Thank you for sharing the pros and cons of each. I would like to add that Fireline is often less expensive than Wildfire, especially if you purchase it as fishing line, in a sporting goods store or online. 💖🌷💍💎
I learned to bead using nylon thread back in the '80s and had to wax the thread to keep it from tangling. I just came back to beading last year and started by stringing on wire. When I was comfortable with that, I moved on to learn right angle weave, because it was the only way I could find to make a necklace with a V at the bottom. I am now more interested in bead weaving than stringing, although I still do some of that between weaving projects. In researching the current state of beading threads, I discovered (and you failed to mention in the video) that Wildfire DOESN'T HAVE TO BE WAXED. I agree with you that there is a difference in how it feels. It's a bit stiffer overall, but it knots just fine and it seems easier to undo mistakes because it holds together well. It also doesn't have to be melted to seal the ends, but you do need a sharp scissors to cut it. I haven't tried Fireline and probably won't unless I come to a situation where I need that greater softness and am willing to wax the thread. I do find that Wildfire kinks easily, but that just means I have to be mindful at every step, which for me is a good thing anyway. I have found that there was a variance in quality with the four spools of Wildfire I bought, and ended up having one replaced because it was more like an irregular ribbon than thread, but the replacement spool is just as good as the others I got.
I know this has been here a while, but I just found it and loved this wonderful comparison. Many things to consider. Thanks much! I've always hemmed and hawed on what I use, thinking price and stretch, dealing with the feel of what I end up with.
Thanks for the comment! Now there's also the S-Lon Fire thread by The BeadSmith, to add to the dilemma (or tri-lemma should it be?)! Ultimately it's worth trying all to see which one you like better personally.
I use green Wildfire most of the time. I also use frost. I have heard that Wildfire can be found cheaper in some stores. Thanks for sharing. Very helpful.
I have used mainly Fireline. I recently tried Wildfire because of the color options. But I found that it frayed and split a lot. If I had made an error and had to pull it out, I was unable to use that same thread. :-( So I will stick with Fireline at least until I stop making mistakes... lol!
In the past, I have always used Wildfire and agree with others, it feels thicker than the Fireline of the same diameter. I purchased some 6lb. Fireline in the .008 diameter as it feels much thinner and silkier than the Wildfire. I like the fact it’s easier to thread the needle when using Fireline; will see what I think after I finish my project.
I have used Fireline, Wildfire as well as Nanofil (Berkley product). Nanofil is available in Low-vis green - the 8 lb diameter is the same as 6 lb Fireline. I do prefer Fireline and Nanofil above Wildfire.
I use fireline and add new thread by tying a knot then making a ball on the end of each piece and pulling until the balls won't go through the knot. I learned this from Gina and have been using it for years. I have heard that wildfire does not ball up when you touch it with your thread burner. If not, then I would not be able to switch to wildfire. This method of creating balls that will not go through the knot saves so much weaving and knotting of beginnings and ends of thread.
I also learned and use this technique from Gina. Like others, my experience with Wildfire has not been good. Stiff, thick, and I found it broke very easily when I tried to cinch up my beads when making a jewelry box. I wish Fireline would come in more colors, though. Thanks for the tip about the paper towel with the smoke. That always annoys me to have my hands get all messy while I'm beading! Have you tried using a Sharpie? Does the color come off as you work as it does with the Smoke Fireline?
Good you tube. I learned more about the differences in the 2 products. Thank you! I have both but have tended to favor Fireline. Have not understood why, though. Now I'll know more to be able to compare with. I like the sharpie idea!
I have always used Fireline but found a spool of Wildfire at a local store when I was out of Fireline. I thought it felt thicker and stiffer than Fireline but still used it for a few projects. But there is still line left on the spool I'm not sure if I will use it up or not.
I’m a fire line beader. I do have wildfire in green. Wildfire feels a little sticky to me where fire line doesn’t. Wildfire appears to be thicker, therefore, I don’t feel safe putting that extra pass thru a bead, where fire line appears thinner and I feel better doing that extra pass. I know, they are both .006, but that’s how it feels to me. Wildfire seems to make a project less flexible and Fireline. more flexible. Again, it is only a matter of a beader’s preference.
can you please tell which one is more flexible: you say both wildfire and wildfire are less and more flexible. I'm looking for the most flexible one. thanks.
Thanks When I 1st started to bead I would borrow my hubbys fishing line he always uses fireline so good for both of us I use both and yes there is a different feel in both I like both but prefer fireline and blue wildfire who knew lol
Thank you for the video, in my experience I am favoring the fire line. The wildfire I feel fray’s and is very hard to stick through the eye of a needle. I like that Wild fire has colors I wish fire line did. As you I am a creature of habit and I will stick with the fire line.
Yes I understand what you mean and I think it's because the WildFire is ... harder? Like sometimes when I have trouble threading my FireLine, I kind of mash it with my pliers to make it less round but this does not work so well with the WildFire.
Hi Mary! What kind of necklace do you want to make? Do you want to string some beads or stones on it? If so, what kind? Tell us more and we'll try to help :)
Hi there, neither of these beading threads are stretchy. We do offer stretchy ones as well such as stretch magic and elastoma: www.eurekacrystalbeads.com/other-bead-cord/ 💕
What would you choose for a short necklace made of 2-4 mm gemstone beads? I'd like to make one that I don't have to take off everytime I shower or take a swim but still unsure which thread would be best. I'd like the necklace to not be too stiff and a bit drapey...
Hi! You could try jewelry wire - the 49 strand option, that's the most drapey version, and if not that, then a Griffin silk cord or S-Lon Micro Cord could do the job.
The wire should do good in water, since it's typically stainless steel, and S-Lon is synthetic so it should be good, too - I mostly use this and I did take tome necklaces swimming a couple of times, so I trust the micro cord. :)
@@EurekaCrystalBeads thanks for the tip! I bought some 6 and 8 lb S-Lon but it's very thin... maybe I purchased the wrong one, or the wrong strength. Would 8 lb suffice or should I aim towards a thicker thread?
I see Fireline in a 4 lb (.005) size and a 6 lb (.006) size. For me the thinner size has the advantage of being able to pass through a bead more times. In your opinion, is the 4 lb also strong enough?
Hi Annette! No all the WildFire threads are 100% colorfast and it's one of the benefits of the thread. The neutral smoke colored FireLine was not manufactured with beaders in mind so it does suffer from this issue that some color can come off on your fingers or beads. FireLine does offer a Black Satin color which is 100% colorfast as well but it is much darker than the smoke color.
I like fireline and do not want any line to give or stretch any. Why doesn't fireline get colors like moss green or blue? Fisherman like those colors too. I use moss green on my fishing rod!
We'll have to send them a petition! I think they do offer rolls that go from back to green every 10 feet specifically for fishing but haven't seen a whole roll of the green on its own.
@@EurekaCrystalBeads They do have moss green for fishers. The black-green one is possibly called tracer colour. Also I do recall fireline in red and bright (like neon) yellow/green.
@@shayneyne I may be wrong Shayne, but those other colors of FireLine are possibly a little different than the version that Beadsmith specifically recommends for beading, as not all FireLines are created equal and there are sometimes variations in characteristics/options.
@@leahwyckoff4791 I do know. The colour variations what I mentioned are in the same type of Fireline as crystal and smoke for fishing. I personally used to buying crystal one from fishing store but for some reason in UK this product shows as is discontinued 😔.
I use Wildfire , I like it and colours give advantage . Grey and Green are very good colours to hide them self in work . I have used all colours Wildfire comes and very happy , usually 0.006 strength
There's another difference, wildfire is more expensive in eu, do not know in USA, but i read that Fireline can be bought in fishing stores, so it is cheaper in USA too. The reason in UE is because wildfire is imported from America, so Fireline is cheaper in EU too even if for a different reason. I prefer wildfire between the two lines. My reason are those said Allie in video i see it. Very interestimg better beader episode. Thanks a bunch. Kisses 😘😘😘
Thank you for sharing the pros and cons of each. I would like to add that Fireline is often less expensive than Wildfire, especially if you purchase it as fishing line, in a sporting goods store or online. 💖🌷💍💎
Thanks for sharing!
It is the same in UE. Wildfire is more expensive for a different reason, it is imported from USA
I learned to bead using nylon thread back in the '80s and had to wax the thread to keep it from tangling. I just came back to beading last year and started by stringing on wire. When I was comfortable with that, I moved on to learn right angle weave, because it was the only way I could find to make a necklace with a V at the bottom. I am now more interested in bead weaving than stringing, although I still do some of that between weaving projects.
In researching the current state of beading threads, I discovered (and you failed to mention in the video) that Wildfire DOESN'T HAVE TO BE WAXED. I agree with you that there is a difference in how it feels. It's a bit stiffer overall, but it knots just fine and it seems easier to undo mistakes because it holds together well. It also doesn't have to be melted to seal the ends, but you do need a sharp scissors to cut it. I haven't tried Fireline and probably won't unless I come to a situation where I need that greater softness and am willing to wax the thread. I do find that Wildfire kinks easily, but that just means I have to be mindful at every step, which for me is a good thing anyway.
I have found that there was a variance in quality with the four spools of Wildfire I bought, and ended up having one replaced because it was more like an irregular ribbon than thread, but the replacement spool is just as good as the others I got.
I know this has been here a while, but I just found it and loved this wonderful comparison. Many things to consider. Thanks much! I've always hemmed and hawed on what I use, thinking price and stretch, dealing with the feel of what I end up with.
Thanks for the comment! Now there's also the S-Lon Fire thread by The BeadSmith, to add to the dilemma (or tri-lemma should it be?)! Ultimately it's worth trying all to see which one you like better personally.
I use green Wildfire most of the time. I also use frost. I have heard that Wildfire can be found cheaper in some stores. Thanks for sharing. Very helpful.
Great tip!
I have used mainly Fireline. I recently tried Wildfire because of the color options. But I found that it frayed and split a lot. If I had made an error and had to pull it out, I was unable to use that same thread. :-( So I will stick with Fireline at least until I stop making mistakes... lol!
Fireline also comes in red and a greenish yellow
@@paulawilks7474 I did not know that! I buy it at a local sporting goods store. I will have to look elsewhere for the other colors. Thank you!
In the past, I have always used Wildfire and agree with others, it feels thicker than the Fireline of the same diameter. I purchased some 6lb. Fireline in the .008 diameter as it feels much thinner and silkier than the Wildfire. I like the fact it’s easier to thread the needle when using Fireline; will see what I think after I finish my project.
Great point!
I'm partial to Fireline, it feels more "thread-like" to me. Not sure if that makes sense lol
Thanks for the input!
So can this fireline be used for the warped threads as well as for the weaving threads through the beads when making loom bracelets?
I have used Fireline, Wildfire as well as Nanofil (Berkley product). Nanofil is available in Low-vis green - the 8 lb diameter is the same as 6 lb Fireline. I do prefer Fireline and Nanofil above Wildfire.
Thanks for letting us know!
I use fireline and add new thread by tying a knot then making a ball on the end of each piece and pulling until the balls won't go through the knot. I learned this from Gina and have been using it for years. I have heard that wildfire does not ball up when you touch it with your thread burner. If not, then I would not be able to switch to wildfire. This method of creating balls that will not go through the knot saves so much weaving and knotting of beginnings and ends of thread.
Wow that's a really interesting technique! Thanks for sharing Karen 💖
Yes I have tried Ginas way with wildfire doesnt make a good ball when adding thread. Refer fireline
Yes, that’s my favorite method of adding thread.
I also learned and use this technique from Gina. Like others, my experience with Wildfire has not been good. Stiff, thick, and I found it broke very easily when I tried to cinch up my beads when making a jewelry box. I wish Fireline would come in more colors, though. Thanks for the tip about the paper towel with the smoke. That always annoys me to have my hands get all messy while I'm beading! Have you tried using a Sharpie? Does the color come off as you work as it does with the Smoke Fireline?
I am interested in this method of adding a new thread but reading it is not getting it for me. Is there a video on how to do this?
Good you tube. I learned more about the differences in the 2 products. Thank you! I have both but have tended to favor Fireline. Have not understood why, though. Now I'll know more to be able to compare with. I like the sharpie idea!
Thanks for your comment Dawn. Glad it was useful!
Thanks for all the tips!
Our pleasure!
I like fireline. I have used wildfire & for me it seems to have a heavier feel in the same size as fireline
Yes! I have the same impression. I think once you are used to one it's hard to use the other!
I have always used Fireline but found a spool of Wildfire at a local store when I was out of Fireline. I thought it felt thicker and stiffer than Fireline but still used it for a few projects. But there is still line left on the spool I'm not sure if I will use it up or not.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m a fire line beader. I do have wildfire in green. Wildfire feels a little sticky to me where fire line doesn’t. Wildfire appears to be thicker, therefore, I don’t feel safe putting that extra pass thru a bead, where fire line appears thinner and I feel better doing that extra pass. I know, they are both .006, but that’s how it feels to me. Wildfire seems to make a project less flexible and Fireline. more flexible. Again, it is only a matter of a beader’s preference.
Yes I know what you mean about the thickness. I must be some kind of optical illusion!
can you please tell which one is more flexible: you say both wildfire and wildfire are less and more flexible. I'm looking for the most flexible one. thanks.
@@gnoesjewellery7465 ooops, Fireline seems more flexible than Wildfire.
@@ritachikita1468 thanks for your fast reply!
Thanks When I 1st started to bead I would borrow my hubbys fishing line he always uses fireline so good for both of us I use both and yes there is a different feel in both I like both but prefer fireline and blue wildfire who knew lol
Yes it's kind of hard to describe the different feel, right?
Thank you for the video, in my experience I am favoring the fire line. The wildfire I feel fray’s and is very hard to stick through the eye of a needle. I like that Wild fire has colors I wish fire line did. As you I am a creature of habit and I will stick with the fire line.
Thanks for sharing!
fireline has colors at cabelas sporting goods
The Wildfire feels thicker even though I use the .006 and I find it harder to thread a #12 needle.
Yes I understand what you mean and I think it's because the WildFire is ... harder? Like sometimes when I have trouble threading my FireLine, I kind of mash it with my pliers to make it less round but this does not work so well with the WildFire.
Thank you. This was quite helpful!
You're welcome!
I have both in my arsenal but, I'm a definite Fireline kind of gal 🙂
I hear you!
Pls which beading wire do I use for necklace
Hi Mary! What kind of necklace do you want to make? Do you want to string some beads or stones on it? If so, what kind? Tell us more and we'll try to help :)
Is this stretchy strong to make bracelets? Or not stretchy?
Hi there, neither of these beading threads are stretchy. We do offer stretchy ones as well such as stretch magic and elastoma: www.eurekacrystalbeads.com/other-bead-cord/ 💕
What would you choose for a short necklace made of 2-4 mm gemstone beads? I'd like to make one that I don't have to take off everytime I shower or take a swim but still unsure which thread would be best. I'd like the necklace to not be too stiff and a bit drapey...
Hi! You could try jewelry wire - the 49 strand option, that's the most drapey version, and if not that, then a Griffin silk cord or S-Lon Micro Cord could do the job.
@@EurekaCrystalBeads Are these options water resistant?
The wire should do good in water, since it's typically stainless steel, and S-Lon is synthetic so it should be good, too - I mostly use this and I did take tome necklaces swimming a couple of times, so I trust the micro cord. :)
@@EurekaCrystalBeads thanks for the tip! I bought some 6 and 8 lb S-Lon but it's very thin... maybe I purchased the wrong one, or the wrong strength. Would 8 lb suffice or should I aim towards a thicker thread?
I see Fireline in a 4 lb (.005) size and a 6 lb (.006) size. For me the thinner size has the advantage of being able to pass through a bead more times. In your opinion, is the 4 lb also strong enough?
For typical wear jewelry 4 lb is definitely strong enough. Just make sure to reinforce around clasps and you should have no problem at all 😉
@@EurekaCrystalBeads Thank you.
No problem! Thanks for watching!
Does the colour come off the wild fire like the other one
Hi Annette! No all the WildFire threads are 100% colorfast and it's one of the benefits of the thread. The neutral smoke colored FireLine was not manufactured with beaders in mind so it does suffer from this issue that some color can come off on your fingers or beads. FireLine does offer a Black Satin color which is 100% colorfast as well but it is much darker than the smoke color.
Great job!
Thanks Kathy! Glad it was helpful! 💕
I like fireline and do not want any line to give or stretch any. Why doesn't fireline get colors like moss green or blue? Fisherman like those colors too. I use moss green on my fishing rod!
We'll have to send them a petition! I think they do offer rolls that go from back to green every 10 feet specifically for fishing but haven't seen a whole roll of the green on its own.
@@EurekaCrystalBeads They do have moss green for fishers. The black-green one is possibly called tracer colour. Also I do recall fireline in red and bright (like neon) yellow/green.
@@shayneyne I may be wrong Shayne, but those other colors of FireLine are possibly a little different than the version that Beadsmith specifically recommends for beading, as not all FireLines are created equal and there are sometimes variations in characteristics/options.
@@leahwyckoff4791 I do know. The colour variations what I mentioned are in the same type of Fireline as crystal and smoke for fishing. I personally used to buying crystal one from fishing store but for some reason in UK this product shows as is discontinued 😔.
cabelas has colors
I use the green a lot! Thanks for the info!
You bet! Thanks for watching!
I prefer Fireline.
Thanks for your input! What's the reason that you prefer Fireline?
I like Wildfire, especially the green. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I use Wildfire , I like it and colours give advantage . Grey and Green are very good colours to hide them self in work . I have used all colours Wildfire comes and very happy , usually 0.006 strength
Thanks for sharing
I also find that the coating on the smoke fireline gums up the eye of the needle🙁
Wow really? I have never had this kind of issue but I'll keep my eye out for it. Thanks!
I've never had this problem, and I use smoke for almost everything the last 10 years now
There's another difference, wildfire is more expensive in eu, do not know in USA, but i read that Fireline can be bought in fishing stores, so it is cheaper in USA too. The reason in UE is because wildfire is imported from America, so Fireline is cheaper in EU too even if for a different reason. I prefer wildfire between the two lines. My reason are those said Allie in video i see it. Very interestimg better beader episode. Thanks a bunch. Kisses 😘😘😘
Thanks for watching Angela! 💖