Square Glitter vs. Hex Glitter

[Poor Boy's Woman]

I (LureCraft) have had a few requests to go to hex shaped glitter instead of the square. I have found my supplier does carry several sizes of Hex and was wondering how many of you out there would rather have the Hex and what the reasoning is for this preference. I want to make a decision before we come out with our new catalog for 2006.

Thank you!

Kim

Poor Boy's/LureCraft

[nova]

Kim;

I've always bought my supplies from LC(some 12 yrs now). I useed the square glitter only until recently when I tried some of Sam's hex 0.90. I use it for specific results as it rolls over on itself when heated. If you look in the gallery for the firetiger you will see it.

Basically, what I'm saying is that there should be a market for both.

Nil

[camrynekai]

I use both, but IMO the hex curls easier.

[GB GONE]

Ditto that last comment...hex curls to easy with the heat...

Jim

[harley-cowboy]

It really don't make a difference to me as long as it does not loose its color when heated.... Size does make a difference though in certain baits and HEX over SQUARE looks better and vise-versa.

[nova]

You have to work with what you have.

The black hex 0.90 bleeds a little and after it bleeds it has a sort of shine to it. So, if you want a very light smoke don't add any color.

I guess what I'm saying is that use what you have to come up with "new" colors/combinations instead of just copying standard colors. You might just surprise yourself.

[Senkosam]

You have to work with what you have

Color bleed may be significant if you are working with clear plastic, but if a tint does exist for some colors, it may be useful and desirable for certain effects.

For dyed plastic, bleed won't affect the color except with certain color glitter (ie blue, violet or fuscia) and even then, if the plastic is kept 300 degrees or less, won't bleed at all. I've poured many plastics using bleed-prone glitter and rarely see it. I can send anyone who asks, clear plastic with violet and fuscia glitter and you will see no color bleed or folding. But, that's because I pour at a lower temp and add glitter just before the pour, but may not be an option for those using pots.

If you want a tint only, knowing which colors of glitter you can get to bleed, will save you from having to measure out dye drops by heating beyond 325 degrees. Only a few colors do this at this temp. I'm happy with my plastics, as are the anglers that use them and the colors are as true to Yamamoto or Zoom color schemes as anyone else's. before the pour.

M-F has a good color selection and color fast glitter, so for some, that is a good option (though a two oz. amount is steep in price). Del carries good glitter, though limited in sizes. LC carries standard colors in many sizes and most are adequate (except their purple, which is black grape).

LC is under new management, Del and M-F offer good glitter and I no longer see the need to sell glitter or continue to restock, unless the need is still evident for specialized colors or sizes and for small amounts.

I've used LC square cut glitter and at times the coarse color effect is desirable and I like it. For subtle sparkle and color contrast in classic combos (watermelon with black and red flakes), the .015 or smaller flake hex, added to .040, don't make a difference in the effect and square cut is not desirable.

Intense, bright colors also would not need square cut because the color contrast of light against medium or dark plastic, is the effect needed. I use lazer green (new blue-green color) in green pumpkin and pumpkin and wouldn't want anything except hex glitter, regardless of size. Pin points of colored light are what I want.

The source choices are yours, but knowing a products characteristics, neg. or pos., (such as that of different plastisols) is a plus when pouring, and the negatives may actually be positives for what you want to achieve (ie folding of .090 black glitter to create the coach dog pattern).

Frank

[nova]

Don't get me wrong Frank. I wasn't knocking your product. I like the effects I can get with it.

What I was saying is that one should know what the perameters of the product a person is working with and stay within the tolerances of the product.

PS:- I also like the gunsmoke glitter I use it in my smelt and green smoke.

[Senkosam]

I know you weren't. (The reapers worked great and I've copied a few of your color combos.) You've never complained and seem to be able to use all colors to your best advantage.

But I can understand those that have certain expectations regarding glitter for stability in size and color. To these people I say sincerely, get what you require from the other good sources I mentioned. I only sell glitter to aid fellow lurecrafters and sellers of handmade lures and purchase 10 lbs. of glitter that can withstand the heat. (Craft glitter is by no means usuable or economical and Meadowbrook Inventions is not a source because it is only sells craft glitter. )

I've found a source in Taiwan that has the best glitter I've ever used, but the costs to ship it clear around the world would be prohibitive. I'm stuck with stateside sources and in general, find the quality acceptable, but not perfect.

Again, as long as the stuff doesn't catch fire (aluminum based glitter), have a meltdown or burn at 150 degrees, and holds it's shape and size, it's adequate for most applications. The color emitted is far more important than minor folding or tinting and the final effect is what must be looked at.

[Poor Boy's Woman]

From the answers I am seeing I guess it is personal preference whether a person is using hex glitter vs. square glitter. I have samples of new colors and hex glitter coming so I guess I will make a decision from that. Maybe we will carry both in some of the most common colors.

......and Frank - I am one of the new owners of LureCraft. I appreciate the information you and the others have given. We are trying to make the company better with better quality products and items people are looking for. It will take time but we WILL succeed in doing so.

Any other suggestions or comments (good or bad) anyone wants to give is welcome as we make our changes.

Thanks!

Kim

[Senkosam]

All of the members of this forum and me support any company that offers good service, fair prices and quality merchandize. We need only a few good sources for out supplies and LC has the biggest variety for the beginner. As long as the truth is told regarding a product's limitations and a refund guarenteed for defective products that don't live up to catalog's descriptions, business should be good.

No one likes to be gouged for s/h and the $3.85 flat rate envelope should have been in use by all tackle companies long ago. (suggestion to all). The customer appreciates the small things as well as the major issues in service.

I know that I'll be buying products from LC and wish the new owners the best of luck. You can't be beat LC for variety. LC should be a sponsor of this site, logo and all! What better place to advertise?

FM

[Poor Boy's Woman]

Thanks Frank!!! As a manufacturer also we understand completely the benefits of anything a supplier can do to help.

It is one of my short term goals to sponsor the site - I am still trying to keep my head above water and make sure everyone gets their orders in a timely manner.

We plan on adding even more to the catalog next year (premium hooks, more glitter colors, Do-it molds, and some new things we are working on to make it easier for hand pourer). It is also our personal policy to tell a the truth about the product we sell. We know if not that person will not be a return customer. We also stand behind what we sell and if something is not correct and is our fault we will replace it.

Thanks to all for your support and we look forward to working with everyone!

Kim