Splitting versus dubbing ropes

[sierraflyer]

Practically, aside from the thread thickness result, have many of you found the dubbing rope to be better, (ignoring tradition and aesthetics) than simply splitting Kimono, waxing, applying dubbing, and then constructing the fly?

I ran across an old comment by "Old Hat", for whom I have the utmost respect, where he stated that he was splitting, at least back then.

[Althehackleman]

IMHO I find that just doing the dubbing loop works faster and better for me. And if you consider using thread of a darker color than the dubbing you can get a bit of that dark color showing through the dubbing as a rib.

[Mike62]

I'm getting old, and my vision is really starting to suck. I'm tired of stabbing myself with the needle. Oh, and I'm lazy. I use a loop.

[sierraflyer]

Thank you both. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I use dubbing loops and split thread technique about equally. I also touch dub a bit for really sparse bodies.

[Roadkill]

I tailor my thread used for dubbing to the insect I am trying to match.

Like Ron, for small flies I may touch dub a single thread or split thread and use the dubbing as contrast to the thread color if appropriate.

My usual approach is to dub on a single thread of various deniers or make a dubbing loop. If for example I am tying a caddis with a small abdomen, the single thread is quick and easy. For bigger bugs like my favorite October Caddis or Green Drake, it is easier to produce the colorful robust and translucent morsel with a dubbing rope.

[nfrechet]

i just use uni yarn or mohair yarn in lieu of dubbing

obviously not all dubbing (ex hares ear) can be replaced by yarns

[thedude31]

I have dabbled with both. But my fly tying mentor, Dr. Faruk Ekich says he only uses dubbing loops, split thread loops are overated.

[FlyFisherMann1955]

I've used both, plus I have a dubbing block. I prefer "splitting" the thread over making a loop. With Pearsall's, splitting is easy because I just "untwist" the thread (it's only 3 strands), then apply wax, and insert the dubbing. My 3X magnifier helps (check in to getting one Mike62) and no sticking yourself with a needle!

Splitting reduces your thread use 50% because you're not doubling the thread over. Not a big deal if you're using Kimono (which is readily available), but it you're using your "limited supply" of Pearsall's, it makes a difference.

Ken

[sierraflyer]

You hit the crux of the matter: I have less than a quarter spool of #4 left and of course that particular color is the most used in the Edmonds and Lee pattern set by a wide margin. And of course Kimono has no match to it, and Robert Smith's equivalent of YLI 214 isn't, to my eyes, even close. We know Pearsall wasn't the best at batch consistency, but still.

Wetted, which is the only thing I care about, I can't find a match, so a 50% waste, or use, factor is a big deal to me.