When buying a fly box, is there a reason to go for ripple or slot foam? Is one more suitable for one type of fly, or is it simply a matter of personal preference?
Any thoughts much appreciated.

some that embed the hook squash the hackles of dry flies, the angle of the ripple foam goes some way to give a bit of clearance but i find compartments kinder to dry flies.

I prefer slotted foam for wet flies and nymphs, the way the hook fits in by being gripped at the hook bend means the foam doesn't get damaged as quickly as ripple foam as the hook point is not being used to secure the fly.

Slotted foam is also better at holding barbless or debarbed hooks.

But as zoomer points out dry flies are better in compartment style boxes as the hackles can be damaged by being crushed in normal width boxes.

Thanks guys, that's very helpful. There just seem to be a bewildering number of different types of fly box out there!