Antron para posts vs Calf tail?

[iamasmith]

I decided to tie some Klink's etc. just being curious about tying a parachute fly.

When I did my initial pattern searches on parachute patterns I'm pretty sure that Calf tail was stipulated so I hold of a variety pack of various colours including the white which I was most interested.

Unfortunately I found that the white tail in the pack had the shortest fibres and doubling them up to make a post was extremely frustrating with several attempts at each one.

Since then I note that a lot of people seem to be using Antron.. what are your thoughts on the properties of Antron over Calf Tail - apart from the obvious that the fibres aren't limited in length? (or any other material for that matter)

[mdo12345]

Antron works great but I also use CDC feathers

[wye_wizard]

antron or recently i have been using funky fibre, that is good stuuf. jon.

[stevekale]

Aero wing leaves a very tidy post, but remember it's nothing but a post and has no bearing on the performance of the fly. Just don't use something that soaks up water.

[arkle]

Normal poly-yarn is quite popular as is snowshoe rabbit.

[dwiltshire]

Poly-yarn and antron are, as far as I am concerned, better materials for posts. They tend to float better and take floatant more eaily. But most importantly, the fibres can be left long to aid the tying-in process and then cut to length.

Here's a SBS for a the paradun showing the method I use to tie on the post:

River Fly Box, tying the paradun

Hope it is useful

[boony]

I prefer antron or polypropelene yarn. They leave a slim body when tied in and i find the hackle easier to wind than on calf tail. The thing with calf tail though is that it is very astheticaly pleasing.

Doesnt really matter in the end its your choice.

John.

[arkle]

Antron, poly-yard et al can all produce a slim body if tied in so that rather than go along the shank a length is placed on the far side of the shank then folded under & up again on the facing side. This will never come adrift if tied in both around the shank & itself esp. if a drop of superglue is used on it.

[iamasmith]

Well cheers folks, I haven't heard of some of that stuff (like Funky Fibre and Aero Wing) so I'll put it on the list to see what's available locally but will probably try poly yarn or Antron first.

[stevekale]

McFlylon is another very good material.