I know this is a bass site but I couldn't get any reponses on other sites aimed more towards fly fishing.  So, maybe you guys can help me out.

I'm starting to fly fish and noticed the fly lines are expensive!  For those of you who do fly fish, what are some suggestions.

Does higher price really mean higher quality in fly lines or is there a point of diminishing returns?

Thanks in advance.

While I dont fly fish and in regards to your price question you usually get what you pay for but not always. It could also help if you shop online where good deals can be found. Here's a couple links I found that will hopefully help you out.

http://www.ehow.com/how_13228_buy-fly-fishing.html

http://www.flyfisherman.com/

http://www.flyfishusa.com/home.html

Fly fishing is my bag so I may be able to help you out. Ok, first what weight of flyline are you interested in? I know that fly~line is expensive but if you get what you need the first time then it's all worth it.

I use ORVIS WONDERLINE in a 5,6,8 & 9 weights ,weight forward sometimes a rocket taper. I see that SCIENTIFIC ANGLER has some decently priced line thats pretty good. You might wanna check that out. Try to stay away from that WalMart brand it's crap~ola. HOpe that helps you out some. If you have any questions feel free to email or PM me and we can get you all straightened out.

In fly lines you really do get what you pay for. When I started fly fishing I bought cheap lines and they did not turn over very well. If you are starting out in fly fishing buy the best line you can afford and spend less on the rod & reel. You are casting the line and you will have a hard time casting cheap lines. I use only Orvis ,Rio and Scientific angler lines.

In the heavier fly lines you get what you pay for.... the coatings are super slick and cast SO MUCH better!  I will admit that I use cheaper lines on my 4 wt because I don't need much distance in casting.

The Orvis Wonderline is a great line... super slick and shoots great.  Truthfully, most of the $50+ lines are real slick and cast great.  The Orvis warranty is good to have.  Even if YOU screw up and damage the line, they will exchange it.  I'm one my 5th yr on my 9 wt line and it's still in great shape and casting well.  (It's the older Orvis Wonderline)

My 7 wt has wonderline on one spool and the rio ghost tip on the other spool... both a few years old and working like new.  

If you are just fishing for panfish and stuff then you can get away with the scientific anglers line that they sell at Academy for like $28... I use that on my 4 wt and it's pretty decent.  If I needed max casting distance I wouldn't use it though.

All things considered, I like the Orvis lines for performance and value, especially when you consider the warranty, unless it's just for panfish or short range stream work.  

I've been using Rio lines in 6 weight and 4 weight for a couple years now and have never had a problem with 'em. But don't overlook Cortland 444, it can get pretty pricey but that stuff is a dream come true for fly anglers.

Having fly fished sinve the late 1940's when all line was pretty poor compared to todays standards most of todays line is ok. Having said that my preference for years has been Scientific Anglers.

I second S.A. as a very good line,to answer the other question about price,a fly line if taken care of will last you a few years so the price upfront might be a little hard to swallow just keep in mind you will not be changing it very often...oh also check-out S.A. Headstart as it is just a shorter bass line  and is only around 35-40 bucks vs 50-60,Good Luck....Alan

almost every fly line out there is made by either scientific angler or cortland. If your starting out just get cortland 333 weight forward in whatever weight your looking for.