I generally shoot for 5/16" if I can get it wrapped in the drum. 1/4" is too small for me to grip without wrapping it in my hand, (which is a profoundly stupid move), and 3/8" is tight unless the drum is very large. And with the ratings on line, 5/16" ain't gonna give up, and neither will 1/4" for that matter, nobody is strong enough to part 1/4" line. But I like 5/16". (And I'll edit this post if anyone out there is suffering alzheimer's and can't understand what I mean)..