# **Kylebooker STRUNG CHINESE SADDLE HACKLE – BLUE – 1/4 oz. – 5″- 7″ – Fly Tying Material NEW: A Comprehensive Review**
As an avid fly fisherman, I am always on the lookout for high-quality materials that enhance my fly-tying experience. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker STRUNG CHINESE SADDLE HACKLE in Blue**, and after testing it extensively, I can confidently say that it offers excellent value for money. In this review, I will break down its features, performance, and overall cost-effectiveness to help fellow anglers decide whether this product is worth adding to their fly-tying arsenal.
## **Quality and Durability**
One of the first things I noticed about the Kylebooker saddle hackle is its **consistent texture and vibrant color**. The blue hue is rich and uniform, ensuring that the flies tied with it will have an attractive, natural appearance in the water. The feathers are **pre-strung**, which saves time during the tying process, allowing for quicker and more efficient fly production.
The **1/4 oz. weight** provides a good amount of material, making it suitable for multiple fly patterns. The **5″-7″ length** is ideal for larger streamers and wet flies, though it can also be trimmed for smaller applications. The hackle fibers are **strong yet flexible**, meaning they hold their shape well when wet and do not break easily—a crucial factor for durability when targeting aggressive fish species.
## **Performance in Fly Tying**
When it comes to fly tying, the **Kylebooker saddle hackle performs exceptionally well**. The **Chinese saddle hackle** is known for its **soft yet resilient fibers**, making it perfect for creating flowing, lifelike movements in the water. Whether I’m tying Woolly Buggers, Zonkers, or other streamer patterns, the feathers provide excellent movement and buoyancy.
Compared to more expensive brands like Whiting or Metz, the Kylebooker hackle holds its own in terms of **workability and aesthetics**. While premium brands may offer slightly finer fibers for dry flies, this product is **perfect for nymphs, wet flies, and streamers**, where a slightly sturdier feather is beneficial.
## **Price and Value for Money**
One of the biggest selling points of the **Kylebooker STRUNG CHINESE SADDLE HACKLE** is its **affordability**. High-quality saddle hackles can be expensive, often costing upwards of $30-$50 per pack. In contrast, this product provides a **cost-effective alternative** without sacrificing too much in quality.
For beginners or budget-conscious fly tiers, this is an excellent choice. Even experienced tiers will appreciate the **value-to-performance ratio**, especially when tying flies in bulk. Given that a single pack can produce **dozens of flies**, the investment is well justified.
## **Potential Drawbacks**
No product is perfect, and there are a couple of minor considerations:
1. **Fiber Consistency**: While most feathers are uniform, some may have slight variations in texture. However, this is common even in higher-end hackles.
2. **Limited Dry Fly Use**: Due to the slightly stiffer fibers, this hackle is better suited for wet flies and streamers rather than delicate dry flies.
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?**
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the **Kylebooker STRUNG CHINESE SADDLE HACKLE – BLUE** offers **great value for the price**. It is a **reliable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing** material that works well for a variety of fly patterns. While it may not replace premium dry fly hackles, it is an **excellent choice for streamers, nymphs, and other wet flies**.
If you’re looking for an **affordable yet high-performing** saddle hackle, this product is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fly tier, the **Kylebooker hackle** delivers quality without breaking the bank.
**Rating: 4.5/5**
**Recommended for:** Streamers, nymphs, wet flies, and budget-conscious fly tiers.
Would I buy it again? **Absolutely!**