I have Whiting 100's, Whiting saddles, and 1/4 saddles. My saddles were all
Silver grade, but I bought a few Bronze grade 1/4 saddles in the 14 and
smaller size. They each have over 110 hackles (counted them), and the
only difference is they're shorter in length than the Silver grade. Beautiful
stuff! Buying saddle leaves you without tailing material, but Whiting does sell
tailing packs. I don't have any experience with Herbert Miner, but the manager of one of the local Orvis shops likes to tie with it. He's a fantastic
tyer, so if it's good enough for him, that counts for a lot with me.
P.S. The Bronze Whiting saddles are $25, and that's a steal for the quality.
Silver grade is more, but I paid much less than current prices for my Silver
saddles. Whiting has Pro grade necks available now, and they are around
$50. Lucky for me I only tie dries in ginger, medium dun, brown, and grizzly.
I have one Silver saddle in brown that'll last until my fingers are crippled!
