Hey Allen.

I look at the bottom of the feather I am going to use for it's size. I want that area to be the right size for the fly being tied.

I use Whiting saddles most of the time do to the ammount of flies I can get from them and there quality. I select them for the size I am tying and just go from there. For the most part I find they are pretty much even through out there length so I do not worry to much about it after selecting them.

I do not look at both sides just the side I know will be used.

I think the saddle looks a little neater but the neck hackle looks the best to me. Old School I guess. Ron