Stipe consistency is determined by attempting to bend the stipe, and also by attempting to crumble the stipe into pieces, as if crumbling dried bread. This feature must be determined on fresh material that is not overmature or waterlogged.

Choose this state if: the stipe is thin, tough and very dark, like wire or a coarse horsehair, and it is difficult to break the stipe. The very apex of the stipe may be white or pale. This type of stipe is commonly found in Marasmius. Species with a horsehair stipe also often have black rhizomorphs.