Do better tying materials make better flys ?

[narcodog]

I have my favorites as far as materials go. After 30 years of tying quality dry fly capes are extremely a necessity. I also use cdc and I prefer one particular company for it's quality. Some of the main distributors in this country have mediocre materials and you never know what your going to get in feathers and fur. Quality does not necessary mean a higher price.

[rainbowchaser]

When you buy natural materials be prepared to look at as many different packages as you can. Hair can vary greatly from one package to the next in texture and length and amount of underfur. A grade three saddle may be mostly sizes 12 and 14 when you tie more 16 and 18 flies or vice versa. Most packages of feathers vary greatly from one to another in quality of their contents as they are sold by weight or number of feathers with little regard for size or curvature etc. Knowing how you plan to use them will let you pick the best one for you though that is made more difficult by sealed packages. To a certain extent the more expensive brands do some of this sorting for you but their idea of the best material for a given fly may not match yours. If you have to mail order them try to do so over the phone and let the supplier know what you are looking for from that material. If you find a seller who will take the time to try to match the product to your needs keep using them.

[Fly Tyer]

Yes. But not in the way you suggest. High quality materials makes it easier to tie as they are easier to work with. Having the right materials (suitable elk hair for an ehc wing) will make managing the material easier and result in a nicer fly. Also, high qultiy materials will have different properties for your fly as well. Purchase small amount of high quality stuff and be intentional about buying materials. Just trying to accumulate materials will not help in the end.

Best,

FT

[Allan]

Short answer - YES!

Quality also means matching the materials to the flies you will tie. Many lesser quality and priced materials handle and look better depending on their use. Quality dry fly neck and saddle hackle in almost always makes poor wet fly collars and streamer wings, respectively. Dubbing materials also need to match the type of fly tied, i.e. dubbing with a lot of guard hairs or a wiry synthetic make poor dry flies but good nymphs or streamers. Hairs need to match use. Some materials just look better (to us) and/or handle better, i.e. natural jungle cock, wood duck, etc.

I meant to add something fairly important to your question, "Do better tying materials make better flys?" Better materials make YOU a better fly tier.
Allan

[BR-549]

Big thanx guys, just from some of the info yall offered tells me you gents have spent a mountain of time at the vise, I guess wisdom comes with experience.
Again, big thanx.