Hi Guys,
Having 'researched' this issue further on the Intraweb and clocked how many people have had similar problems not just with Orvis SS, but Stroft (that I use a lot with no probs) as well as Frogs Hair Tippet, I have come to the conclusion that inconsistency or even flaws, albeit subtle, in individual knot tying may be to blame rather than faulty material. How these knots are tightened, wetted and drawn up seems to be critical and will maybe explain why Ben's untucked half bloods hold on SS whereas mine slip - the material is maybe not as 'forgiving' for me as other tippet materials that my half bloods hold on ( and my knots are not as consistent as Ben's !).
I should have said that I did test my knots before I fished (and had breaks) but I now know to REALLY test them and the knots, especially on new tippet material, at home in tests where I am trying to break the knot or line. This should identify what knots hold and what don't. Another knot that has held well on Orvis SS is the Grinner Knot. I guess my half-bloods may well be slightly inconsistent and that is something I maybe need to look at.
Hope you guys don't me sharing my thoughts out loud on this 'journey' I am on.
Cheers,
Lindsay