Lately in tying videos it seems that UTC 70 denier (6/0) thread is becoming more and more common. The standard in my old days used to be Danville 70 denier (6/0). Both seem to be quite similar nylon with the UTC costing about twice as much. Can someone bring me up to speed?
Of the two, UTC ties the flattest, but not by a significant margin. But it’s also more flossy than Danville and more prone to fraying in my experience. I prefer Uni-Nylon to either.
I agree with Bugsy about the UTC 70 being “flossy”; Danville is good stuff and I use it a lot, but for smaller flies I really like MFC 8/0 - lays flat, if you want, but very strong. I hear great things about Veevus, but it’s a bit rich for my blood, and I can tie flies down to #24 no problem with the MFC, at half the cost. Just my opinion.
Regards,
Scott
I agree with Scott, MFC is my choice of thread, fine and strong. There are so many choices of thread these days, grab a spool of a color you use the most and try them. And yes Danville 6/0 and Uni 8/0 are my second and third choices, depending on fly size.
Gene
I like the tying properties of UTC, but tend to fray it more with my fingertips. My thread of choice is UNI in 6/0 & 8/0. It does everything I need it to do.
I thought UNI was advertised as being poly not nylon.
For larger flies, I really like the UTC 140; not flossy like their 70 denier, and it’s really strong. Haven’t tried the MFC in 6/0, but I would imagine it’s a quality product, too.
Regards,
Scott
Ray, Nylon is a Poly (“polymer” which covers a lot of plastic materials)
Scott, the MFC 6/0 is just as nice as the 8/0, just stronger. Lays flat but not flossy like ultra thread. Does not need to be spun or manipulated to behave.
Gene
“Uni-Thread” is the bonded, polyester thread that’s been popular for many years. But Uni Products also offers a nylon thread marketed as “Uni-NYLON” and sold in denier sizing (70d and 210d). It’s a great product for many reasons, but it lacks the exposure of Uni’s polyester products.
I really like Veevus. Can get it in very fine sizes and it maintains strength.
FWIW, I was under the impression that 70 denier was closer to 8/0 than 6/0. 140 denier would be the 6/0 equivalent.
Am I wrong on this?
Edit to add: I mostly tie with Uni Thread in 8/0 or 6/0 and whatever Orvis sells (there’s an Orvis around the corner from my condo) in the same sizes.
Steven,
I believe Danville Flymaster was marketed as 6/0, even though it was 70 denier and closer to 8/0. The issue of thread designation has been going round and round for years; there’s been talk of standardizing, using either the “ought” or denier scale, but that never seems to go anywhere.
Regards,
Scott
Thanks Scott.
Searching the Way Back Machine, I just found this!
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/showthread.php?34406-Threas-size-designation
I believe “poly” is a simply abbreviation of Polyester. Wouldn’t the all inclusive name for nylons be polyamide?