Uni-Thread vs. Danville

[Raff]

As I've collected my threads over the last couple of months, I have always defaulted to the Uni-Thread. But today, I saw a brand called Danville that was $1.40 cheaper? So the debate is on: Pros and Cons of Uni-Thread and Danville. Thanks guys.

[Red.Fly]

Holy crap! How much were you paying for Uni-thread? I started tying with Danville and used it for years. After my first spool of uni-thread, I've never looked back. I know there is higher quality stuff out there, but to me it beats Danville hands down. I think SW charges 99c / spool for both.

[Raff]

I have been paying about $2.40/spool at MLFS. But, I might have to swing by SW if it's that cheap for Uni. I've only used Uni since I started tying, so that's my reference point.

[jonescort]

Check the spool. You should pay more for 200 yards of thread by uni. The 99ct ones are usually 50, unless mis marked. The ones at sportsman's are 50. If your tieing often enough your getting a better deal on the 200 yard spools. Its a great way to think its a better deal than your getting, when you see one for .99 and one for 2.40. They look the same and the cheaper one looks like a better deal. Yet the more expensive spools is 4X the amount, for 2.5X the price.

[Raff]

Thanks for the explanation Cort. Good to know.

[mike doughty]

i've used them both for years and don't have a preferencefor either one. say yes to gudebrod

[jonescort]

NO problem. I am an idiot most of the time but on occasion I can pull something useful out of my a**

[Curtis Fry]

Cheech is the connoisseur of threads so if he can break away from COD4 and chime in, he can help you in your quest for the perfect thread, young grasshopper.

First off, there are going to be different threads that work better for different situations, so just keep that in mind. In other words, don't limit yourself to one brand.

FWIW, I've used UNI longer than anything else, but now I rarely use it. In my experience UNI is usually stronger than Danville -- given relatively similar sizes and types. However, I also liked Danville (flymaster I think) cuz of the way it lies flat. Very nice base for flies with quill, wire or other synthetic bodies where you need a smooth taper. The Danville flat waxed is excellent for tying elk/deer hair patterns cuz it doesn't slice up the hair. UNI's GSP thread is also nice for hair spinning.

For midges and smaller flies, I use Gordon Griffith's 14/0, Gudebrod (good stuff) and the UNI 17/0 polyester thread.

But in the past couple of years, I've switched for the most part to UTC thread by Wapsi. It uses the denier system of sizing, lies very flat and is fairly strong. I don't think it comes in as many colors as the others, but it's dang nice thread. I think it has a little wax on it too.

So besides the GSP's, the UNI 17/0 and an assorted Danville thread here and there that don't have equivalents in UTC, I mostly use UTC. Try it...you'll like it.

[nightfish]

I use Danville a fair bit for my 3/0 needs, but my go-to is either Uni in 3/0 to 8/0, and Gordon Griffith's 14/0. Gudebrod & I have never really gotten along, except for the rod wrapping thread. The UTC isn't bad, but I like the Uni colors too much to change, especially the rusty dun and rusty olive.

BTW, Gudebrod has made the decision to pull out of the fly tying market and just stick to the textile market. If you like the stuff, you'd better stock up on it now, because once it's gone it's gone.

[Spartagain]

I started with Uni and for the most part it is what I use. I like the strength and the lack of wax. As well as with Uni you can split the threads and create a mini-dubbing loom it works well for tying a small dubbed body where you don't want too many loose fibers of dubbing around. I am starting to use a lot more Danville flymaster and Ultra thread for big streamers and clousers for the flat base layer. But for the bulk of my tying Uni all the way.

[Jason]

I prefer Uni and tie with it 75% of the time but I do have some danville in a few colors I really like along with some Gudebrod and Griffith 14/0. But Uni all the way man.

[«°Ñøvã°»]

Perty much Uni exclusively but i do have some G&G 14/0 for smaller stuff and Danvilles 3/0 for industrial stuff.

[Marty]

Danville 6/0 is all I use for steelhead flies and most of my trout flies. I will go to a Danville 3/0 for foam flies. Uni is to round for me.

[spotter]

UTC doesn't have as much visibility in the market place as some of the older companies like Gordon's Griffith and Danville but it is a fabulous thread. I tried out a spool last year and love it! I use the 70 denier for smaller flies and the 140 for heavier stuff. Minimal bulk and excellent strength. The spools come with a spool tender on one side which I find easier to hold the tag end of thread than the usual "nick" other manufacturers cut into the spool rim.

The spools that I purchased this year came in individual zip lock bags which I think affords them some protection from degradation and nicking of the thread which can render a spool useless. I have a lot of spools from other manufacturers that break with minimal tension on the thread despite substantially greater thickness.

Wapsi's UTC waxed 100 yard spools are a great option. Danville is a great company as well and I have nothing but good things to say about their products. I would like to try Benecchi thread in the future but never can seem to find it at the shops I go to.

[Raff]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm just going to stick with the Uni. That's what I've been using since the beginning, and so that's what I'll stick with. Someday when the skilz are up I'll justify the Gudebrod. Thanks.

[cheech]

[/shooting people]

The thing that you have to realize here is that you have thread that is going to lie flat and thread that isn't going to lie flat. I don't think any brand is "better" per se. I relaly like Uni, Gudebrod, Danvilles, GG's etc. They all have their uses. The thing that I think is funny is the xxx/0 system. Gordon Griffith's 14/0, Uni 8/0 and UTC 70 denier are all the same size. All companies should just go to the denier system so we don't get confused. I have heard people talk about how "tiny" Gordon Griffith's 14/0 or Benecci 12/0 is. It's pretty much exactly the same thread as Uni 8/0. If you want a truly small thread, go get some Uni 17/0. I think it's 40 denier.

Danvilles: Lies flat. Lightly waxed. Neutral sheen.
Uni: Strong. Does not lie flat. Great assortment of colors. 6/0 is very underrated.
UTC: Lies flat. Not as available as the above listed brands. More sheen.
GG's: Same as Uni 8/0. Just buy Uni.
Danvilles: My fave. No longer in production. 10/0 was a must for tiny flies because it laid flat.


I have about 250 spools of thread. I ALWAYS have about 2 extra spools of Uni 8/0 in black, and Danvilles 6/0 in black.

[S&P]

Cheech, you listed danvilles twice, I assume the last danville on your list was supposed to be gudebrod? I like that stuff.

[cheech]

Cheech, you listed danvilles twice, I assume the last danville on your list was supposed to be gudebrod? I like that stuff.

You are right. Should read gudebrod.