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I realize that this is heresy, but I still like nylon better than silk. The biggest problem with the nylon available is that it is too big. Gudebrod has stopped making their 2/0. There used to be even finer thread, but it looks like the big manufacturers are using size A under their epoxy and the rest of us don't buy enough to keep the specialty suppliers busy. So I've been looked on Ebay for some old stock and found some 2/0 made by Danville. Just for jollies I checked Danville's web site and they have unwaxed 6/0 nylon. They are also clearing their unwaxed 3/0 monocord. Monocord is a low twist thread that lays flatter than regular thread. Before I buy a case of the stuff, has anyone used monocord for winding on their guides.  (Larry Lohkamp)

I queried Gudebrod and they put me in touch with someone that still carried 00, can't remember who it was, but I'd go to their web site and ask.  (Henry Mitchell)

Who told you that using nylon was heresy? Don't belittle the stuff.  It is stronger, in more colors and if you select wisely it will look just a good.  Just because the early rod makers used silk is not a good reason.  They used it because that's all there was.  Just because my grandfather only used a huge pocket watch and didn't even know what a wrist watch was, is no sign I have to wear a vest, fob chain and watch.  So for it!!  (Ralph Moon)

I used Unithread to do some tipping. It worked great. I needed to do some really fine tipping. That  was about 8 yeas ago and the rod still looks great. I was worried about the wax, but I think that a little bit didn't hurt and it just dissolved into the varnish.  (Doug Easton)

I've a few questions about wrapping threads...

1. I've been using Gudebrod thread for a while, almost exclusively (I have used a little National tackle too but mostly Gudebrod).  Since they closed is has become nearly impossible to find Gudebrod in any quantities.  What other threads are comparable or better than Gudebrod in your experience?
2. Which threads when finished create the best transparent wrap?
3. If you've been using Gudebrod too, what thread are you switching to now if you, like me, are having trouble finding it?

Thanks for your wisdom and experience... (Ed Gamble)

Don't know about the wisdom bit, but I rate OK on experience, I guess.

I assume you are talking silk here. I made a brief foray into synthetic (nylon) thread a few years ago and used Gudebrod, but that only lasted about a nanosecond and I went gratefully back to silk.

The brand I use mostly is YLI, mainly in the 100, and the other I use occasionally is Pearsalls in the Gossamer gauge. Personally I don't much like Gossamer as I think it is just too fine and I can't see any advantage to its use. (Peter McKean)

In contrast to Peter, I have used gossamer on my last 6 rods being both fly and spinning, cane and graphite. Have to say I'm loving the low profile transparent results.  (Nick Kingston)

If you are referring to nylon thread, you can get it from Acid Rod.com. My understanding is that Gudebrod was acquired by United Composites and that the nylon thread is still available.  (JW Healy)

I’m also in the Pearsall’s camp.  Gossamer on the guides & Naples at the ferrules. (Paul Julius)

Fish hawk and YLI are the two silk threads I now use.  (Gordon Koppin)

In answer to Question #2, I find Gudebrod white and natural colored silks work beautifully for transparent wraps.  To that end I have scoured eBay and stored up several of the large (900 yd.) spools.  Each of those will wrap 20 rods or so.  With a little looking and a willingness to spend a buck or two, the old Gudebrod can still be found.

In answer to Question #3, I'll stick with Gudebrod as long as my stores hold out. (Harry Boyd)