The thing is--barrel swivels can't spin under load. When a big catfish is putting pressure on your line, and starts rolling, a barrel swivel can't turn. Which means your line starts getting twisted, weakening it, and could cause it to get wrapped and break off. Do you want to take that chance on your next Personal Best catfish? Instead, use Bearing Swivels They have a bearing inside of them that will turn, even when an enormous blue catfish is practicing their death roll.