Bronze Vs. Silver

[FlyRx]

Whiting rates dry fly hackle Bronze Silver Gold or Platinum. I am going to purchase either bronze or silver. I want hackle with stiffer barbs for parachute flies. Is there a significant difference between these two grades of hackle in barb stiffness? I would go down to my local fly shop, but they don't have any silver in stock, and won't be getting any from Whiting until they order again. It's a small shop and I give her all the business I can. Maybe I am getting too discerning. I bought a herbert miner neck hackle a while back and it just dosen't perform the way I want it to. It will be good for something - just not sure what yet.

[cheech]

Whiting rates dry fly hackle Bronze Silver Gold or Platinum. I am going to purchase either bronze or silver. I want hackle with stiffer barbs for parachute flies. Is there a significant difference between these two grades of hackle in barb stiffness? I would go down to my local fly shop, but they don't have any silver in stock, and won't be getting any from Whiting until they order again. It's a small shop and I give her all the business I can. Maybe I am getting too discerning. I bought a herbert miner neck hackle a while back and it just dosen't perform the way I want it to. It will be good for something - just not sure what yet.


The stiffness is all the same. Its the barb count that sets them apart. The miner capes and saddles are good if you use 2 to 3 hackles per fly because they are a bit softer than the normal Whiting hackle. If you go straight up Whiting you will be happy with either a bronze or a silver. I'm guessing the miner is a "pro grade?" That is one step below anything else. I have a couple that I really like for classic stuff.

Good to hear you support Big Foot. They run an excellent shop and I always get great service when I go in.

[Marty]

There is quite a jump from bronze (grade three) and a silver (grade 2). Though every once in awhile you can find a very nice bronze neck. The main difference is in the number of hackles. You will find the quality of the individual feather to be almost the same. As you move up into the top grade you will find more useable feathers and the quality increases. They are longer with finer stems. I would not chance an internet purchase when it comes to a neck, I would wait until you can get you hands on it making sure it’s the right neck. If you need to go internet take a look at the 100 packs. They are pre sized and well worth it.

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