Date: 17 May 2024
When it comes to crafting high-quality fishing floats, the choice of material is crucial. Two materials that often come up in discussions among float makers are Rohacell HF71 and IGF110. Both have unique properties and advantages that make them suitable for different fishing conditions and preferences. In this article, we'll delve into the detailed discussions and insights shared by experts in the field, particularly from the comments on Petar Rizov's Facebook page.
### Rohacell HF71: Sensitivity and Consistency
**Properties:**
Rohacell HF71 is known for its lightweight and high sensitivity. This material is excellent for detecting even the most subtle touches from fish, making it ideal for fishing in natural waters for smaller species like roach. Its consistency in weight and density ensures that each float performs reliably.
**Advantages:**
- **High Sensitivity:** HF71 is praised for its ability to detect light bites, which is crucial for successful fishing in certain conditions.
- **Consistency:** The material's uniformity in density and weight makes it a reliable choice for float makers.
- **Comparison to Balsa Wood:** HF71 is often compared to high-quality balsa wood due to its similar properties, providing float makers with a familiar and trusted material.
### IGF110: Strength and Durability
**Properties:**
IGF110 is a high-performance foam known for its exceptional strength and durability. This material is particularly suitable for making floats that need to withstand the rigors of catching larger, hard-fighting fish. Despite its strength, IGF110 is also lightweight and easy to shape and paint.
**Advantages:**
- **Superior Strength:** IGF110 is significantly stronger than HF71, making it ideal for floats used in commercial fisheries where large catches are common.
- **Durability:** The material's robust nature ensures that floats can endure more wear and tear, including the strain from strong fish.
- **Secure Eye Attachment:** IGF110 allows for a more secure attachment of side eyes, which are critical components of a float's structure.
### Community Insights and Experiences
The discussions on Petar Rizov's Facebook page provide valuable insights into the practical applications and user experiences with these materials.
**Tony Brooks:** "IGF110 is definitely stronger. You can easily crush HF71 in your fingers, but you can't even dent IGF110. Side eye strength in HF71 is very poor compared to IGF110, where you will struggle to even pull the eye out. HF71 for natural waters for smaller fish like roach etc. IGF110 out and out carp. I use only IGF110 for all my floats as I think it can't be beaten for strength and gives an amazing side eye hold providing it is fitted and glued correctly."
**Nigel Malko:** "I used to use HF71, but market forces in the UK dictated a stronger float was required due to commercial fisheries producing large catches of hard-fighting fish. So, I went back to Rima110 and IGF110. HF71 is great for silver fish and winter F1s when the quantity and fighting qualities of fish are reduced. Using a strongly fitted side eye gives the float a bit more sensitivity than a dura or spring eye but the dura and spring eye have their advantages in certain situations. That's why handmade floats are more durable than most shop-bought which can break too easily plus a good handmade float's shotting capacity is usually spot on. Also, I know some makers that only use 3 coats of paint and lacquer on IGF110 bodies to get a super finish on their floats."
**Mike Wilkinson:** "HF71 is a great foam for silvers and F1s and is totally consistent. IGF110 is a great strong foam for bigger fish and allows eyes to be glued in very securely. However, IGF batches can vary. When it's good I will buy as much as I can get. Must have caught a changeover of batch once and it was rough."
**Ch Bouc:** "Good morning; If 71 and 110 are the densities per m3, with identical shapes the HF71 will carry more pellets, it's mathematical... Where is the benefit of the IGF110?"
**Petar Rizov:** "Yes, you are right that HF 71 has more load capacity. However, some manufacturers believe that IGF110 is stronger."
**Tony Brooks:** "Well the fact that you can easily just crush HF71 in your fingers and can't even dent IGF110 tells you the answer just there lol. Side eye strength in HF71 is very very poor compared to IGF110 where you will struggle to even pull the eye out."
**Mike Wilkinson:** "HF71 is a great foam for silvers and F1s and is totally consistent. IGF110 is a great strong foam for bigger fish and allows eyes to be glued in very securely. However, IGF batches can vary."
**Pierfranco Ferella:** "The nicest floats I've ever used."
**Jean Luc Denel:** "Des détails................................."
**Petar Rizov:** "I think having dura eyes solves the problem of eyes sticking, but that's just my opinion. You should know that floats made of HF71 are much more sensitive and can detect even the most subtle touch from fish. Moreover, HF71 is the closest material to high-quality balsa wood for floats. When comparing the surface of floats made of HF71 and IGF110, the difference in coating is obvious. As a result, you need to apply many more layers of primer on IGF110, which further complicates the situation."
**Petar Rizov:** "One of the drawbacks of using IGF110 is that it has a higher weight tolerance per cubic than HF71. This means that the cubes can vary more in their mass, which can affect the accuracy and stability of the measurements. HF71 has a lower weight tolerance per cube, which makes it more consistent and reliable."
**Nigel Malko:** "Also, I know some makers that only use 3 coats of paint and lacquer on IGF110 bodies to get a super finish on their floats."
### Conclusion
Both Rohacell HF71 and IGF110 have their distinct advantages and are suitable for different fishing conditions. HF71 is ideal for situations requiring high sensitivity and consistency, while IGF110 excels in strength and durability, making it perfect for commercial fisheries and larger fish. The choice between these materials ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the float maker and the fishing conditions they anticipate.
By understanding the properties and advantages of these materials, float makers can make informed decisions that enhance their fishing experience and success. The insights shared by the community highlight the importance of choosing the right material for the right application, ensuring that every fishing trip is a rewarding one.
We would love to hear from you! Have you used Rohacell HF71 or IGF110 in your float-making projects? What has been your experience with these materials? Share your insights, tips, and opinions in the comments below. Your feedback can help fellow anglers make informed decisions and improve their float-making skills. Let's continue the discussion and learn from each other's experiences!
