Sybai Glass Rib

Sybai Glass Rib is an elastic strip for forming fly bodies and adding ribbing. It can be wound as the body covering or used as a separate rib; tension changes the strip’s width and taper as it is drawn forward. This makes it possible to follow a shaped body with a controlled covering rather than treating the material as a rigid tape.

Construction and use

Cut a length slightly longer than the intended body and tie it in at the rear. Maintain even tension while winding towards the eye. Greater tension produces a narrower, thinner covering, while lighter tension leaves broader turns. For a close body covering, place adjoining turns tightly together; for open ribbing, leave deliberate gaps. Secure the front end with firm thread wraps and finish the head. A smooth, well-shaped underbody helps the elastic strip settle without unwanted steps.

• Form: elastic body and ribbing strip.
• Control: winding tension determines the working width and taper.
• Preparation: cut the strip, tie it in at the rear and draw it towards the eye.
• Uses: complete body coverings and spaced ribbing on fly patterns.