I also tie most of my flies with dun (early mayflies and olives) and cream necks (sulphurs and cahills), but grizzly flies (midges) are common too.
Charlie Collins is good, but you will get your best luck if you explain exactly what you plan to tie. He was a commercial tier and knows how to select necks.
The higher grades tend to have more feathers and more smaller feathers. It takes me years to finish a neck, if I do at all. Therefore, the higher rated necks don't mean much to me.
Probably the best test for a feather is bend it and see if it stays in plane so it will wrap the right way against a hook or post. If the feathers tend to twist they will be a PITA to tie with. Other than that, the rest is a general impression of a healthy bird with glossy tough feathers. Dull, brittle feathers should be avoided.
Charlie Collins is good, but you will get your best luck if you explain exactly what you plan to tie. He was a commercial tier and knows how to select necks.
The higher grades tend to have more feathers and more smaller feathers. It takes me years to finish a neck, if I do at all. Therefore, the higher rated necks don't mean much to me.
Probably the best test for a feather is bend it and see if it stays in plane so it will wrap the right way against a hook or post. If the feathers tend to twist they will be a PITA to tie with. Other than that, the rest is a general impression of a healthy bird with glossy tough feathers. Dull, brittle feathers should be avoided.