4mm Tungsten Fly Tying Beads
by Purity Fly Co.Tungsten fly tying beads are one of those materials you'll reach for again and again. Whether you're tying chironomids, balanced leeches, streamers, or traditional nymphs, tungsten is one of the easiest ways to get your flies into the strike zone quickly.
Because tungsten is significantly denser than brass, it adds more weight without increasing bead size. That means your flies sink faster and spend more time where the fish are feeding.
At the Vise
A good bead does more than simply add weight.
It helps:
- get flies down faster
- create a clean, finished head
- add a subtle trigger with coloured finishes
- maintain consistent weight from fly to fly
The precision-drilled holes slide easily onto hooks, while the consistent sizing makes it easy to tie confidently, whether you're tying one fly or a dozen.
Where They Fit
These beads are a staple for tying:
- chironomids
- balanced leeches
- pheasant tails
- hare's ears
- copper johns
- stoneflies
- streamers
- and countless other subsurface patterns
Whether you're fishing deep stillwater shoals or fast-moving rivers, getting your fly into the strike zone quickly often means more fish.
Choosing the Right Size
| Size | Approx. Size | Best Hook Sizes | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mm | 3/32" | #14–18 | Chironomids, midge patterns, small nymphs |
| 3mm | 7/64" | #10–14 | Larger nymphs and everyday stillwater patterns |
| 3.5mm | 1/8" | #6–10 | Balanced leeches, medium streamers (our go-to size for balanced leeches on size 8 & 10 Ahrex FW554 and Daiichi 4647 hooks) |
| 4mm | 5/32" | #2–6 | Large balanced leeches, streamers, and larger minnow imitations |
Purity Tip: These are general guidelines. Hook wire diameter and bead hole size can vary slightly between manufacturers, and many stillwater anglers intentionally oversize their beads—especially on balanced leeches—to achieve the right balance and sink rate.
Why We Like It at Purity Fly Co
- Tungsten gets flies down faster than brass
- Precision-drilled for easy, consistent tying
- Great for chironomids, balanced leeches, nymphs, and streamers
- Available in multiple sizes and colours to match almost any pattern
If you're tying subsurface flies, tungsten beads are one of those materials that simply belong on the tying bench.
25 per pack.
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