Ball Bearing Swivel vs. Traditional Swivel: Which Is Better At Decreasing Line Twists?

A few weeks ago, we did a test to see if swivels actually help keep twists out of braided line…

This is important because many people use swivels to keep their line from twisting when using lures that spin, such as spoons (more on this later).

What we found is that braid is so nimble that it can handle lots of twists before the swivel starts kicking in.

In fact, it takes about seven twists per inch of line for the swivel to start spinning.

In conclusion, braided line still gets lots of twists even if you use a swivel…

Now the most common comment on that experiment was, “How does a ball bearing swivel perform in this experiment?”

Well, you ask and we answer!

I went out and got the most expensive ball bearing swivels I could find to do this experiment.

Check out the results in this video.

P.S. We’re not affiliated with either of these companies, we just wanted to do this experiment and see which one is better.

Have any questions about using swivels?

Have you found different results than I have in this experiment?

Let me know in the comments below.

[Ucannod]

Problem with the two tests is that in practice there is a far greater force applied to the side going in the water. Ideal test would be hold line vertically with weight on the bottom simulating the force of water and then twist.

[thmichcav]

What I like about your test is the factual demonstration that line still twists with a swivel on it. Some swivels are useless, and adding two knots to a bad swivel just makes your line weaker. Also, most spoons turn over less if you put a short trailer on the hook (or the center hook.

[edmundhenderson]

The ball bearing swivel used is a size larger than the other. One of equal size would have performed even better.

[labtrainer]

Very interesting and valuable.Thank you. I've been asking myself exactly this question as I increase my use of big (8") flutter spoons, fished more or less vertically.

[skipdalley]

I fish in swift braided rivers in New Zealand. And I wouldn't try without a swivel any more. After the third cast in some areas I have twist ups. Bearing swivels are a tone better than the traditional type. I do use the traditional types in slower water (as in hydro canal fishing and lake fishing) and they work just fine. But if you are in steady flow it's best to go for the more expensive bearing swivels.
Surf casting I wouldn't spend the extra money on them, as they will corrode just the same as a standard swivel

[Bamapride]

There’s places online that sale these swivels a lot cheaper. I use them on trotlines and it’s been a game changer.

[woodystemms]

When retrieved at a "normal" speed, the Johnson spoon can be used without a swivel. Faster retrieves, and/or against current, use ball-bearings.

[d.faulkner]

would those swivels preform the same attached to the spoon?great video, thanks for sharing..

[STILLPHENOM]

Wish I had seen this video before I went out yesterday. So much line had to be trashed..

[bobjohnson]

One thing I like about barrel swivels is when they unwind they cause the lure to randomly flip differently. I use both.

[TravisInCanada]

Fun fact, many fish can see colors that we cannot and that includes ultraviolet.
Remember that the next time you are making a big deal about which color of lure to try.

[rickandlisasoliz]

I am also curious if a 4 or 6 bead chain swivel is worth using and how it would compare to the ball bearing swivel....Would be great to see that tested...Thanks!

[vaughn]

The ball bearing swivel will work even better if you connect the lure or whatever is causing the twist to the solid ring that is connected to the inner race of the swivel rather than the solid ring connected to the body of the swivel.

i.e. less friction

[mikedeguzman]

How do the swivels perform under the load/drag under of a chatter bait? Or under a deep diver crank bait. I know they don’t twist but just how will these swivels perform under a load?

[johnnorris]

Those regular ball bearing swivels are ok but I prefer to use dual rotation ball bearing swivels because they swivel on both ends instead of on just the one end. The billfisher dual rotations are my ball bearing swivel of choice because they are good quality with welded rings and they are smaller in size than equal lb test swivels from other companies. I think you would find that almost no twists will build up at all if you did your test with a dual rotation ball bearing swivel.

[ARCSTREAMS]

i been thinking about swivels and how they are suppose to work and i believe they are possibly designed wrong for what they are intended, as good as they function as is i think if one side was fixed in place and the other side lose it would do a better job instead of having both sides lose, perhaps if you redid your experiment using the braid to mono where the braid tied end of the swivel is not spinning by using crazy glue or epoxy and the mono side is free you might see it working for that, hope you see this and something to think about

[wolverinex]

It's simple without the test. Swivels are all the same bc the weight on the lures dictate the twist power....A lot of twisting lures don't do good with swivels. For example, you might want not swivel on you ploppers bc the whole lure is going to twist. I think for leaders especially cheap ones will do. The main thing which I think a swivel needs to be premium is on A rigs and spinnerbaits where you want it to function properly, fast....so ball bearings are best.

[teamseacts]

Luke must have been an engineer before salt strong (or should have been). Most of your testing considers just about all the variables but I think you missed one on this one. Those swivels would normally be wet and lubricated by the water and the braided line would likely react a lot differently if submerged. This test should really be done while submerged. Proper bearing design includes clearance for different types of lubricant (thick lubricants get more space for the lubricant to flow) and at $2 a pop on those mustad, I sure hope they included that in the engineering! ;-)

[dlloyd]

Did your strike ratio go up w/o the swivel?? And good point on the retrieve !

[PaulLadendorf]

What lures cause line twist other than spoons?