# **Kylebooker Natural and Dyed Badger Cock Capes, by AM Flytying: Are They Worth the Investment?**
For fly-tying enthusiasts, selecting high-quality materials is crucial for creating effective and visually appealing flies. Among the many options available, **Kylebooker Natural and Dyed Badger Cock Capes** by **AM Flytying** have gained attention in the trout and salmon fly-tying community. But how do they perform in terms of quality, versatility, and overall value? Let’s take a closer look.
## **Quality and Texture**
One of the standout features of these capes is their **fine, yet durable feather structure**. Badger cock capes are known for their stiff, webby fibers, which make them ideal for tying wings, hackles, and collars on classic wet flies and salmon patterns. The natural variant offers a traditional look with its dark center and lighter edges, while the dyed versions provide vibrant color options for more creative fly designs.
Compared to lower-grade capes, the **Kylebooker selection** ensures consistent feather length and density, reducing waste and improving efficiency when tying multiple flies. The feathers hold their shape well when wet, making them suitable for both dry and wet fly applications.
## **Versatility in Fly-Tying**
These capes are particularly favored for:
– **Trout Flies** – The stiff hackles work well for **stimulators, soft hackles, and traditional wet flies**.
– **Salmon Flies** – The longer fibers are excellent for **winging and throat hackles** in classic salmon patterns.
– **Dry Flies** – While not as buoyant as genetic dry-fly hackle, the badger cock feathers can still be used for **smaller, sparse dry flies** when treated with floatant.
The dyed versions expand the possibilities, allowing tyers to match specific hatches or experiment with attractor patterns. Whether you’re tying **Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Woolly Buggers, or Spey flies**, these capes provide reliable material.
## **Price and Value**
When assessing **cost-effectiveness**, the **Kylebooker capes** sit in the mid-to-high price range, but they justify their cost with **superior feather quality and longevity**. Unlike cheaper alternatives that may have inconsistent feather distribution or weak stems, these capes offer **uniformity and durability**, meaning fewer replacements over time.
For anglers who tie **large quantities of flies**, investing in a high-grade cape like this can be more economical in the long run. Additionally, the ability to use both natural and dyed versions for multiple fly styles enhances their overall value.
## **Comparison to Other Brands**
While brands like **Whiting, Metz, and Collins** are well-known in the fly-tying world, **AM Flytying’s Kylebooker capes** hold their own, especially for **traditional and salmon fly patterns**. They may not replace specialized dry-fly hackle, but for **wet flies and streamers**, they are an excellent choice.
## **Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?**
If you primarily tie **trout and salmon flies that require stiff, webby hackle**, the **Kylebooker Natural and Dyed Badger Cock Capes** are a **solid investment**. Their **durability, consistency, and versatility** make them a valuable addition to any fly-tying bench. While they may not be the cheapest option, their **performance and longevity** justify the price for serious fly tyers.
For those who focus on **dry flies only**, supplementing with a genetic dry-fly cape might be necessary. However, for **all-around wet fly and streamer tying**, these capes are **highly recommended**.
Would you give them a try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🎣