Tungsten beads catch more fish, simple as that. You can get a small fly deep in no time flat, and it keeps away the split shot and tacky weight, which is a fly fisherman's worst nightmare. Weight makes hinges in your leader, and hinges make tangles. So, by using tungsten beads, you get less tangles, and who doesn't want less of those? Tungsten beads are a solid investment for any tyer. Plummeting Tungsten Beads come in a wide array of sizes and colors, including some florescent hues that have become increasingly popular with us over the past few years. I put tungsten beads on everything from size 4 Stonefly nymphs, to size 20 midges, and everything in between. They really do help you catch more fish, and significantly reduce tangles. And, at just a few dollars more than an average pack of brass beads, they aren't going to break the bank either. Tie up a few bugs with tungsten beads, and fish them next time you go out; you might be surprised at the enormous difference between brass beads and tungsten beads. If you can't get down to the fish, they definitely can't eat your bugs.