Now that Mustad has discontinued the classic 3906B, which new signature hook to you prefer?
The S80-3906, which is a LITTLE SHORTER than the old 3906B, or the S82-3906B which is a LITTLE LONGER (even though they added the old model number to this hook)?
I want to stock them both in my store eventually, but I can only afford to start with one of them, and I can’t decide which one is more preferred.
The S80 is the same length as the standard Dry Hook R50-94840. The S82 is 2XLong. (3906B was a 1XLong I believe)
Didn’t care for 3906B in smallest sizes because I didn’t think it had a big enough gap; I’d sub a 3906 with the same shank length, or use a scud hook. For #14 and up, I still like the 3906B, especially for bead-heads.
I’d say it depends on what other alternatives you’re carrying. If you’ve got S60, R70, S70, or R90 hooks and no R72, Go with the S82.
Conversely, if you are lacking the S60/R70/S70/R90 but have the R72, go with the S80.
Bottom line, you don’t want to be in a situation where you have NO 2X long nymph hook. Its a popular variation, and while tyers can work around a weight difference, its tough to work around a length difference. Since there’s onlt one other 2X long nymph hook, you want to make sure you’re covered in that regard. Chances are, youre already carrying at least 1 standard length wet/nymph hook.
The new hooks (s80 and s82 are identical in every way except length, and the problems with inconsistencies among smaller sizes in the classic 3906/3906B’s have been eliminated)
My question is which of the NEW hooks would be preferred for nymphs in general, if you had to choose one or the other.
I will get both eventually, but I want to start with the one that is more popular of the two.
In answer to COLD, I have only the R50’s for now. I am slowly building up my signature inventory.
I would get the S82’s for the same reason as listed above. I tie a LOT of flies on those two models. Bead head flies need a longer-shank hook, so that’s where having the 2xl’s will be good. Classic wets also look better on a bit longer hook sometimes.
I like the way you think. You have stated exactly what I had in mind before I posted this thread!
I was already leaning toward the S82 for the reasons you gave, but I thought I’d ask to see if anyone else shared the same ideas.
I think Mustad was wise to lengthen the S82, and I love the micro-barbs (on all the new hooks). They make it so much easier to work with beads.
Maybe the ‘B’ in S82-3906B stands for ‘Beadheads’, if not, it should.
I think the signature hooks are a big improvement, and eventually everyone will prefer them over the classics (They’re so much sharper too). I look forward to stocking up on them, and of course FISHING them, if the 20 inches of ice ever melts out here in Nebraska!
I knew I could count on the FAOL members for their input.
I’ll be a sponsor of this great site as soon as possible.
Just found out (with less than a dozen left) that my former source will no longer be carrying Mustads. Bummer, since they’re my favorite single dry fly hook.
First off thanks for posting the sizes of the new hooks relative to the 3906b - I’ve been trying to find that out BEFORE buying the new signature hooks. I’m trying to limit my hook inventory to one manufacturer and also limit the different number of hooks and I’ll be settling on the S82.
Bummer, since they’re my favorite single dry fly hook.