Floss properties

[Ray Kunz]

I
have been using 4 strand Danville floss for ages but now I'm told that there is a Unifloss single strand that is much less prone to have "fiber strand breaks" while I'm winding. Is this correct?

[narcodog]

I have used the Uni for sometime. When I need a thin body that's what I use. For a thicker body I still use Danville. To help lessen the fuzz I wax the floss just a little.

[Daniel J]

I do the wax thing too. I have all kinds of floss from fly shops and stitch art stores and bee or paraffin tames it well.

[john52948]

I got tired of the frizzes with the floss and started using antron yarn. no more frizz !! but antron does not change color when wet, like the floss does , so you may need to adjust your body colors to suit.

[whatfly]

Nope. Only advantage of the single strand stuff is you do not have to separate out the individual strands Danville four strand, which is convenient but hardly revolutionary.

[Charlie1947]

I got tired of the frizzes with the floss and started using antron yarn. no more frizz !! but antron does not change color when wet, like the floss does , so you may need to adjust your body colors to suit.

Forgive me for asking a stupid question, what are the benefits of using floss in place of other components? I got rid of my tying stuff when I sold my rods, for health reasons. Now I'm getting back in as my health has drastically improved! I had not previously used floss!

[whatfly]

Tradition! That's really pretty much it. Very rarely used in contemporary patterns, but quite popular in historical patterns, some oldish steelhead patterns, and soft-hackles.

[Ray Kunz]

As noted, floss is presently used on a few patterns like a Royal Coachman, some Soft Hackle wets or several classic streamers. Its objective is to provide a smooth shinny fly body.
Far the opposite from the popular fuzzy bodies but they sure look good.

[Charlie1947]

As noted, floss is presently used on a few patterns like a Royal Coachman, some Soft Hackle wets or several classic streamers. Its objective is to provide a smooth shinny fly body.
Far the opposite from the popular fuzzy bodies but they sure look good.

Thanks Ray and Whatfly! Now I know! I'll buy some Floss!

[ScottP]

I sub Uni-Stretch for floss on most of the flies I tie; much easier, for me, to work with.

Regards,
Scott