Synthetic body materials predominate in my flies, not because I dislike natural material, but again because they provide simplicity in tying, are readily available in a multitude of colors, provide translucency and movement, giving the impression of life to the fly, and are very sturdy. Of course there are applications that synthetic materials will not fill. I still use natural materials such as calf and squirrel tails for winging materials, goose biots for tails, and hackles for palmering, collars, and beards on patterns. These natural materials are also readily available in a wide variety of colors, and are ideal for their application. Eves have become an important component in many flies today, especially the Comets, Bosses, Deadheads, and Optics.
Bead chain is available in metal finishes, plastic, and lead.
Beads for beadheads are being specifically made for fly hooks to get over the hook point and onto the shaft. Split brass beads are still hard to find for the Optic type flies, and many times require buying brass beads and splitting them yourself. Tinsel type bodies have become easier to tie, are highly durable and come again in an endless array of colors with the many varieties of metallic braid now available, which lay flat and have good reflective properties. For ribbing, flat mylar still works best. Tinsel and pearlescent body tubing materials can make tying easier while providing a consistent uniform shape to flies and lifelike baitfish style bodies.