Metz Cock Saddles - Grade 2

Metz Cock Saddles - Grade 2 offer long, uniform genetic hackle for fly tyers who enjoy making batches of favourite dry flies with a beautifully consistent finish.

Metz Cock Saddles - Grade 2 Key Features and Benefits

• Long, comparatively uniform saddle feathers can tie several flies each
• Stiff genetic barbs support sedges, palmers and larger dry patterns
• Grade 2 is a good-value alternative to the more abundant Grade 1
• An efficient choice if you tie repeated patterns in the same hook size

Top Tips for Using Metz Cock Saddles - Grade 2

• Check the saddle feather size before committing to a colour; hook-size suitability matters more than length alone
• A long feather can usually remain attached to the skin until needed, reducing handling damage
• Wind neat, even turns – extra hackle rarely improves a well-proportioned dry fly
• For a batch of sedges, prepare several matching hooks and bodies before winding hackle

Fly Patterns and Uses for Metz Cock Saddles - Grade 2

• Size 10–12 style dry-fly palmers and attractors
• Elk Hair Caddis and sedge dressings
• Larger grizzle or brown hackled dry flies

Metz Cock Saddles - Grade 2 Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Grade 2 Metz saddle differ from a neck?

The saddle offers longer feathers in a more limited size range; the neck offers more sizes. Our Metz guide helps you choose based on the flies you tie.

Can one saddle feather really tie more than one fly?

Yes – on a suitable hook size, a long feather can dress several dries. How many depends on the feather and the pattern.

Why are Metz saddles sometimes difficult to source?

A curious part of hackle history: demand surged when Steven Tyler of Aerosmith wore long feathers as hair extensions on American Idol. The fashion boom drew heavily on the same genetic feathers fly tyers love; availability has since improved, although some popular colours can still be difficult to source.

Is Grade 2 still a good choice?

Very much so. Grade 2 offers the fine genetic fibres and long hackles most fly tyers need, with a lower outlay than Grade 1.