capes or saddles

[horses50]

hi
First of all i hope i have posted this in the right place as i have just jioned?

I have been a keen fly fisherman and flytyer on and of for the last 25 years or so,i have just started tying my own flies again but most of my original materials need to be replaced, now that i have a bit more disposeable income [kids left home]iwas looking to purchase some decent capes or saddles but i am not quite sure on what to buy,capes v saddles.Most of my dry fly tyings will be in the 12 to 16 range,i have looked at METZ,WHITNG FARMS i have heard good and bad about both so if anybody has used any of these products or both i would be greatful for any comments.thanks

[guest15]

hiya, I prefer saddles myself, i have quite a few Metz and i have to say they are excellent, there are a few guys on here that sell them for a good price, good luck anyway

[horses50]

thanks barker
The wife has just been on e bay and she picked a metz grizzle cape for £14 which i thought was a good price by the way she is not a fisherman she makes minature hats and she uses the feather to decorate them.

[mugsy53]

Capes provide hackles for a wide range of hook sizes. Generally speaking the better (and more expensive!) capes yield smaller hackles. One hackle usually does for tying one fly.

Saddles give hackles for a more limited range of hook sizes. On the plus side, one hackle is capable of tying many flies.

A reputable dealer will advise on the exact range of hook sizes in each case.

Unless you have good reasons for doing otherwise, I would recommend that you buy genetic capes and saddles rather than cheap Indian or Chinese jobs. In the end genetic capes and saddles will save you money.

Hope this helps.

Mugsy

[arkle]

Contact Steve Cooper of Cookshill, he'll put you right without ripping you off.
It's best to call him one evening on 01782 388382. He's a member of this forum & very highly recommended by everyone.

There are loads of other suppliers of genetic capes/saddles, it depends on what you need them for & how much you are prepared to pay. Chevron are good v.f.m. & based in Devon. Then there's Keough, Conranch & as I say loads of others.

Take a look at www.the_fdg.org & see if there's a branch near you, if so contact the secretary & he'll advise you of any local sources as well as mail order ones.

By the way welcome along.

[XL50]

I echo what Arkle has said and add phone Nigel at Lakeland as well he will lso help. I called him sat and was surprised how wrong my choice was! Ive now 3 whiting saddles on the way pricey but thats I needed for my sizes (16's - 20's) Metz micro barb saddles may be the answer if you tying 12's to 16's but a cape I think you may have a bit waste on 1 but I may be wrong I know for 16's and smaller there could be a fair bit waste!!

[itchybeard]

Hi Horses50
Welcome to the forum.
All sound advise so far from previous posts but just to add another iron in the fire I get all my capes/saddles from Jim @ jimsflyco.com in the USA all excellent quality and the price is brilliant including shipping.

http://www.jimsflyco.com/html/materials.html

On my last order I had 5 pro grade quality Whitting Herbert Miner genetic capes for $125 including shipping. They were here in about 8 days. They are excellent quality and came well packaged.
Here is what he says about Pro Grade;

Hebert Pro Grade has the same quality Whiting Farms hackle, the only difference is that the hackle usually has a higher quantity of one size hackle, but still with a wide range of sizes, typically sizes 12 through 20. Some have larger sizes and some smaller.


He is very accommodating and will advise on orders.
You can email him direct from the web site.
He was recommended to me from this forum as well.

Cheers and good luck

[horses50]

Hi itchybeard
thanks for the info ,just had a look at the site looks very good,now i have just got to decide what colours i want.

[XL50]

thats a good link but I payed £34 for a full dark barred ginger saddle, and £50ish each for black and a badger/grizzle unique midge saddles from lakeland. A 1/2 from lakeland is £20 and £15 for a 1/4.