Umpqua’s balance of diameter, breaking strength, and suppleness makes for a very well rounded tippet. While 2X was still significantly over sized, our tested diameters in both 4X and 6X came in under the industry average, which means Umpqua nylon is a good choice for technical nymph fisherman that are looking for the perfect drift since it is softer and more supple than other nylons. With tested breaking strengths reasonably close to their advertised pound test and over all thinner diameters, Umpqua earns our respect by keeping it real.
Umpqua’s spools are well thought out with black, UV resistant large arbor spools. We like their tippet tender (same as style as Rio’s) except they are all white and are labeled with the appropriate “X” and pound test. Their spools click together well, and once you learn to adjust your grip while pulling tippet off, the material comes off smoothly. One of the softer, more flexible materials we tested.