Difference In Hackles?

"prevetdan" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have been shopping for hackle and while not that new to tying, this
is the first time I've bought hackle. Can someone tell me what the
difference is between Hen and Rooster hackle? I assume that Hen is
softer and probably used for wet flies/nymphs and that Rooster is
stiffer thus more suitable for dry flies. Correct?

That is broadly speaking correct. There are many types, grades and uses for
hackle.

Also what is the
difference between Capes and Saddles?

The cape is the neck of the bird, and contains feathers of varying sizes.
The saddle is the back of the bird, and usually only conatins a couple of
sizes.

I mean other than what part of
the chicken they come from. Also, being a college student, I am a
pretty budget minded tyer. I would like to know, if anyone can tell
me, how much I would be sacrificing if I got a "Bronze" as opposed to
"Silver" or "Gold" grade? I think I've read somewhere that each
company has it's own method of grading so for sake of argument let's
stick with Whiting for comarisons. Well, I think that will do it for
now. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Daniel


The main difference in the various grades of such genetic capes and saddles,
is the number of feathers on the skin. The quality for tying purposes, does
not vary much, ( if at all) between various grades from the same producer.

See here for more info;
http://flyfisherman.com/ftb/sshackle/

Thus will help, but is by no means comprehensive. The only real way to
learn about these things, is to keep plugging at it. Choose the flies you
wish to tie, find out what is required, and then obtain it. If you are on a
budget, it is probably better to avoid buying capes and saddles, which will
tie hundreds of flies, but be an expensive initial outlay, and go for
"Whiting 100´s" or similar.

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/pror...iting100s.html

TL
MC