Tom Rowland | Which Loop Knot is Stronger? Double Figure 8 vs Non Slip Mono | Ep. 961

On this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Tom puts two popular loop knots head to head: the Steve Huff double figure eight and the non slip mono loop. Both knots allow anglers to create a loop connection that gives lures and flies more action in the water, but which one is actually stronger? Tom ties both knots on camera, walks through each step in detail, and then tests them to failure on his break testing equipment. The results reveal a clear winner in terms of breaking strength, but Tom also shares why he still reaches for one knot over the other depending on the situation. If you've ever wondered which loop knot to trust when targeting big fish, this episode gives you the data you need.

The Steve Huff Double Figure Eight: Step by Step

Tom starts by walking through the Steve Huff double figure eight, a loop knot trusted by serious anglers who want their lures and flies to move naturally in the water. He begins with an overhand knot in the line, then passes the tag end through one more time to create a figure eight shape. After threading the tag end through the hook eye, he carefully traces the figure eight pattern—up one side and down the other. The finishing touch involves wrapping the tag end around the standing line twice and passing it through both loops before cinching everything tight. It's a knot that looks complex but becomes second nature with practice. Tom's detailed demonstration shows exactly how to position each wrap and where to apply tension. Watch Tom tie the complete Steve Huff double figure eight starting at 1:53.

The Non Slip Mono Loop: A Classic Loop Knot

Next up is the non slip mono loop, a knot that's been around for decades and earned its reputation through consistent performance. Tom begins by tying an overhand knot about six to eight inches from the end of the line, then passes the tag end through the hook eye before coming back through that initial overhand. He wraps the tag end around the standing line three times—counting each wrap carefully—before passing it back through the overhand knot. The key to this knot is the tightening sequence: pull the tag end first to snug everything down, then switch to pulling only the standing line to form the final loop. Tom emphasizes that this finishing technique is what gives the knot its full strength. See the complete non slip mono loop tutorial at 2:52.

The Break Test Results: Numbers Don't Lie

After tying both knots, Tom puts them to the ultimate test using his break testing equipment. The non slip mono loop comes out on top with an impressive 100.13% breaking strength, while the Steve Huff double figure eight registers at 77.2%. That's a significant difference—over 20 percentage points—that could mean the difference between landing a trophy fish or watching it swim away. But here's where it gets interesting: despite the lower breaking strength, Tom reveals that the double figure eight has one advantage that keeps it in his rotation. The way it pulls and seats on the hook eye creates a straighter presentation that can be crucial in certain fishing scenarios. See the exact break test results and Tom's analysis at 3:50.

When to Choose Each Knot

So which knot should you tie? Tom's verdict is that both have earned a place in an angler's arsenal. The non slip mono loop delivers superior breaking strength and has proven itself reliable across countless fishing situations. It's the safer choice when you're targeting big fish and can't afford any weakness in your terminal tackle. But the double figure eight shines when presentation matters most—when you need that lure or fly to track perfectly straight through the water. Tom has tested every knot he can think of and compiled all the results into his comprehensive knot guide, giving anglers the data they need to make informed choices based on their specific fishing scenarios. Hear Tom's complete recommendation and when to use each knot at 4:04.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I love these knot testing episodes because they take the guesswork out of your rigging decisions. We've all had that moment where we're tying on a lure and wondering if we're using the best knot for the job. Now you've got real data: the non slip mono loop gives you over 100% breaking strength, while the double figure eight comes in at 77.2% but pulls straighter.

Here's what matters to me: both of these knots work, and both have situations where they're the right choice. If I'm targeting big fish and need maximum strength, I'm going with the non slip mono loop. If presentation is critical and I need that lure tracking perfectly straight, the double figure eight gets the nod even with the lower test numbers.

This is exactly the kind of practical, test-it-yourself content we do on How 2 Tuesday. No theories, no guessing—just real knots tested to failure so you can fish with confidence. Watch the whole thing to see the step-by-step instructions and the actual break tests. And grab the free knot guide while you're at it. It's got all our testing results in one place.