One of the first choices you'll encounter when buying a fly line is whether to choose a **Weight Forward (WF)** or **Double Taper (DT)** line.
While both are capable of casting a fly, they are designed for different styles of fishing and behave quite differently.
Today, the vast majority of anglers fish weight forward lines because they offer greater versatility across a wide range of fishing situations.
Double taper lines, however, still have their place and remain popular with anglers who enjoy more traditional styles of fly fishing.
## What is a Weight Forward Fly Line?
A weight forward line concentrates most of its weight towards the front of the fly line.
Behind the head is a much thinner running line.
This design allows the rod to load efficiently while transferring energy effectively through the cast. It makes it easier to turn over larger flies, longer leaders and more demanding payloads, particularly in challenging conditions.
Weight forward lines have become the standard choice for most modern fly fishing because they offer excellent versatility across a wide range of fishing situations.
They are available in an enormous range of specialist tapers designed for everything from delicate dry fly fishing to heavy reservoir lure fishing and modern Spey systems.
## Advantages of Weight Forward Lines
Weight forward lines offer:
* Efficient energy transfer through the cast.
* Better turnover of larger flies.
* Improved performance in windy conditions.
* Greater versatility.
* A huge choice of specialist tapers.
For these reasons, they are now the most widely used fly lines throughout the world.
## What is a Double Taper Fly Line?
A double taper line has a long level belly with identical tapers at both ends.
Unlike a weight forward line, there is no distinct shooting head or thin running line.
The line behaves consistently throughout much of its length, giving it a smooth and progressive casting feel.
Although they are no longer as common as they once were, double taper lines remain popular with anglers who value finesse, roll casting and traditional tackle.
## Advantages of Double Taper Lines
Double taper lines are particularly good at:
* Roll casting.
* Delicate presentation.
* Smooth line control.
* Traditional styles of fly fishing.
Many anglers also appreciate the way they pair with split cane, fibreglass and older carbon rods.
## A Common Issue with Older Fly Fishing Outfits
One situation we regularly see in the shop is anglers bringing in fly fishing outfits they have inherited from a friend or family member. A common complaint is that the rod feels stiff, doesn't seem to load properly or is difficult to cast.
Very often, the outfit is fitted with a double taper fly line.
There is nothing wrong with the line itself, but modern anglers often fish at relatively short distances. At these distances, only the front taper of the fly line may be outside the rod tip, while much of the heavier belly of the line remains on the reel.
As a result, the rod isn't being loaded by enough of the fly line's weight and can feel lifeless or unresponsive.
A modern weight forward line places more of its mass towards the front of the cast, allowing the rod to load more readily at the distances most anglers fish today.
It's surprising how often an older outfit can be transformed simply by fitting a suitable modern fly line. Before assuming there's a problem with the rod, it's always worth checking which type of fly line is fitted.
## Which is More Versatile?
For most modern fly fishing, a weight forward line is the more versatile choice.
Its concentrated front taper makes it easier to turn over a wider range of fly sizes, longer leaders and more demanding payloads while remaining well suited to modern rods and casting styles.
That does not mean a weight forward line will automatically cast better. Casting performance depends far more on the angler, the rod, the payload being cast and the conditions than the taper alone.
For many everyday river fishing situations, there is little practical difference between the two.
## Which Presents the Fly Better?
Both can produce excellent presentations.
However, double taper lines have traditionally been favoured for delicate dry fly fishing because they transfer energy more progressively through the cast.
This can help produce particularly gentle presentations at shorter fishing distances.
Modern premium weight forward lines have narrowed this gap considerably, with many now offering presentation tapers specifically designed for dry fly fishing.
## Which is Better for Roll Casting?
Double taper lines have long been regarded as excellent roll casting lines.
Their long, evenly distributed belly keeps more line mass outside the rod tip during the cast, helping to load the rod smoothly without needing to carry large amounts of line in the air.
Although modern weight forward lines also roll cast well, many anglers who spend much of their time roll casting still prefer a double taper line.
## Which is Better for Modern Fly Fishing?
For the majority of anglers, the answer is weight forward.
Whether you're fishing rivers, reservoirs, pike or saltwater, the versatility of a modern weight forward line makes it the easiest recommendation.
Manufacturers have invested enormous amounts of research into developing specialist weight forward tapers for almost every conceivable fishing situation.
## When Should I Choose a Double Taper?
A double taper line is still an excellent choice if you:
* Spend much of your time roll casting.
* Value delicate presentation.
* Fish with split cane, fibreglass or older traditional tackle.
* Simply enjoy the casting feel of a traditional fly line.
Although they are less common today, they remain highly effective in the right situations.
## Can I Reverse a Double Taper Line?
Yes.
Because both ends are identical, a worn double taper line can often be reversed once one end becomes tired.
This effectively gives the angler two usable casting ends and can significantly extend the working life of the line.
This has traditionally been seen as one of the advantages of double taper lines.
## Which Should I Buy?
For most anglers buying a new fly line today, a **weight forward line** is the right choice.
It offers greater versatility and suits the widest range of modern fishing situations.
Choose a **double taper line** if your fishing centres around:
* Roll casting.
* Delicate presentation.
* Traditional tackle.
* Simply enjoying the casting characteristics of a double taper line.
Neither is better.
They are simply designed to solve different casting problems.
## Related Articles
* Choosing a Fly Line.
* Fly Line Tapers Explained.
* Fly Line Weights Explained.
* Floating vs Intermediate vs Sinking Fly Lines.
* River Fly Lines.
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Weight forward lines are now the standard choice for most modern fly fishing.
* Double taper lines still have genuine advantages for roll casting and delicate presentation.
* If an older outfit feels difficult to cast, check the fly line before assuming there's a problem with the rod.
* Modern weight forward tapers have become remarkably refined and are available for almost every fly fishing situation.
* Choose the fly line that best suits your fishing rather than assuming one design is universally better than the other.
