Capes

[j43jacko 0]

Ive always bought the Whiting Pre-Packaged hackle, but now I'm thinking about buying a full grizzly hackle cape. My question is, how do would you use it? Is there any special way in which your suposed to cut the hackle or measure it? I'm afraid that I would ruin it or something. I know this seems like a really stupid question, but I'd appreciate it if someone could give me some feedback. Thanks

[rockworm 0]

You usually select the correct-sized hackle and then pluck it from the cape. You can select the hackle by eye (not advisable), using a hackle gauge (recommended) or by measuring the barbs against your hook (usually 1.5 to 2 times the hook gape, depending upon the pattern.) You need not cut the feather from the cape, but take care to hold the feather close to the skin when you pluck. (If you hold the feather too high it may break.)

[Chris Patterson 0]

I invested 3 bucks in a cheap hackle gauge and it's helped a lot. I probably should not have been quite so tight-fisted because it's not really helpful for anything smaller than #18. Still, it's helped develop a sense of proportion so it was worth the couple dollars spent. You might want to consider being less frugal than me if you decide to invest in one

[skidoosh 0]

Griffin and Whiting make some nice hackle gauges - its the key thing you need. You may want to ask yourself what size you want to tie. A cape will provide a wide range while a saddle (probably what you were using) will have a narrower range.

[Arkansas Mike 0]

I've tried several post-style hackle gauges, and I always prefered the

old Walt Dette card-style gauge. I always just measure against the

hook now days. It's easier, quicker, and more accurate.

 

You can download the Dette gauge here

print it out and laminate it.

 

 

 

Mike

[bullship 0]

I'm pretty confused on this whole cape thing, too. So far I've only bought the whiting hackle packs, but can't get anything smaller than 18 locally. Do most good quality capes have a decent amount of smaller hackle feathers? I'd like to be able to tie mostly smaller than 20, so i don't want to buy a full cape if I'm going to end up with most of the hackle bigger than that.

 

[narcodog 0]

With a good quality neck,cape, you should be able to tie down into the 20's very easily. You also need not need to get a $100 cape to do it. Whiting bronze, Collins number 2 or 3 Metz 2 or 3. If you want to tie a lot of 26's to 32's then you might have to go to a better grade.

[Mr. Vegas 0]

I remeber seeing online somewhere you can get pre-sorted 24-30 hackles. Give me a little bit and I will remember

[rockworm 0]

bullship

 

If you are tying mostly #20 or smaller you want to invest in one of Whiting's Midge saddles. These skins are not cheap! But the feathers are mostly in the #20- to #30 range. And each feather is good for numerous flies.

 

A good quality genetic cape will have a larger range of sizes. From maybe #4 to #32. But most are in the #10 to #16 sizes. The smaller feathers are there, but there aren't many and they are very short.

[bullship 0]

bullship

 

If you are tying mostly #20 or smaller you want to invest in one of Whiting's Midge saddles. These skins are not cheap! But the feathers are mostly in the #20- to #30 range. And each feather is good for numerous flies.

 

A good quality genetic cape will have a larger range of sizes. From maybe #4 to #32. But most are in the #10 to #16 sizes. The smaller feathers are there, but there aren't many and they are very short.

 

 

Wow. Those definitely aren't cheap, but it looks like the direction i should go. They have a bronze and silver with about a 10% cost difference. Do you have experience with one or the other?

[rockworm 0]

bullship

 

If you are tying mostly #20 or smaller you want to invest in one of Whiting's Midge saddles. These skins are not cheap! But the feathers are mostly in the #20- to #30 range. And each feather is good for numerous flies.

 

A good quality genetic cape will have a larger range of sizes. From maybe #4 to #32. But most are in the #10 to #16 sizes. The smaller feathers are there, but there aren't many and they are very short.

 

 

Wow. Those definitely aren't cheap, but it looks like the direction i should go. They have a bronze and silver with about a 10% cost difference. Do you have experience with one or the other?

 

I have several of each grade and I am happy with them all! As is usually the case, you get what you pay for. (I am pretty sure you will tye more flies per dollar invested with the silver than with the bronze.) But if your budget is really tight you can get a half-saddle. If you know you will be tying lots of flies with grizzly collars in the #20 and smaller range buy a whole saddle in the highest grade available. You won't need another for years!

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mr. Vegas 0]

don't spread yourself so thin.. Your 2 cents is worth more than that