New threads and products come on the market all the time. I am not adverse to using anything that works for a particular project.
For pieces that contain sharp edged beads, I have been using either Power Pro 10 lb test or Fireline 6 lb test.
Power Pro came out first in white and a weird, eery looking green. The white is easy to color with a permanent marker, which is what I do if I think any thread will show where I don't want it.
Fireline has gained a lot of popularity in the past year. The best colors are smoke and crystal. There is also this funky green available, but leave that to the fishermen.
Both are braided and intended for use as fishing line. This is definitely not the old monofilament that stretched and cracked.
Having used both (both are available from Bead Smith), I am leaning toward the Fireline. The 6 lb test is slightly smaller than the 10 lb Power Pro and is nicer to work with. I haven't found a reason to use the smaller 4 lb test, although there are beaders who prefer it. I have used it in some tiny size 15 beads with several passes and had no trouble. Also, Fireline, even when purchased from a bead supplier, is significantly cheaper.
I would recommend going to a fishing supply store where much large reels can be bought at very reasonable prices.
