For more than 30 years the Simple Soft Hackle has done an outstanding job for me matching the Caddis Pupa. Peacock& Partridge, Muskrat Flymph, and a Tan soft hackle have accounted for the majority of fish. These patterns are tyed with natural material so, I have never had to worry about a certain sparkly thread, or shiny yarn being discontinued, that would put an end to the patterns effectiveness.
That being said, I did try some synthetic materials this past Spring on a different type of pupa. I am not saying the synthetics did better than the naturals, but they were good to me starting last Spring, and continuing to the present.
Hook - Scud, size 18-10
Thread - UTC70, Veevus 14/0, Bennechi 12/0 or Griffith Sheer. Any thread that is easily split
Abdomen/Tail -Ultra Chenille
Thorax - Synthetic or natural dubbing in a split thread
Collar - Hen Hackle
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps147faf17.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps19c8af5b.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps2437ac2e.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ps142740bc.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...psd29f77f4.jpg
If I had to choose, I would take the standard Soft Hackles. They have stood the test of my time.