Please share your thoughts on Darlon, Z-lon and spooled (or carded) Antron for emerger shucks and wings.
I’ve used primarily Z-lon but would like to hear what you have to say about Darlon-Antron and how they compare property-wise.
RMG:
For what it’s worth I was told that straight Z-lon and spooled or carded Antron yarn are the same thing save for the different colors available with Z-lon. I have both and notice no difference other than price; Z-lon is more $$$. I could be completely wrong about this but the person who told me is a fly shop owner who could have kept her mouth shut and I would have spent the extra $$$ on Z-lon.
Darlon is considerably finer and softer and for that reason I don’t like it as much for trailing shucks. Just my preference really as I prefer coarser stiffer fibers for trailing shucks and wing posts the other thing I use Antron for.
I use my Darlon mostly for small spinner wings although it’s not my favorite.
[This message has been edited by Bamboozle (edited 08 October 2005).]
I agree with Bam; very much on target with what he said. Your Z-lon, you will pay for.
This seems to be true in a lot of materials; same thing, but sometimes more bucks (for certain brands or just paying for a name).
This is where you really have to keep close watch & know your materials (especially the new stuff that comes into the market) !!!
I don’t feel Darlon makes the best spinner wings, & still stick with swiss straw on insect wings !!! I have even used Swiss Straw on trailing shucks with much success !!!
I can tell you the fish do not care. I have used them all over the years and it is more of a fly tyiers thing than a fish thing.
Like I said use what you like the fish sure do not care. Ron
It has been my observation that Antron has a much greater tendency to mat when wet than does Zelon. For this reason I prefer Zelon for trailing shucks and when tying Lafontain’s Sparkling Caddis patterns. I can’t speak for Darlon.
But as Ron says the fish probably don’t care.
BTW, There is now a Micro Zelon on the market, much finer.
I have used antron for all my tying needs including shucks and wings and it seems to work fine. I looked at z-lon but it appears to be antron with some more fine fiber bends or coils in it. It also cost more money for a very little amount. I have not used it. I have not used Darlon.
dr Bob
Blue ribbon flies explains some of the differences. Antron - matts and tends to stick together and not hold it’s shape.
It is also more supple in nature
Z-lon - little bit stiffer but resists matting and will hold it’s shape and retain translucency. Comes in straight, crinkled, and micro sizes now.
I’ve used Z-lon and like the material for shucks etc… but if you look at a real shuck it is not very stiff and perhaps a more supple material would be preferable…
Jeff
I’ll second Jim Cramer’s comments 100%.