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Open Forums => Open Boards Viewable By Guests => Gear => Topic started by: east wind on March 05, 2022, 12:43:55 PM

Title: Tapered Leaders
Post by: east wind on March 05, 2022, 12:43:55 PM
Seems the Profil Selecta 15ft tapered leaders I've used for donkey's years have disappeared from the shops.
Don't know if it's a production issue or they've been discontinued but I'm now looking at alternatives without much luck. Trouthunter have a 14ft but a fiver a pop!!!

Any recommendations out there?
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: Wildfisher on March 05, 2022, 01:09:24 PM
The 9 foot ones still seem to be available, perhaps it's just a temporary shortage like many other things. You could just add a few feet of tippet on the 9 footer?
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: Bobfly on March 05, 2022, 01:10:37 PM
I have used Hardy copolymer ones at 12ft with a few feet added on so the last bit added wears back slowly.
Not used 15ft all in one but the Leeda Profil were very good value.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: east wind on March 05, 2022, 01:36:11 PM
Quote from: admin on March 05, 2022, 01:09:24 PM
The 9 foot ones still seem to be available, perhaps it's just a temporary shortage like many other things. You could just add a few feet of tippet on the 9 footer?

I noticed the 9 footers were still about so hopefully just a production issue. I have some spare Leeda 9ft for smaller waters but any more than 3ft of added tippet and my turnover goes to rats.

Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: east wind on March 05, 2022, 01:47:45 PM
Quote from: Bobfly on March 05, 2022, 01:10:37 PM
I have used Hardy copolymer ones at 12ft with a few feet added on so the last bit added wears back slowly.
Not used 15ft all in one but the Leeda Profil were very good value.

Aye, the Hardy 12ft are pretty decent and feel robust. I'll add three feet of tippet as well. Rio and Fulling Mill are other 12 footers I find OK, though if memory serves, the Rio kinks fairly easily and the Fulling Mill is a bit wirery. Or is it the other way round.

15ft of total length really should be sufficient, but when the water levels drop to summer levels and trout get choosy I like to try and get 18ft out beyond the fly line.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: Wildfisher on March 05, 2022, 03:03:58 PM
Quote from: east wind on March 05, 2022, 01:47:45 PM
the Rio kinks fairly easily

Yes, many suffer from that which is why I also started  using Leeda Profil.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: Highlander on March 07, 2022, 11:52:13 AM
I note maxima are doing them now. Will buy a couple next time up at GAC to give them a go. The LEEDA ones have been around for a while now & are very good. Would like to see them still in production. Have not tried any others but why change a good thing.
Tight Lines
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: east wind on March 07, 2022, 09:39:56 PM
Maxima would be worth a try out. Unfortunately they are another brand that don't manufacture a 15ft length.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: sagecirca on March 09, 2022, 11:51:24 AM
Stroft do them in 15th lengths although just as pricey as you'd imagine. I've been using them for a wee while along with some of the camo and ghost leaders from Wychwood. Can't complain, they do what it says on the tin. I used to use the old Varivas ones but I haven't seen them for sale for quite some time.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: east wind on March 09, 2022, 03:33:21 PM
Quote from: sagecirca on March 09, 2022, 11:51:24 AM
Stroft do them in 15th lengths although just as pricey as you'd imagine. I've been using them for a wee while along with some of the camo and ghost leaders from Wychwood. Can't complain, they do what it says on the tin. I used to use the old Varivas ones but I haven't seen them for sale for quite some time.

Just back from GAC. Ended up with a couple of the Trouthunter 14ft ones.
They had Varivas 15ft but only in 6X. Remember buying Varivas a few years back but the thin end was so fine I had no confidence so they went straight to the bin. I like them a bit more "industrial"

I'll keep the Stroft in mind, cheers, though I'm cautious reading the debates on Stroft knot strength etc. Perhaps I'm over thinking things.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: Highlander on March 11, 2022, 01:20:34 PM
QuoteUnfortunately they are another brand that don't manufacture a 15ft length

I believe they do them in 12ft which is no too bad. Gonnae give them a try them anyway.
Tight Lines
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: east wind on March 11, 2022, 04:13:36 PM
Quote from: Highlander on March 11, 2022, 01:20:34 PM
I believe they do them in 12ft which is no too bad. Gonnae give them a try them anyway.
Tight Lines

GAC have them in stock, Eyeballed them the other day.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: sagecirca on March 12, 2022, 11:47:26 AM
Quote from: east wind on March 09, 2022, 03:33:21 PM
Just back from GAC. Ended up with a couple of the Trouthunter 14ft ones.
They had Varivas 15ft but only in 6X. Remember buying Varivas a few years back but the thin end was so fine I had no confidence so they went straight to the bin. I like them a bit more "industrial"

I'll keep the Stroft in mind, cheers, though I'm cautious reading the debates on Stroft knot strength etc. Perhaps I'm over thinking things.

I would imagine GAC will be selling very old stock of them and I wouldn't go near.

I have been using Stroft for near 15 years and never had an issue other than of my own my own making - poor knots, going too light etc.
Title: Re: Tapered Leaders
Post by: burnie on March 12, 2022, 06:00:28 PM
I have almost always tied my own leaders using different bs line, I leave a tail on each knot to add my droppers to the line, usually 8,5,4 lb bs strain and down to 3 on the tippet if they are shy. I have had tapered ones bought for me, but get on just fine with my own. I think when I bought my Hardy outfit a tapered leader came with it, not sure if I used though.