What is the purpose of having two different shapes of indicators? When would you choose a round indicator over the teardrop shape indicator?
Round indicators work very well in a flowing current that is of a consistent flow, also easier to cast during windy conditions as they have less surface area of the same size in a teardrop shaped indicator. A teardrop shaped indicator will support just a fraction more weight than a round indicator of the same size. The teardrop shape has more surface area to it and the tapered cone part which when set right is below the water’s surface, will help you track a more consistent drift in an interuppted surface flow, such as pocket water, riffles or crossing currents. With practice you may find that you will mend your line a bit less to hold a more consistent drift with a teardrop shaped indicator.
