Tippet Rings

[Swamp Fly 0]

So I decided to try using tippet rings a while back.  I really like the functionality of them and I've only found a drawback or two.  I've also realized that the White River (Bass Pro Shops) branded rings suck for me. They weaken the tippet in the knot or even cut it out right.  I am using an improved clinch knot. My first reaction of course was that the idiot tying the knot (me) was the problem but I'm using the same knot at the other end without problems.  I thought maybe the hook wire diameter was more conducive to knot strength but I use hooks both larger and smaller without issue.  I've tried varying the number or turns and always lube the knot before tightening.  Upon closer inspection the rings look like they have flat sides.  This creates edges but the angle is so obtuse I I'm not convinced that is the issue in and of itself.  That said it is the only difference between the ring and the eye of a hook that I can see.  I have after testing and breaking 4-5 knots in a row used a uniknot out of frustration. I don't really like uniknots that much. They aren't bad knots but I don't tie them often so have to fiddle with them every time because they are not committed to muscle memory.  I'd like to stick with the improved clinch.  I'm thinking I should try another brand of tippet ring to see if that helps.  Any suggestions?  Anyone have similar issues and found a solution?

 

Swamp

[Poopdeck 0]

I use a regular old clinch knot and never an improved clinch. I currently have the cabelas brand tippet rings with no issues of line or knit breakage. I’m not sure if BPS and Cabelas brand are the same anymore. 
 

I don’t use an improved clinch because I’ve had nothing but problems with my fly breaking off at the knot long before I ever used tippet rings which I am a recent convert to. I think the problem is the improved clinch knot. Try just tying a regular old clinch knot which really never needed an improvement. 

[Swamp Fly 0]

Interesting, I have the exact opposite experience with clinch vs. improved clinch knots.  I wonder why.

[niveker 0]

I agree with you @Swamp Fly 

If your improved clinch holds when tied on the rounded ring eye and fails on the apparent squared edges of the tippet ring, the tippet ring is the issue.  I would get another brand of ring and look closely at the edges before buying. 

I tie an improved clinch 90% of the time, only because I have been using it for so long.  Once in  a blue moon it will fail when I snug the knot and test it before sniping the tag, but I have always attributed those infrequent failures to my improperly settling the knot.     

[Poopdeck 0]

I looked at mine. They seem to be more round than flat. I took some pictures as best I could. These are cabelas brand and I think I bought them before the merger. 

[skeet3t 0]

What are the rings for?

 

[SilverCreek 0]

11 minutes ago, skeet3t said:

What are the rings for?

 

 

[FIN-ITE 34 0]

You are absolutely correct about the ring profile. I too have had brands of rings that have a more square than round edge and no matter the knot, it failed when using any tippet size of 5x or smaller. With a good ring I use a simple clinch and have no problems.

One to stay away from is HENDS.

Two that are round, PARTRIDGE & CORTLAND.

[skeet3t 0]

Hmmm. Thanks

[redietz 0]

On 6/18/2022 at 9:20 AM, Swamp Fly said:

Interesting, I have the exact opposite experience with clinch vs. improved clinch knots.  I wonder why.

The clinch knot is easier to seat correctly if you pull the running line (not the tag end.)  If you can get the improved to seat correctly (a fairly big if) it may be a stronger knot.

FWIW, I've never had a clinch knot fail in over 60 years of using it.  I have had an "improved" clinch knot fail.

[chugbug27 0]

I've been using the improved clinch knot for about 30 years now, and it fails on me often, though mostly on hooks not on tippet rings. I always thought it was me. I'll have to unimprove it from now on, thanks for the tip.

[niveker 0]

For me, I think the improved version fails when the second loop (created after wrapping the line and inserting into the loop near the eye) twists around the standing line before the tag end is inserted into it.  

in any case, the best knot to use is the one you can tie quickly and consistently well.  

[flytire 0]

what about closed jump rings from the craft store jewelry department?

[skeet3t 0]

Silver Creek, watched the video and thought it interesting. Still don't see the advantage of the ring. I attach the tippet and leader with a double surgeon's knot. Worked for about 60 years.

[SilverCreek 0]

22 minutes ago, skeet3t said:

Silver Creek, watched the video and thought it interesting. Still don't see the advantage of the ring. I attach the tippet and leader with a double surgeon's knot. Worked for about 60 years.

Don't you have to use some of the leader to tie on a new tippet when the tippet gets so short you need to replace it?

The tippet ring at the junction where the transition section of a leader ends and the tippet begins allows you to add new tippet without shortening the transition section. So it saves on replacing leaders.