I have been fully retired and out of the game for a few years now and just started to build some rods for sons- in-laws and grand kids.

I notice a large number of poly threads in lieu of nylon.
Is the strength of the poly today as good as the nylon thread?
Use to be nylon was stronger.

Also I see a lot of builders building with straight metallic thread.
Same questions as above.

Is it just my misconception of what use to be or has technology actually helped thread manufacturers?

I always liked the metallic thread but never built one using only metallic thread.
Can you do that now with the current metallic threads, whether nylon or poly?

Thanks all. I still like reading this blog.
Keep up the great work!

Larry Ohara
H&H Custom

The poly rod wrapping thread is as far as I know just as strong, at least on my rods it appears to work just as well. I started using it when I noticed it is more UV resistant than nylon, holds colors better without fading, and I think more lustrous. I tried full metallics first on the Lamiglas Perigee blanks first, Sulky made a green that blended right in with the blank color and really popped in the sun. Used gold mini trim bands to match the gold fleck in the blank's finish. Doing a Rainshadow SW 967F, 2 piece right now in Sulky metallic blue with NCP white trim right now since the metallic runs through a embroidery machine I think they do a better job of incorporating the metallic into the thread.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/2023 09:54PM by Spencer Phipps.

I think Nylon tracks better because of it's stretch, but not as good color selection.

Except for a Hitena thread which was purported to have high stretch, and it does, I've not noticed stretch differences between poly and nylon. Maybe at the tension I use there isn't much difference. I think the brand characteristics mean a lot more than nylon vs poly. Characteristics like raveling, twist, color, consistency etc. There is one brand I simply will not use again.

I no longer use any thread but Fuji Ultra Poly. It just works so well from wrapping, finishing, to fishing for me. I’ve landed plenty of large fish on “A” and “D” sized Ultra Poly with no failures. I now only use Gen4 as a finish, too. Other products could very well be just as good as these. However, trying them would add variation to what I’ve been reliably doing. There is a lot to be said for consistent processes and limiting the potential for error. The scientific process of repetition with zero to one experimental elements in-play is beyond being tried and true. I prefer no experimental elements in-play when wrapping and finishing. I’m always amazed at how many people try fairly non-standard products or repurposed components when the potential cost savings is well under five dollars. Cheap blanks and major components are still too pricey for me to mess up for the hopes of saving a couple of bucks.

Blue dunn and maroon both look great to me in Ultra Poly, along with the neutral colors. The only NCP color I’ve used in this product is the neutral gray, and it finished nicely. Mostly, I prefer the non-treated threads and don’t further coat with a color preservative. You can’t make a mistake in a completely optional step that you don’t do. I strive for very neat wraps and have no interest in trying any thread art that would dampen fishing performance. I wouldn’t argue with anyone’s consistently good results with a nylon thread series. I’m just not going to stray from what is now well tested for me.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/17/2023 11:23PM by Kendall Cikanek.

Fuji blue dunn is a great color, as is their candy apple. A couple of my favorites. I use the regular thread also, but prefer to use CP to retain the color as on the spool.

Thank you all for the up date.

My supply of Gudebrod ran out a years ago and now Fish hawk seems to be gone also.
I really like their variegated thread color combinations.

Fuji and Prowrap seems to be the go to threads now.

Larry

The metallic threads hold guides just as good as any but they may have a tendency to flake if stressed too much. Nylon stretches more than poly and is easier to work with because of that, whereas poly will make you hold tension on it to get tight wraps, less forgiving. You get better at it and soon it doesn't matter. I have found that some brands are better at not being contaminated than others but in order to get the color you wanted, you may have to risk the brand with more problems.