Bag of Assorted Feathers for Fly Tying
# **Kylebooker Bag of Assorted Feathers for Fly Tying: Is It Worth the Money?**
Fly tying is an essential skill for any serious fly fisherman, and having high-quality materials is crucial for creating effective and durable flies. One of the key components in fly tying is feathers, which are used to imitate insects, baitfish, and other prey. The **Kylebooker Bag of Assorted Feathers for Fly Tying** has gained some attention among anglers, but is it really a good value for the price? In this review, we’ll examine its quality, variety, durability, and overall cost-effectiveness to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your fly-tying toolkit.
## **Quality of the Feathers**
The first thing to consider is the quality of the feathers in the Kylebooker assortment. High-quality fly-tying feathers should be flexible, durable, and free from defects like broken barbs or excessive fraying. Based on user feedback, the feathers in this pack are generally well-selected, with a good mix of soft hackles, stiff quills, and marabou-style plumes.
However, some users have noted that a few feathers may have minor imperfections, such as uneven coloring or slight damage. This is not uncommon in bulk feather packs, and most fly tyers can work around these minor flaws by selecting the best pieces for their flies.
## **Variety of Feathers**
One of the biggest selling points of this product is its variety. The Kylebooker bag includes a mix of different feather types, such as:
– **Rooster hackle** (useful for dry flies and nymphs)
– **Marabou** (great for streamers and woolly buggers)
– **Peacock herl** (ideal for bodies of nymphs and wet flies)
– **Pheasant tail** (commonly used in classic patterns like the Pheasant Tail Nymph)
This variety makes the pack suitable for tying a wide range of fly patterns, from dry flies to streamers. For beginners, this is especially beneficial because it allows them to experiment with different materials without purchasing multiple individual packs.
## **Durability and Usability**
Feathers must hold up well when tied into flies and exposed to water. The Kylebooker feathers generally perform well in this regard, though some users report that certain feathers (like thinner marabou strands) may shed slightly when wet. However, this is a common issue with many feather brands and can be mitigated with proper tying techniques and head cement.
The stiffness of the hackle feathers is another important factor—softer hackles are better for wet flies, while stiffer ones are ideal for dry flies that need to float. The assortment includes a decent balance, though advanced tyers might prefer more specialized feathers for specific applications.
## **Price and Value**
When it comes to value, the Kylebooker bag is competitively priced compared to similar bulk feather packs. While it may not match the premium quality of individually sold feathers from high-end brands like Whiting or Metz, it provides a cost-effective solution for anglers who need a variety of materials without breaking the bank.
For beginners or intermediate fly tyers, this pack offers excellent value because it eliminates the need to buy multiple small packs of different feathers. However, experienced fly tyers who require ultra-premium hackle for intricate dry flies might want to invest in higher-end options.
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?**
The **Kylebooker Bag of Assorted Feathers for Fly Tying** is a solid choice for anglers looking for a budget-friendly, versatile feather assortment. While it may not be perfect (with some minor inconsistencies in quality), it provides enough variety and usability to make it a worthwhile purchase for most fly tyers.
**Pros:**
– Good variety of feathers for different fly patterns
– Affordable compared to buying individual packs
– Suitable for beginners and intermediate tyers
**Cons:**
– Some feathers may have minor imperfections
– Not as high-quality as premium brands
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to stock your fly-tying materials, this pack is a great option. However, if you demand the absolute best quality for competition-level flies, you might want to invest in more specialized feathers.
**Overall Rating: 4/5** – A great value for most fly fishermen!