I've probably used of the most brands over the years: Berkley, Cortland, Mason, Woodstock, Gudebrod, Cabelas, and some "no-name" spools. All were pretty much the same, even the no-namers except for one spool and I can't remember the brand. My go to is Gudebrod GT. Nice tight weave, PTFE coated and easy to handle is pound tests of 30 -36#. In those diameter you get 60 +/- yards of line on a typical Polar or Beaver Dam spool; just fine for the type of fishing I do.
My preference is Dacron vs nylon. Be mindful of the quality of the braid. I had some once where the weave was very loose and "floppy". It was horrible. Held tons of water, got snagged on everything, knotted like crap.
You are right to be choosy about diameter in regards to handling. For Dacron or nylon 30# is about the minimum diameter for good handling. Superlines should be out altogether unless you're rich. There 100# would be my choice. It's not about the pound test but the diameter of the line.