# **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle: Is It Worth the Money?**
As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable fly-tying materials. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle** and wondered whether it offers good value for money. After testing it extensively, I’m ready to share my thoughts on its performance, durability, and overall cost-effectiveness.
## **What Is the Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle?**
The **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle** is a budget-friendly alternative to premium hackle feathers, often used in fly tying for patterns like dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Unlike expensive genetic hackles from brands like Whiting or Metz, this product is sourced from Chinese saddles, which are known for their affordability but sometimes inconsistent quality.
## **Performance and Quality**
### **1. Feather Texture & Flexibility**
One of the most important factors in choosing hackle is its stiffness and flexibility. High-end hackles have stiff fibers that support dry flies well, ensuring better floatation. The **Kylebooker Chinese Saddle Hackle** performs decently in this regard—while not as stiff as premium options, it still holds up reasonably well when tied on smaller dry flies (sizes 12-18). For larger flies or fast-moving water, however, it may not provide the same buoyancy as more expensive alternatives.
### **2. Color and Consistency**
The hackle comes in various natural and dyed colors, including grizzly, brown, and black. The dye jobs are generally even, though some feathers may have slight inconsistencies. If you’re tying flies where exact color matching is crucial (like imitating specific insect hatches), you might need to sort through the pack to find the best feathers.
### **3. Durability & Lifespan**
Compared to premium hackles, these feathers are slightly more brittle. They don’t break easily during tying, but repeated handling can cause some fraying. That said, for the price, the durability is acceptable—especially if you’re tying flies for personal use rather than commercial production.
## **Price Comparison: Is It a Good Deal?**
One of the biggest selling points of the **Kylebooker Chinese Saddle Hackle** is its affordability. A full strung saddle typically costs **30-50% less** than a premium Whiting or Metz saddle. If you’re a beginner or an intermediate fly tyer who doesn’t need ultra-premium materials, this is a great way to save money without sacrificing too much quality.
However, if you tie a lot of competition-grade dry flies or sell your flies professionally, investing in higher-end hackle might be worth it. But for casual anglers and those on a budget, the **Kylebooker option** provides excellent value.
## **Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?**
**Pros:**
✔ Affordable compared to premium brands
✔ Good variety of colors
✔ Works well for small to medium-sized flies
✔ Suitable for beginners and budget-conscious anglers
**Cons:**
✖ Not as stiff as high-end hackles
✖ Some inconsistency in feather quality
✖ Less durable than premium options
### **Conclusion: A Solid Budget Choice**
If you’re looking for a **cost-effective hackle** that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle** is a solid choice. While it may not match the performance of top-tier feathers, it’s a great option for casual fly tyers, beginners, or those who tie in bulk.
For serious competition anglers or professionals, investing in premium hackle might still be the better route. But for most hobbyists, this product offers **great value for the price**.
Would I recommend it? **Yes—especially if you’re budget-conscious but still want decent quality.**
Have you tried this hackle? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🎣