For nearly 70 years, the majority of fly lines have been made from PVC – a naturally rigid plastic that requires the use of plasticizers to make PVC lines functional.  These plasticizers are anything but a permanent part of a PVC line. You see, from the minute it’s made, a PVC line begins breaking down -  leaching plasticizers into the environment and contaminating you and the waters you fish. Once it has shed enough of these, it becomes prone to cracking, even failure. If that’s not enough, as it decomposes, PVC is known to release Dioxins - a group of lethal, bioaccumulating toxins. Consequently, it’s virtually impossible to safely recycle a PVC line. All of which is why Airflo never uses PVC.  Instead, our lines are made from Polyurethane - an inert, stable, fully recyclable material that requires no plasticizers and  lasts far longer than PVC.

PU (Polyurethane) – Used by Airflo   

• Durability: Much more abrasion-resistant and doesn’t crack under UV exposure or extreme temps. 
• Memory: Holds shape better, especially in cold or hot climates—less coiling or tangling. 
• Environment: PVC-free; no plasticizers, which are known to leach into water and harm ecosystems. 
• Coating Integrity: Won’t leach or dry out over time—maintains slickness and performance longer. 
• Custom: Airflo can adjust density and hardness for specific line performance due to PU’s tunability. 

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Used by Most Other Brands

• Durability: Over time, plasticizers can leach out, making lines sticky, cracked, or brittle. 
• Memory: Prone to more memory and coil retention in cold conditions. 
• Environment: Contains plasticizers and toxins that aren’t biodegradable—harder on the environment. 
• Coating Breakdown: More susceptible to chemical damage, UV degradation, and drying out.