I have been using UG for as long as I have been steelheading...8 years or so.

I usually spool up every other week to keep my line fresh and have yet to run into a bad batch of UG although I have seen a bulk spool that didnt look so hot.

The key is to buy line that is stored properly. Monofilament will last forevor as long as it is stored in a dry, dark, cool place. The second mono is exposed to UV it detoriates and detoriates fast. Make sure you buy your line from a store that stocks it away from windows or sells alot of it...