Gear Review: Umpqua Stratos X Dry Fly Nylon Tippet

Thew STRATOS X tippet material is worth a look if you do a lot of dry-fly fishing. Photo: Umpqua

A few years back, the good folks at Umpqua shared some spools of a mystery tippet material labeled “PROTOTYPE.” I was told this new material would raise the bar for dry-fly anglers. While fluorocarbon tippet has made substantial strides in the past few years, nylon has been left behind in the arms race. It was about time for a material with the unique properties needed for effective dry-fly fishing to also be strong, abrasion-resistant, and stealthy. I ran out of the mystery tippet last summer, but just in time for spring hatches, Umpqua recently released this secret weapon to the masses as Stratos X.

It Keeps On Floating

From the get-go, the first notable difference is that it floats very well. In a region where fishing pressure is high and effective dry flies are often quite small, any added flotation is a huge benefit. It saves you the time and hassle of constant shaking and re-greasing your fly and tippet. Umpqua notes that Stratos X is 10% lighter than standard nylon, and it indeed keeps your fly floating higher for longer than its predecessors.

The author has been using STRATOS X since it was a prototype, and he’s impressed. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Strength and Durability

Another advantage is the increased strength and abrasion resistance compared to older nylon formulations. Most of my summer dry-fly fishing takes place in tight, willow-lined creeks in the Colorado high country. The closer to the bank, the better, and despite my best efforts, the fly often ends up in a bush more often than I care to admit. Tugging the fly out and putting it back in the pocket without breaking off frequently is a significant improvement. It is noticeably less prone to abrasion and does not become brittle or weak after a few poorly placed casts into the trees. While floating the Colorado River recently, I managed to pull a surprisingly large root ball all the way to the boat on 4X Stratos X after the wind knocked my cast down a few feet from where I had hoped it would land.

Camouflage and Visibility

This new material also features a camouflaged gray pattern across its surface. Umpqua claims that this breaks up its outline for minimal visibility in the water. Personally, I believe that a well-placed fly with a good drift is far more important for enticing a strike than the color of your tippet. However, in highly pressured waters or on days when fish are feeling picky, any and all advantages are welcome.

Fooling and landing trout like this one on light tippet is the goal. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Performance

While it’s up to me to ensure a well-placed fly, Stratos X does help with the drift by being a bit more supple and soft than other nylons, reducing drag and splash during the cast. It mends well, turns over well, and seems to have less memory when freshly peeled off the spool or reel. It knots easily and does not noticeably pigtail after stress.

Casting Confidence

Umpqua’s Stratos X tippet represents a real advancement in tippet technology for dry-fly anglers and fans of nylon. Its impressive flotation, strength, and abrasion resistance make it a valuable addition for chasing hatches on any trout stream. While it is more expensive than standard nylon tippet, it certainly performs better across the board. If you are looking for a noticeable advantage for your spring and summer dry-fly fishing, Stratos X is worth tying on.

Click here to learn more about Umpqua’s new Stratos X Dry Fly Nylon Tippet