Solvent based or water based cement?

I started out using a solvent based fly tying cement from Barlow's and was having decent results(I think). A fella in the fly tying department at a local sporting goods store, talked me into trying a water-based cement that he said everyone was going to. Actually I really like the way it seems to soak into the thread. Anyone else tried this and had good luck with it. They sell it at Barlow's as well. I really hate to see a jig start to loosen up or come untied after fishing it a while.

I like the solvent based but as you get to be a better tier you'll find you don't need it.

Fatman

You don't use any cement at all? On the bigger threads, I've noticed I'm able to pull tighter and tie off tighter. On thread below #210, i'm just not able to get the wrap tight enough with out breaking off alot.

I use water based because now. I like it because I can thin it, let it get thicker or what ever I want to do with it without having to buy thinners, thickeners and whatever else. I also like it because the scent seems to go away faster. Now I need the scent to go away because of what else I fish for. It might not be an issue with crappie or other lake fish. I do know my bite ratio from solvent:water based fishing for steelhead is almost 10:1. Will it make a difference to crappie, maybe, maybe not but I bet someone will try it out and tells us sooner or later. I would do it but I don't have enough crappie here to do a proper test.

As for not needed head cement, a good whip finish will almost remove the need for it on most basic materials. I have done it on some of my flies and yes they did fall apart after a while but I have landed 10-15 trout on an plain no cement jig/fly so it is not always needed.

I use both as some things I have don't hold up to solvent type. I use solvent most of the time though as I like to really thin mine and I make it my self with Lacquer and MEK (don't think anything soaks in faster). I also make my own Flexament type.

Skip

Clear fingernail polish works really well for head cement - nailpolish thinner is really cheap. Downside - VOC (smell) is usually gone in 24 hours...

i use the water base and love it. easy to work with and like they say the smell is null. plus i am the type that will tie a jig and run for the boat and try it out. don't like waiting to use a jig.

I use the solvent based on my customers jigs but rarely seal my own. I will seal bucktail jigs though, as they generally get a beating in saltwater.