The fly-tying world is constantly evolving as new and innovative materials hit the market. Over the last few years, one trend has stood out clearly: more and more fly tiers are switching from traditional flat tinsel to flat braid. At TwinPeakes Fly Fishing, we’ve watched this shift with interest—and embraced many of the new materials ourselves.
One product we’ve been using for several years now is LOOP Flat Braid, and we’ve become big fans of it. LOOP’s braid is available in all the colours we typically need for Atlantic salmon flies, making it incredibly versatile for modern fly tying. That said, we still believe there’s a place for traditional flat tinsel on the tying bench. Each material brings something different to the table.
Below, we dive into the pros and cons of flat braid vs flat tinsel, why LOOP Flat Braid has become a go-to for many anglers, and when each option shines.
Why Flat Braid Has Become a Modern Tying Essential
Flat braid has surged in popularity, and with good reason. Whether you're tying salmon flies, sea-trout tubes, or modern patterns for clear and coloured water, braid ticks a lot of boxes.
1. Superior Coverage With Fewer Wraps
Flat braid is slightly thicker and fuller than flat tinsel. When tying tube flies, this is a big advantage: you cover more surface area with fewer turns, resulting in a smooth, even, attractive body.
2. Built-In Durability
One of the biggest strengths of LOOP Flat Braid is its durability. A small drop of super glue applied to your thread base before wrapping the braid creates an ultra-strong body that will not unravel—even after multiple aggressive fish.
For anglers targeting Atlantic salmon in challenging conditions, this durability is worth its weight in gold.
3. Easy to Work With
Flat braid is forgiving. It doesn’t crease or tear as easily as flat tinsel, and LOOP’s version lays beautifully on both tubes and hooks. If your underlying thread bed isn’t perfect, braid disguises small imperfections—ideal for beginners and veteran tiers alike.
4. Excellent Colour Range for Salmon Flies
LOOP Flat Braid is available in all the staple colours needed for Atlantic salmon fly tying. From bright chartreuse and hot orange for coloured water, to pearl and silver for classic bodies, the range is spot-on.
5. Consistency and Modern Finish
Flat braid produces a slightly textured, modern sheen that works exceptionally well on contemporary salmon patterns. It adds depth and subtle movement to the fly body that many anglers now prefer over the high-polish look of tinsel.
Why Flat Tinsel Still Has Its Place
Even with the rise of braid, traditional flat tinsel continues to hold an essential place in fly tying—especially for anglers who value the classic look.
1. Bright, Clean Shine
When it comes to pure shine, flat tinsel often wins. Pearl tinsel, in particular, reflects light beautifully. For salmon flies where the body is meant to flash and shimmer, tinsel can outperform braid.
2. Slimmer, Classic Profile
Flat tinsel lies flatter than braid, creating a thinner, more traditional silhouette. When tying classic patterns such as the Cascade, Willie Gunn, or traditional shrimps, many tiers still prefer tinsel for its elegant finish.
3. Make It More Durable With a Few Extras
Flat tinsel can tear quicker than braid, especially after a few fish. But with a little care, it can still be extremely durable:
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Add a drop of super glue before ribbing.
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Apply one or two thin coats of varnish before tying the wing.
This adds time, but it produces a smooth, mirror-like finish that many purists love.
Flat Braid vs Flat Tinsel: When to Choose Each
Choose LOOP Flat Braid When:
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You’re tying tube flies
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Durability is a priority
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You need quick, even body coverage
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You want strong colours suited to Atlantic salmon flies
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You prefer a textured, modern look
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You want materials that stay intact after multiple fish
Choose Flat Tinsel When:
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You want maximum shine
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You’re tying traditional salmon patterns
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You need slim, refined bodies
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You prefer classic aesthetics
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You don’t mind adding varnish for extra durability
Final Thoughts: Balance Tradition With Innovation
At TwinPeakes, we appreciate both materials for what they bring to the craft. LOOP Flat Braid has become a staple for its durability, coverage, and excellent colour range especially for Atlantic salmon flies. But flat tinsel still delivers unmatched brightness and tradition, making it irreplaceable in certain patterns.
You don’t need to choose one over the other. The best fly tiers simply choose the right tool for the job.
If you want to explore the colour options of LOOP Flat Braid or see examples of it in action, feel free to get in touch or browse the tying section of the TwinPeakes website.