UNI or UTC?

[fishyjames]

Title basically describes my Question, I hope to start fly tying soon, but before I go and buy any materials to start me off, I would like to get some insight into what threads other fly tyers like to use. My two choices would be either UTC or UNI - Thread, And I have heard that the UTC goes onto the hook much flatter and UNI tends to have a bit more bulk when tying, and therefore you need to make sure you un - spin the thread more often, if you know what I mean. So what would be better for a beginner, like me?

Thanks for any help, James

[arkle]

Both are very popular threads, personally I prefer Uni, as you get more "point pressure" with it, basically it ties in tighter, but I'm sure everyone else will disagree with me.

The first non-silk thread I used (some 42 years ago) was Danville's 6/0 & it's still one of the best out there, as it's a compromise between the other 2. It ties in reasonably flat, has a degree of stretch & takes dubbing easier (I find). Davy Wooten, a world class tyer, said that if he was restricted to 1 type of thread to tie all flies with, it would be Danville's 6/0.

If I were you, this would be your best option at this stage, as it's very forgiving to work with.

[black knight]

As a tier of 11 years experience I have always used UNI Thread.

BK

[wobbly face]

Basically UNI is more round and UTC is flatter though spin it and it will go round. Like wise UNI will lie flat if unspun. If you want a general purpose thread then UNI in 8 gauge will do very nicely. UTC is also a multiple starnd thread, has more strands than UNI so easier to split.

[fishyjames]

Thanks for the replies, but I think i will have to order a spool of each thread to get a true comparison, but you have all been very helpful

Regarding Davilles, is 6/0 the thread to use for a beginner, for any of the more basic and larger flies? as most threads I have seen on flies are 8/0

James

[shortea]

I like UTC for bodies such as buzzers-lays flat and tapers nicely.UNI is good for holding in materials.Steve Partons micro thread is nice-somewhere between the two and cracking value if you buy 10 spools (250 yds per spool)

all the best Nick

[ACW]

Originally Posted by fishyjames

Thanks for the replies, but I think i will have to order a spool of each thread to get a true comparison, but you have all been very helpful

Regarding Davilles, is 6/0 the thread to use for a beginner, for any of the more basic and larger flies? as most threads I have seen on flies are 8/0

James

James the danville 6/0 will do you fine ,I have been dressing poorly for some 40 years and find Danvilles one of the best ,just looked at my "in use at the moment box" 4 x Danvilles and 1x UTC .
Yes there are plenty of other threads in the main store ,I am big on having the right colours and some are only available from certain makers, pearsalls ,Gudebrod,Uni ,utc and danvilles available now .Steve parton does some fine threads but is winding down his biz as happened with gordon Grithiffs all of which have there place in the repertoire.
Oh forgot the Moser super strong threads also have a place though not using them at the moment ,but sure I will when needs must !
Get on with it try a few and see what suits you .
One thing I have found with threads is black is the hardest to get neat wraps with ,I only use it when I really need it for its colour !

[wobbly face]

You don't need loads of colours, UNI is very good to use permanant markers on. Black, white, olive are my main colours. For anything else I use white and colour.

[dabhoy]

Personally I wouldn't bother with the 6/0 as in the beginning you will tend to create too much bulk so would be better with an 8/0.
Uni is a very good general purpose thread but there are plenty of others to choose from.

[fishyjames]

Originally Posted by ACW

James the danville 6/0 will do you fine

Would the Danville 6/0 be OK for smaller flies where you do not want too much bulk?