases.
How it compares in its category
Braided PE lines from all major brands (Shimano, Berkley, Daiwa, Spiderwire) share the same baseline safety profile, PE is a closed-chain polymer that does not break down easily in use, minimizing microplastic release compared to monofilament lines, which can degrade under UV exposure. Braided lines generally outperform fluorocarbon or nylon alternatives in terms of chemical stability during storage and use. Shimano's 11lb Core G9 sits in the mid-tier pricing range and is widely used in both recreational and professional contexts with no pattern of adverse effects reported.
If you buy it
Store the line in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow any long-term UV degradation, though PE braids resist this far better than monofilament. Inspect the line periodically for fraying or discoloration; if it becomes brittle or loses integrity, replace it. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use to remove salt residue and extend spool life. PE braids do not require special disposal beyond placing in regular trash, as they are not classified as hazardous waste; however, recycling programs for fishing line exist in some regions.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Shimano has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.