Sparked by another thread I have a question about this product…I remember hearing from somewhere/someone that these hackles are from Platinum Saddles. Is this true?
“GET THE DRIFT?”
I really do not know if there is a way to tell. I would doubt that it matters. They are very nice Hackle though.
Mike,
When Whiting started to sell 100-Packs these feathers were not from any grade saddles in particular. They were feathers which had become separated from the owner, and essentially were collected, cleaned and packaged. A new product range was born.
These days the demand for 100-Packs is such that very likely processed saddles are plucked. Not sure whether there is a specific answer to your question, though, nor does my response here attempts to address it 
Cheers,
Hans W
=== You have a friend in Low Places === [url=http://www.danica.com/flytier:137a1]http://www.danica.com/flytier[/url:137a1]
[This message has been edited by Hans Weilenmann (edited 19 March 2005).]
Mike, Whiting’s grading system only refers to the number of usuable hackles on a given pelt, not the quality of the feathers. This is a popular misunderstanding about the grading of Whiting. You can usuallly find the yield scale on the back of a package. I think that it is also in the FeatherCraft catalog.
I know that…but the Platinum saddles have super long feathers and those 100s feathers are pretty long and can tie a lot of flies…
“GET THE DRIFT?”
Mike – I have a Silver saddle and the feathers are virtually the same length as the 100 packs.
The point is, No matter how long the hackles are the pack is made to tye at least 100 flies. That is why they call them Whiting 100’s. The hackle quality in these packs is the best possible. I have a bunch of 18-24 and the quality is A-One.
I have necks and saddles of all kinds, but being lazy, I find myself grabbing the Whiting 100s if I have that color.
I make sure that I always have Whiting 100s in the size and colors of hackle I use most, because to replace the needed size and color only costs $14.00.
Swing hard, in case they throw the ball where you’re swinging. Duke Snider
Hi group & Hans,
When I started the 100 packs several years ago I took home a “clump” of the “drop out” hackle Hans refers to. In short order it became evident that separating the feathers from a “clump” and still keep them looking “saleable” was next to impossible. From day one the 100 packs have been “plucked and sized” from retail grade saddles. We used the Troth Hackle Gage that I modified based on the TMC 100 dry fly hook. I still have several of the gages I made for myself (on my own time & with my own supplies) that I continue to use today. If I remember correct we placed the gage on the back of the packaging for one of the hackle products but I don’t remember which. I just returned from my tying room and checked the back of several packages of hackle and didn’t find the gage so maybe I am suffering from a senior moment. Anyway, take care & …
Tight Lines - Al Beatty [url=http://www.btsflyfishing.com:dacde]www.btsflyfishing.com[/url:dacde]
Might be considered off topic, but I think you get more for your money by buying quarter saddles instead of the hundred packs. I think the hundred packs are a great way Whiting to get a higher profit and for the tyer to feel like they are getting a really good deal. There are at least three times as many ideal hackles on a quarter saddle, even the “bronze” grade ones. And the Bronze one’s sell for around $20.
I don’t mean to call anyone silly, but I bet if you compare the two options side by side, you’ll agree with me.
Al,
Maybe my memory is failing me, but this is what I understood from Phil Camera when we discussed the start of what are now the 100-packs.
Let me start by saying that I give up my version gladly for one who was closer to the source, i.e. you 
Phil took the shed hackle, and managed to process and clean them in a viable and economic fashion. Marketed them as Hackle Bits. They sold well.
Whiting started subseqently with the 100-packs, and I will immediately accept your version on them being plucked from saddles from day one. Thanks for making the distinction.
Cheers,
Hans W
=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier
Hi Hans,
You are right about Phil but his Hackle Bits were the for runner to Whiting’s Hackle Packs, unsized, bundle of feathers. Quite frankly I don’t remember if Phil tried to size or not; a senior moment again. And I do remember talking with him at length about the Hackle Bits when he came to the farm to buy “fall out” hackle. Take care & …
Tight Lines - Al Beatty [url=http://www.btsflyfishing.com:1d8ac]www.btsflyfishing.com[/url:1d8ac]
I love Whiting 100 packs, from 18 on down to 24. Like Pats Man, for the quantity of flies that I tie (small), I think the quality is great without breaking the bank. I am toying with the idea of getting a microbarb dun saddle, but to get a nice range of different colors in small sizes, you can’t beat the 100 packs. I’ve got 18-24 in dun, brown and grizzly, and it seems to be all I need, for the most part. Would I like entire necks and saddles, sure, but I never seem to have the $100.
Eric
eaustin- You might try a Black Whiting Midge saddle. I find they come in real handy for tying midges and small ants. I see you use a lot of small flies and just thought this might give you an idea. Ron
Yes, good idea about the black. It’s something I’ve not used a whole lot, other than on some bigger ants. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks Ron.
Eric
Eric, Make sure it is a dyed black. Natural black is not really black in the water.
Just want to add my 2 cents to the thread although I can’t offer anything additional to the original question:
- I agree with Big Cliff, who suggested the 1/4-saddle. Definitely a good way to go… much more than twice the feathers for twice the price.
2)Quality… I beg to differ on this issue. I have several packs that I should have examined more carefully. The feathers are way too cupped for my money. These are definitely no joy to tie with. Any one else have this problem…?
Peter F
Peter F [url=http://www.fishingwithflies.com:352b3]www.fishingwithflies.com[/url:352b3]
pfrailey@hotmail.com
[This message has been edited by Peter F (edited 26 March 2005).]
The feathers are way too cupped for my money. These are definitely no joy to tie with. Any one else have this problem.
I haven’t had this problem with the 100 packs, but I did encounter this with some quarter saddles. I will say that the saddles are a previous generation, based upon the product labeling. They were a great buy, but the cupping makes them very difficult to use.
Peter,and Paul, (Where is Mary) I no doubt that you had this problem but I never have. The only time I ever saw this happen to feathers is when they were kept in an ultra dry place, like where there is a wood stove. Try soaking them for a day or two and let them dry outside. (It is Spring you know, Ha Ha) The cupping may go away. Boy I wish spring would really get here. Jan
[This message has been edited by Pats Man (edited 26 March 2005).]
Peter,
Cupping can be a bit of a pain when wrapping the hackle towards the eye as most tend to do these days.
When Reverse Hackling the cupped hackle, if anything, is an advantage. Try it.
Cheers,
Hans W
=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier