What are your views on stonefly products? i ask this because mine and that of a few friends are that they are of poor quality, so was surprised to read in latest edition of total troutfisher the heading STUNNING STONEFLY! maybe i was just unlucky? has anyone else on this forum used stonefly tools ? and if so how did you get on with them, many thanks, ian

Ian mate theres a thread on here somewhere slatting them


TT

I won a whole fly tying set, bag, containers the whole kaboodle and rod bag /chest-pack from FF&FT about three years ago now. Well I used them and they worked fine for a couple of seasons of salmon & sea-trout fly tying. I still have all the bits and bobs in the kit but have replaced most of them in actual use. The dubbing needle popped out of it's handle, the whipping tool (which worked really well while 'alive')snapped off and the scissors went blunt. Everyting else still works fine and the bags work a treat.
So my message would be you could go for the basics (hair stackers, bags etc.), but avoid the bits which rely on the quality of the steel or plastic for their longevity. They're aimed at a price-point and you get what you pay for..... except for me who got a big bonus bunch of kit for answering some questions.

The flytying eauipment is not to good but I have had their large tackle bag for several years and its still in god nick. Same with the wadinf staff I got a couple of years ago.

John H

r ian,

Do you mean pages 82 and 83 of the latest issue?

The headine would say "stunning" as it is an advert from Stonefly!!!

The old adage of "don't believe all you read in the press" certainly applies on this occasion - the tools are sadly rather poor.

Kind regards

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Phil Holding
www.flytyingboutique.com
Airedale, North Yorkshire

With the exception of the rotary fly dryer, Stonefly fly tying tools are best described as 'pants' and as such are to be avoided at all costs.

When you start fly tying you need very few tools; a good pair of scissors, invest in a bobbin with a ceramic tube, a dubbing needle, hackle pliers, learn to whip finish with your fingers and there you go. As you go on you may need a hair stacker, a dubbing twister ... much beyond that is peripheral frippery.

TMC tools are good, as are Maryatt and C&F.

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[I]"I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel."[/I] Roderick L Haig-Brown

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Ian, as you have discovered, this stuff is cheap tat and should be avoided at all times. If price is an issue (and isn't it always?) you're better saving up for a few weeks and getting some decent gear. When you do get your eye on something, post on here and you will receive advice by bucketful.

Thanks lads! but since using stonefly tools, which is a while ago! i have purchased tiemco and griffin, the griffin bobbin holder i have is superb,just the right tension and sits snugly in the palm! yes i do mean the bobbin holder, cheers, ian

There are so many quality tools out there there is not point looking at Stonefly.

For Scissors have a look at Marryat, Tmc, Anvil.
Loads of quality bobbin holders from Rite,Tmc,Marryat,MP,.

T

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For interesting and unique fly tying materials & tackle please take a look at www.funkyflytying.co.uk

Bugbond Stockist.
Tubeworx Stockist.
Foxy-Tails Stockist.
Top Quality Bronze Mallard http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-tying...e-mallard.html

Ian

I fell into the trap of buying one of their ceramic bobbin holders. Think I managed to tie 3 or 4 flies with the Piece of Sh1te before one of the legs broke off.

Spend a few more quid on a quality holder. Buy it well and buy it once.

Gareth

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If a man speaks in the woods and no woman is there to hear him............is he still wrong????