Oval tinsel

[123jc]

I'm putting a small material order together and I'm two minds whether to purchase some oval tinsel, I notice a lot of traditional flies use it, does this give a fly an advantage over a one tied with wire ?. Also if it is worth buying what size would be best for flies in the 14 to 10 size ?

Cheers Craig

[dabhoy]

The best oval tinsel I have come across is Lagaturn and you will find that the small should suit you fine not the cheapest but it is quality.

[garyj]

I've found (as a novice tyer), ovals can be difficult to master, they can split easily and if not used correctly, can look a real mess! I'd suggest some fine gold wire at this stage, much more forgiving than oval

Gary

[dabhoy]

Originally Posted by garyj

I've found (as a novice tyer), ovals can be difficult to master, they can split easily and if not used correctly, can look a real mess! I'd suggest some fine gold wire at this stage, much more forgiving than oval

Gary

It wouldn't happened to have been veniards would it as I dont like the stuff myself.

[christy27]

Another vote for Lagartun. Never had any probs yet. As mentioned above expensive but worth it.

Chris.

[garyj]

Originally Posted by dabhoy

It wouldn't happened to have been veniards would it as I dont like the stuff myself.

Think it was actually, ended up binning the stuff after numerous "smiles" appeared

[123jc]

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll stick to the wire at the moment, saved me from wasting my money on the Veniards tinsel.

Craig

[midlander]

Originally Posted by 123jc

I'm putting a small material order together and I'm two minds whether to purchase some oval tinsel, I notice a lot of traditional flies use it, does this give a fly an advantage over a one tied with wire ?. Also if it is worth buying what size would be best for flies in the 14 to 10 size ?

Cheers Craig

Yes Craig, there is an advantage over wire; For the same amount of flash you'd have to use very thick wire.

Due to the way that oval tinsel is wound (fine flat tinsel over a thread core) you get a slight faceted effect which reflects more light even than a similar diameter wire and considering that many trad patterns have a fur body with the tinsel bedded down into the fur you often want that extra flash to create an 'inner glow' of translucence from underneath the fur.

As previously noted, Lagartun is the best with a rich golden hue although UNI is OK but paler. Either brand varnished and very resistant to slipping so you don't have to worry about the core showing. My advice, get some Lagartun oval in small and fine. Small for 10s and 12s, fine for 12s/ 14s depending on the fly.

[shortea]

The last lot I got was from Steve Parton-not sure if he still does it but it was good ,and plety on the spool for the money

All the best Nick

[123jc]

Originally Posted by midlander

Yes Craig, there is an advantage over wire; For the same amount of flash you'd have to use very thick wire.

Due to the way that oval tinsel is wound (fine flat tinsel over a thread core) you get a slight faceted effect which reflects more light even than a similar diameter wire and considering that many trad patterns have a fur body with the tinsel bedded down into the fur you often want that extra flash to create an 'inner glow' of translucence from underneath the fur.

As previously noted, Lagartun is the best with a rich golden hue although UNI is OK but paler. Either brand varnished and very resistant to slipping so you don't have to worry about the core showing. My advice, get some Lagartun oval in small and fine. Small for 10s and 12s, fine for 12s/ 14s depending on the fly.

Thank's Midlander, sounds like it's worth the investment, I'll ordered a couple of spools of Lagartun and see how I get on with it.

Craig