Tom Rowland | Knot Wars: Non-Slip Mono Loop vs Perfection Loop vs Figure 8 | Ep. 701

In this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, host Tom Rowland puts three essential fishing loop knots head-to-head: the Non-Slip Mono Loop, the Perfection Loop, and the Figure 8 Loop. Tom tests each knot's breaking strength using a scale, reveals which knot consistently holds the strongest, and explains why one of these knots has a critical flaw that could cost you your fish of a lifetime. The results aren't what most anglers expect, and the margin of difference between the winner and second place might surprise you. If you've ever wondered which loop knot to trust with your most important presentations, this episode delivers the answer with real data.

Why the Non-Slip Mono Loop Wins the Knot Wars

Tom opens this knot battle with a bold claim: the Non-Slip Mono Loop is his go-to for nearly every fishing situation requiring a loop knot. But why? He explains that this knot consistently delivers the highest breaking strength in his tests, and it's a knot he's trusted for years across countless fishing scenarios. Tom ties three separate Non-Slip Mono Loops on 20-pound monofilament and tests each one to failure using a scale. The results are remarkably consistent, and they reveal why this knot has earned its place as the gold standard. But there's more to the story than just raw strength—Tom explains the technique behind tying it correctly and why proper construction matters. Watch Tom tie and test the Non-Slip Mono Loop starting at 0:30.

The Perfection Loop's Surprising Performance

The Perfection Loop is a classic knot that many anglers swear by, especially for fly fishing applications. Tom respects this knot and uses it in specific situations, but how does it stack up against the Non-Slip Mono Loop in a head-to-head strength test? Tom ties three Perfection Loops using the same 20-pound monofilament and subjects them to the same breaking strength test. The results show a clear difference in performance, with the Perfection Loop breaking at a lower pound test than the Non-Slip Mono Loop. Tom discusses when he does use the Perfection Loop and why it still has a place in certain fishing scenarios despite not being the strongest option. The margin of difference might be enough to matter when you're fighting a trophy fish. See the Perfection Loop test results at 4:16.

The Figure 8 Loop's Critical Flaw

This is where things get interesting—and a bit controversial. The Figure 8 Loop is a knot that some anglers use, but Tom's tests reveal a significant problem that could cost you fish. When Tom tests the Figure 8 Loop using the same methodology as the other two knots, something unexpected happens. The knot doesn't break at the same point as the others—instead, it exhibits a specific failure mode that Tom calls out as a deal-breaker. He explains exactly what happens when tension is applied to this knot and why the design itself creates a weakness that doesn't exist in the other two loops. Tom demonstrates the problem multiple times to make sure it's not a tying error, and the results are consistent. If you're currently using the Figure 8 Loop for your fishing presentations, you'll want to hear this. Tom reveals the Figure 8 Loop's fatal flaw at 6:51.

The Data Behind the Knot Wars

Tom doesn't just give you his opinion—he shows you the numbers. Using 20-pound monofilament and a reliable scale, he tests each knot multiple times to ensure consistent results. The Non-Slip Mono Loop breaks at 16 pounds consistently across all three tests. The Perfection Loop breaks at 14 pounds. And the Figure 8 Loop? Well, it never reaches its full breaking strength because of that critical design flaw. Tom walks through each test methodically, showing you exactly how he sets up the knot, applies tension, and records the breaking point. This isn't anecdotal—it's empirical data you can trust when choosing which knot to tie on your next fishing trip. The two-pound difference between the Non-Slip Mono Loop and the Perfection Loop might seem small, but when you're fighting a fish that's testing your tackle's limits, those two pounds could be the difference between a successful release and a break-off. See all the breaking strength data compiled at 8:30.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've been testing knots for years, and this particular comparison is one that I get asked about constantly. Anglers want to know which loop knot they can trust, and I don't blame them—there's nothing worse than losing a great fish because your knot failed. The data here is clear, and I hope it helps you make better decisions about which knots to use in different situations.

What surprised me most in these tests was the consistency of the results. The Non-Slip Mono Loop hit 16 pounds every single time, the Perfection Loop came in at 14 pounds across the board, and the Figure 8 Loop showed the same slipping problem in every test. That consistency tells me these results are reliable, and you can make tackle decisions based on this information with confidence.

If you're serious about improving your fishing success, understanding your knots is fundamental. These aren't just academic exercises—this is the stuff that matters when you've got a fish on the line. Watch the full episode to see exactly how each knot performs under tension, and you'll understand why I choose the Non-Slip Mono Loop for almost every application. This one's worth your time.