I have a question on guide wrapping materials. I am going to build a fly rod and was wondering what if any (other than cost) are the practical differences between silk and nylon. Secondly, is there a chart available that makes it easy to understand the size designations used in silk (i.e., #50, #100, 3/0, etc.) and that used for nylon, size A for example.

Thanks

Frank

Frank, I hope this helps... In regard to sizing comparisons....Silk 50 = "A", Silk 100 = 3/0....which is also half the diameter of "A". Many bamboo fly rod builders prefer 3/0 as it is ideal for translucent wraps. A properly thinned finish will allow the silk to "melt into" the blank. Silk is the strongest natural fiber in the world and when properly twisted, it serves as a wonderful rod wrapping thread. However, it does not stretch so takes some getting use to. It is my favorite thread for all bamboo and light tackle graphite and glass rods.
Nylon does stretch. It is translucent and light can penetrate the thread and affect the color. Thus, color preserver is recommended to preserve the brightness of the thread. Common sizes are "A" and "D".
Nylon can be purchased in a NCP, Opaque, or Dull format. This means no color preserver is required. Chalk is added to the dye so light cannot penetrate the thread and affect the finish. This style of thread has been popular with OEM`s because it eliminates a costly labor CP process during high volume builds. However, it does give a dull or pastel look to the thread and seems to have lost popularity in the market.

Robbie,

Thank you that clears up most of what I was asking. Just so I am understanding this correctly, all else being equal, silk will give a slightly better looking and stronger end result? Also, you mention "stretch" is that a positive or negative, or just different?

Thanks

Frank

In my opinion I like silk with the right blank ( you will most likely see the blank below the thread with silk so chose a pretty blank!!). However, nylon is used more and most people will tend to use nylon because it is easier to wrap. Since silk has no stretch, it can break if you are not careful. Nylon can be a little more forgiving. I would recommend wrapping with both on a test blank and experiment with the finishes.

Robbie,

Thank you, that is exactly what I'll do. I will use the same colors or as close to each other as possible. I have 2 different finishes on order to try, as well as 3 each of 3 different companies snake guides (H&H, Recoil, and Snake).

Thanks

Frank

I would dare say nylon is stronger IMHO

Bill - willierods.com

Properly twisted nylon is definitely stronger. However, pure silk when twisted correctly can be stronger then some nylons made exclusively for embroidery applications.

Robbie sure is nice to see information that is specific and accurate!

Can you tell me if there is a black nylon thread on the market equivalent to the old 00. I am looking for a two strand thread which should be slightly smaller than A which has three strands. I have located a small amount of Classic Twist (black and white) that has only two strands. When wrapping the small micro guides with this thread using high tension the "guide testing for pull out are higher". Some guide frames are searated on the top surface and I feel they act as individual "thread anchors" when the thread is smaller.

Bill,
Take a look at these two options...1) Silk Sparkle from FishHawk. It is two strands (not three) and it is made by twisting 3/0 silk with a very fine strand of metallic. It might do well with Micros and will be slightly smaller than size "A" thread. 2) Rice made a three strand classic twist in an "A" and I have had some folks describe it as slightly smaller then "A". It is no longer made but some can still be had. Colors are red/black, orange//black, green/black, and yellow black.
I do not believe there is a black nylon out there that small as most of the smaller threads used by embroidery guys are now poly or rayon.