Parachute material - curious if there are differences

[PaScoGi]

Most patterns I see for the post in parachute dry flies use polypropelene yarn. I usually use that and even split the polypropelene in half like Tim Flagler does. Ill also use a dab of sally hansen on it to stiffen it.

The folks at Troutbitten suggest Macrame Yarn & Widows Web.

Just curious what everyone uses & if theres a difference before I buy more materials I dont need lol!

Ill probably stick with the polypropelene but just want to see what the veteran fly tyers suggest.

Thanks in advance!

 

[WV waver]

I use macramé cord but anything you can see good that repels water would be fine, I would imagine?

 

[dudemanspecial]

I use poly yarn most of the time. If I am feeling traditional and want to stick with natural materials I use turkey flats.

 

[JimNovo]

I have seen posts made from everything like Antron, Bonny cord, CDC, Deer hair.
It’s up to you and your creativity! Just think visibility and floatation.

 

[salmo]

I use any polypropylene yarn I can find. I bought some macrame yarn in various colors. I use it for wings, posts, dubbing, tails and anything else. Look for Bonnie cord. BTW I have a bunch of the stuff. I’m willing to share for the cost of postage. LMK.

 

[salmo]

On my caddis patterns I use poly yarn and CDC. Floats like a cork and dries with a couple of dry casts.

 

[JimNovo]

Look for Bonnie cord. BTW I have a bunch of the stuff. I’m willing to share for the cost of postage. LMK.

@PaScoGi…,great offer here!

 

[salmo]

No BS. I’ve shared with other members. Please look at YouTube for how to comb the stuff out. It’s actually incredible stuff. The only problem being that if you color it with a marker, the color doesn’t stay fast. I also share my raw kapok for dry flies. LMK

 

[WV waver]

No BS. I’ve shared with other members. Please look at YouTube for how to comb the stuff out. It’s actually incredible stuff. The only problem being that if you color it with a marker, the color doesn’t stay fast. I also share my raw kapok for dry flies. LMK

He’s speaking the truth! Sent me some Kapok & macrame cord a couple months ago. Good man. I tied a few flies & sent to reimburse him. I got the better end of the bargain!

I’ve got an old Index of Orvis Fly Patterns book (1982?) that suggests white calf tail for posting.

Side note, have you seen Bonnie/macrame in hot pink or blaze orange? I track those colors best in dimly lit bubbly runs…

 

[salmo]

I don’t use calf tail or body hair anymore. The artificial stuff is easier to manage.

 

[tomgamber]

I've used foam, cdc, calf tail, yarn...

 

[poopdeck]

I use fly tying polypro yarn pretty much exclusively for posts. It cost so little to buy from the fly shop that it makes no sense to buy five lifetimes worth of afghan blanket yarn. Why complicate the process with more stuff you don’t need and will have to store.

 

[dryflyguy]

I use deer hair and calf tail
Like the way it stands up, and just looks good to me.

 

[hooker-of-men]

I use fly tying polypro yarn pretty much exclusively for posts. It cost so little to buy from the fly shop that it makes no sense to buy five lifetimes worth of afghan blanket yarn. Why complicate the process with more stuff you don’t need and will have to store.

Because the poly yarn is also basically the same as EP Fiber and has lots of applications in tying streamers that use much more of the material?

 

[poopdeck]

Because the poly yarn is also basically the same as EP Fiber and has lots of applications in tying streamers that use much more of the material?

parachute posts

 

[hooker-of-men]

parachute posts

Right. I'm saying the material also has other uses, which creates a reason for having more of it.

 

[jifigz]

Hareline Parachute Yarn works well. Polypropylene yarn works well. Bonnie Craft cord works well. I prefer synthetic, but natural materials work, too.

I wouldn't apply Sally Hansen to any of them, though, and never have. If it wicks up into the yarn, it could definitely decrease float-ability.

 

[nymphingmaniac]

I use poly. the old school guys used calf hair which is stiffer

 

[Bamboozle]

I don't what the fibers are, just that they work for me but I use Hi Viz & EP fibers because I don't tie parachutes to have a visible wing post. I like having the colors that match the natural's wing.

I also use the same stuff for my thorax dries.

A gallows tool helps a lot with synthetic fibers.

 

[joebamboo]

EP fibers.