Many of us use Poly yarn as a substitute for hair wings. I frequently note comments that the more “crinkled” Antron or Z-lon is better and even that Z-lon is better than Antron because it does not mat down when wet.
My thought is that the mattig concern would be eliminated on the first false cast.
Completely overriding this is the fact that both of these materials are Nylon, where Nylon is more water aBsorbant that any other popular plastic. Poly yarn (Polypropylene), will aBsorb no water at all but will aDsorb water between its fibers. But these also, will be gone with a false cast.
Which material is to be preferred?
I’m interested in comments from you other guys. ;);)
I use Congo Hair for a number of dry fly wings (mayfly, caddis, attractor, midge) , which appears to be a type of poly yarn, and really like it. Seems to shed water well and what is there is eliminated on the first false cast, like you said.
Regards,
Scott
Ray,
Never had much of a problem RE: floatation with either of those materials as wings. Another factor, although I hardly use it, is the effect of floatant. Anyway, like you, I think the synthetic wings dry after a false cast.
Allan
I personally think that Zelon has a more “natural” look to it: The sheen and the slightly krinkled nature of the fibers. This is an example of what I mean:
There are Sacred patterns which I will only use the real hair to tie ;). I won’t substitute! However…
The nylon is super stuff. It’s almost magic to me the way it disappears through the surface tension. It makes a great streamer wing and when cast the fly will slip right into the water like you want it to. It’s a material I use for underwater nymphs to. Not only does it sink but it has a almost lifelike translucence when wet. Underbody colors will come right through it creating the much desired halo effect.
Polypropylene wing and body material is a valuable part of my fly tying materials for dry flies. I especially like it because you can tie very small flies when needed. Makes a great durable wing post on paraduns, does spinner wings, and downwings on the midge for me. You can catch a lot of fish on these flies compared to the natural wing materials.
I use a simple test for synthetics specific gravity. Take a pinch of the material and toss it in a bowl of water.You will figure out which one you’d use for dries and which ones for wets instantly.
I use the paste floatant Albolene for the flies I float.
Last year I bought some nylon roving from http://yarn2spin.yolasite.com/synthetic-fibers-for-spinning.php. I bought the Sparkling Icicle which I will estimate as a medium fiber and I bought the Faux Cashmere which is very fine. Both synthetics will sink like a rock. I bought a life time supply for a few bucks. Free shipping.
Just tied up a buncha royal wulffs with poly for the wing. I like it lots better than Calf tail or body. I think it will float samey samey
You could always use a drop or two of Water Shed on the poly yarn if you are concerned.
Since the wing isn’t in the water, it should float samey, samey.
The wing has nothing to do with the floatation of a mayfly dry-fly. I think it’s a question of will the wing actually return to shape after the fly is pulled under water at the start of the initial back cast. Too be honest, I’ve never been sure.
I use white macrame cord I bought yaers ago. It is a bit thicker than the Zelon from BRF.
The best non fly tying (inexpensive) material I have found is Needloft Plastic Canvas yarn. I use it wherever I would use Zelon/Antron. I also makes for great parachute wings. If you have a Ben Franklin Store, they carry a different brand but it is just about the same as Needloft. I get it here: