I know this comes up periodically, but…
I have ordered a 6-key (in mopane) from Dave Copley, and I’ve ordered a partially lined headjoint, but I want to be sure I’m making the best choice.
I am planning on playing this flute for many moons, so I’m wondering what people would recommend going with for the long run and why. I guess my concerns are durability, tone, and balance (of the flute).
Micah
The consensus among makers seems to be that a partly lined joint reduces the exposure to cracking. I don’t see any real advantage on a fully lined joint, except for having one less thing to oil. I’d say go with a partly lined 'joint. But really, really, i think either one would be fine. I wouldn’t make this the most important factor in choosing a flute, but if i had a choice i’d go with partially lined.
I suggest you contact the maker and let him or her tell you what he thinks are the pros and cons of the 2 kinds.
The fully lined silver headjoint works very well,
it sounds very good, it’s responsive, and I
don’t believe there will be a problem with
durability. On the other hand, Dave C.
has told me that he’s made some unlined
headjoints, and they were quite nice
sounding. So I suppose it comes down
to whether you like the sound of lined
v. partly lined. Best
I have an old 8-keyed german flute with a fully lined head and I find it very heavy. After a while it gets very uncomfortable for my left hand. So that might be another reason to choose an unlined head.
Claudine, you need to lift some weights or something! 
Just kidding.