With all the newer synthetic hair materials like EP Fibers, Neer Hair etc. that have fibers as long as you want are there any real needs for the materials like Craft Fur and Islandic Sheep hair? Those have such short lengths with so much under fur that makes it a problem to use them.
I’m NOT talking about Bucktail or Calf Tail that are classics. Any thoughts?
It’s a conspiracy, Ray. They want to wean you away from the real stuff.
Next thing you know they’ll be talking about national health care…
Oh wait… :rolleyes:
There are some patterns I tie where I still like craft fur better, particularly the Gotcha.
Regards,
Scott
In my opinion, new and improved is 99% marketing and 1% actual improvement. The 1% stuff can be real good, though. But not eveyone WANTS to use the new and improved stuff.
I think the brain-altering chemical in Neer hair has taken me.
I would use that stuff for pretty much everything if I could only find a place that sold it.
One advantage of the naturals is that you can dye them to your desired color when making special patterns for your area or taste.
Hi Dan; I was faced with this availability problem also so I called the wholesale disrtibutor (Wapsi).
They suggested a retail source that would special order their branded products.
I followed up on this and was treated politely and knowledgibly but have not yet received the material.
The web site is www.kkflyfisher.com (800) 795-8118
P.S. I feel that the Neer Hair is very comparable to the original EP Fiber but in approximately half size packages at an appropriately lower cost. (More varieties of colors for your buck.)
Good luck.
You may want to consider Congo Hair as an alternative to EP fibers, too; a lot cheaper as well
http://www.flytyersdungeon.com/Materials/synthetichair.htm
Regards,
Scott
I still use Craft Fur for some patterns.
But when I refer to Craft Fur, what I really mean is the stuff that I get from the Renegade Lure Company in Tn. They use it to dress their custom spinnerbaits, but it works great on flies as well. Moves just like marabou in the water, but much more durable. It comes in 4 x 8 inch sheets, with just a little underfur. And it comes in all the correct colors for baitfish, insects, or anything else you might want to tie, and all the colors are water-proof. No leeching of the dye at all. Another great feature is that you can cut it in small pieces and use it for dubbing as well. It makes killer nympth bodies.
The other synthetic that I am very fond of is the N.E.W. line of products from Polaris. It makes fantastic flies.