Quote Originally Posted by ScottP View Post
I used to use the wire rib, but now I just leave the tag end of my tying thread long and rib with that. My flies are just as durable and it saves a tying step; I'm all for anything that speeds up my tying.
I do the same thing.

Also, I like to tie the hackle in at the rear, then palmer it forward, then use my ribbing material over the hackle. It takes a bit of practice to get the hackle working, but I like that the hackle is tied in at both ends.