I use cattail. The trick is to fluff it up real good so the fibers are totally random before you store it in whatever vessel you will carry in. You want the useable product to be like cotton ball (wow, light bulb!!!!) or synthetic fiber filling for stuffed animals, pillows, etc. If it drops too fast, cut back to on the size of the wad you drop. It also works well to grap a little bunch, and kinda spread it out for parachute effect. 'Hard for me to put in words but it works fantastic. Personally I find it easier to see and manage to perfection for judging wind than milkweed which I've used for years.
I'm thinking sycamore pod fibers might be just as good, but haven't tried 'em yet. Just moved here (KY) and there are lots of 'em.
Cotton... hmmmm....