mike15851 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 what is the difference? is there any real advantage one has over the other? I am seriously considering the microbarbs but want a little feedback first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TitanFlies 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 I really don't think there's any considerable difference... maybe the stem stiffness? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Legg 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 I have used the Metz microbarb saddles, and like the product. I haven't used the Keough, so can't compare. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carlp5351 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 Just recently bought 2 Keough #1 Dry fly saddles. They are great, one will tie 14, 16 & 18 the other will tie 16, 18 & 20. I paid $40 for both. I don't think Metz micro barb will go that small carlp Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike15851 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 carlp, where did you find the keough saddles? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallieFanatic 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 Never used Keough but I can attest to Metz's quality. I like the micro barb stuff alot, makes great dries. I tie alot with it, and love it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whatfly 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 what is the difference? is there any real advantage one has over the other? I am seriously considering the microbarbs but want a little feedback first. Very comparable products. I tend to like Bill Keough's hackle better because it comes in a wider range of colors. The Keough saddles tend to be a bit larger on average (in my experience), although you can find smaller ones with a bit of searching. Denny Rickards uses the Metz Microbarb saddles for his patterns, and he has them dyed his favorite colors by Jay Fair. I have a Rickard's Metz saddle, and a couple of other "naturals" and they are a first rate product. At the exact same price point, color, and size, it would be a toss up between the two. However, I think the Keough saddles are a bit cheaper -- depending on the grade, sometimes a LOT cheaper. The answer depends on your source, price, color, size, etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
threadpuller 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 Keough is probably more "available" than the Metz. Metz can be hard to find. Comparable otherwise. Just my .02 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carlp5351 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 carlp, where did you find the keough saddles? I bought them from Keough direct when the Fly Fishing show was going on here in Denver. He was very helpful. carlp Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike15851 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 maybe it's just the area I live in but the metz seem to be more available around here. I have had some trouble finding the keough online. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whatfly 0 Report post Posted March 9, 2010 maybe it's just the area I live in but the metz seem to be more available around here. I have had some trouble finding the keough online. There are a lot of places you can get Keough online (Cabelas, the Fly Shop, etc.), but I personally hate ordering hackle online so I would go with the brand I can see, touch, and size before I would buy another from an internet source. YMMV. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike15851 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2010 the one shop around me is having a sale next weekend on all fly tying material. I am going to get there early on the first day to see if I can get some microbarbs cheap. Thanks to everyone who replied. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bjames36 0 Report post Posted March 11, 2010 Mike, you can purchase Keough, Metz or Whiting from Hookhack.com At one time, I would only use Metz until I began to have problems with "twisters" The hackle would spiral around the hook. I did some internet research and found out this was genetic. The base of the hackle stem was square causing the stem to spin as the hackle was wrapped. I had this on several necks that I purchased. I was told to trim further up the hackle stem or add a layer of dubbing for the hackle to sit on. Alas, nothing would work. It is really disturbing to buy a high grade cape and have this occur. Breaks your heart. Anyway, I began to add the bucks and will now only buy Whiting. I have not had this problem to this date. Now I am sure Metz has improved their quality since those days but I am not willing to spend the money to find out. Screw me once shame on you screw me twice shame on me. I tried Keough from Hookhack a very long time ago and it was very soft, webby hackle. Could have improved. I really am reluctant to buy a cape sight unseen so I usually have to pay top dollar at a fly shop. You can't tell a twister until you tie a stem on and try it. I usually ask if there is some gaurantee that the thing won't twist. They always say yes, but I wonder. Addition: I just tried Hookhack and Keough has a blank page. Wonder what's going on? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallieFanatic 0 Report post Posted March 12, 2010 That is curious, yes they must have improved on that for I have never had such a problem :dunno: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike15851 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2010 I just bought a whiting saddle last night. I will let you know what I think when it gets here and I have a chance to try it out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites