Stripped Hackle Stems, Goose/Turkey Biots, or Stripped Peacock?
A number of years ago I bought a Whiting neck marketed specifically for stripping and dyeing the stems. I don't know if they are still marketed that way. I used them, as per AK Best's instructions, because I thought the smooth, waxy-looking stem looked much better as a body on some flies than did dubbing. I don't see hackle stems used much today (never did, really. I was always told in forums that dubbing was more versatile) but stripped peacock and goose/turkey biots seem to be used and talked about more and more. Durability was never an issue because I always coat the body with cement or resin to strengthen them and bring out the colors.
Anyway, I'm about out of them and was wondering which do you prefer? For a fuzzy ribbing on the body I assume you go with biots, but for smooth bodies which is your choice and why?
Joe