Metz and Whiting

[Ray Kunz]

I'm probably asking for the impossible but I'll try. I want a medium dun Metz Microbarb Saddle but they are impossible to locate. I've even called Metz. An alternative would be a Whiting Silver Quality Saddle. I would like to hear from someone who has used BOTH for a direct comparison. I'm mostly interested in the comparison of range of sizes. I have no interest in other alternatives. Thanks.

[JZ]

there is a place near us that sells the really small feathers on a neck, ncex time i Go to the place, if you like you can pay me, and i will send them to you...

JZ

[Ray Kunz]

Thanks anyway JC for your offer but I'm looking for technical info about 2 specific products only.
I'll be sourcing from mail order firms later.

[JZ]

Oh, if you are wanting to see what people think, I highly think that the metz micro is much better, I don't care for the whiting as much.

[Buddy Sanders]

Ray,

I use both the Metz and the Whiting saddles. The size 'range' on the saddles is similar, mostly 12-16 with a few on either side. The Whitings seem to have a few more of the 'either side' feathers on teh small side, and the last one I sized out had fifty-six 20s on it, which I found unusual.

I do buy the gold from Whiting, though, as I feel it's a better value.

Good Luck!

Buddy

[Ray Kunz]

Buddy,

Thanks for the reply. But are the Metz saddles you are comparing their regular saddles or their Microbarb?

Ray

[Ray Kunz]

Buddy,

Thanks for the reply. But are the Metz saddles you are comparing their regular saddles or their Microbarb?

Ray

[Arnie]

Ray,
Tying commercially in an area where there is little available for materials close by, I've been forced to mail order most of my tying supplies. It's been a long process of weeding out suppliers and brand names until I can consistently know what I will receive in advance. Back when Metz micro-barb saddles were first introduced I ordered one (Ginger for color). There was not a single feather on it smaller than a 10; most of it was size 8. I haven't used Metz since for anything other than hen necks.
On the other hand, I have tied over 70 dozen size 16 and 18 parachute dry flies from a single grade 2 Whiting saddle. The new Silver grades are better. If you already deal with a good mail order house, ask them to select a saddle that is "heavy" with the sizes you want. If you want, I can suggest a few shops, but don't know if I'm supposed to do that on the board. Can send a PM if you like.
Good fishing,
Arnie

[Ray Kunz]

Hi Arnie, The White,Ginger,Brown and Grizzly Metz "Microbarbs" that I have all have been purchased recently and all are predominately size 14. Maybe your Ginger Metz was one of their regular saddles which are another "breed". The only complaint I have about my Microbarbs is that the Brown is really Furnace. I talked to Metz about this and was told that it is the state of their art, noting that Metz products are not dyed.
I have an older Standard Metz Saddle in a Dark Cree that, as you say, has mostly size 12 hackles with only a few 14s
Looks like I'll settle on a Whiting Silver Saddle dyed Med. Dun.
BTW Hook & Hackle is my usual supplier.

[Fatman]

Ray,

Check with Fly Fishers Paradise www.flyfishersparadise.com if your set for a metz in dun, they seem to carry alot of it. Or let Denny know at www.conranch.com what you're looking for with size's and he can probably help you out at a good price.

Fatman