The other leader we go through by the box. Where the SA Absolute wins on suppleness, the Powerflex Plus wins on raw strength — up to 20% higher tensile than standard nylon — and a powerful butt section that turns over bobber-and-double-nymph rigs even when the afternoon wind comes howling down Provo Canyon. If you fish indicator rigs or streamers more than dries, this is your leader.

Our local cheat sheet

• 9' 4X–5X: everyday Provo/Weber nymphing
• 7.5' 2X–3X: streamers and hopper season
• 12' 5X–6X: spooky flat-water fish and dry-fly finesse

Why we like it

• Strongest nylon leader Rio makes — without giving up knot strength or suppleness
• Hand-tied perfection loop for fast rigging with cold fingers
• Available 7.5', 9', and 12' in 0X–7X

Pro tip: buy three, lose two to willows, thank yourself later. Free in-store pickup on the way up the canyon.