# **Kylebooker Lot 97, Dyed Gray Grey India Rooster Saddle Feathers for Fly Tying Jewelry: A Review on Value for Money**
As an avid angler and fly-tying enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality materials that offer both performance and affordability. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Lot 97, Dyed Gray Grey India Rooster Saddle Feathers**, marketed for fly tying and jewelry making. After testing them extensively, I decided to share my thoughts on whether these feathers provide good value for money.
## **Quality and Appearance**
The first thing that caught my attention was the rich, consistent dye job on these feathers. The gray-grey color is vibrant yet natural-looking, making it an excellent choice for imitating various aquatic insects. The feathers are sourced from Indian roosters, which are known for their durability and flexibility—two essential qualities for fly tying.
Upon closer inspection, I found that the barbs were well-aligned, with minimal breakage or fraying. This is crucial because damaged feathers can result in poorly constructed flies that don’t hold up well in the water. The stems were also sturdy enough to withstand multiple wraps without splitting, which is a common issue with lower-quality saddle feathers.
## **Versatility in Fly Tying**
One of the biggest advantages of the **Kylebooker Lot 97** feathers is their versatility. They work exceptionally well for:
– **Dry flies** (such as Elk Hair Caddis or Adams)
– **Streamers** (like Woolly Buggers or Zonkers)
– **Nymphs** (for tails or wing cases)
The length of the feathers allows for multiple uses from a single piece, reducing waste. Additionally, the slight iridescence in the dye adds a subtle flash that can attract fish in different light conditions.
## **Comparison with Other Brands**
To assess the true value of these feathers, I compared them with similar products from well-known brands like **Whiting Farms** and **Metz**. While Whiting Farms offers premium-grade feathers, they come at a significantly higher price. The **Kylebooker Lot 97** provides a comparable quality at a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent budget-friendly alternative.
Metz feathers, while durable, sometimes lack consistency in dye quality. In contrast, the Kylebooker feathers had a uniform color distribution, which is important when tying multiple flies that need to match.
## **Durability and Longevity**
A major concern with dyed feathers is whether the color will bleed when wet. I tested these feathers by soaking them in water for several hours, and to my relief, there was no noticeable fading or bleeding. This means flies tied with these feathers will maintain their appearance even after prolonged use.
The fibers also held up well against abrasion, which is critical when fishing in rocky streams or heavy currents.
## **Price and Quantity**
The **Kylebooker Lot 97** is sold in bulk, typically in packs of 50 to 100 feathers, depending on the seller. Given the reasonable pricing, this makes them an economical choice for both beginners and experienced fly tiers who go through materials quickly.
## **Potential Drawbacks**
No product is perfect, and there are a couple of minor issues to consider:
1. **Slight Variation in Size** – While most feathers are uniform, a few may be shorter or thinner than expected. However, this is common in bulk purchases and doesn’t significantly impact usability.
2. **Limited Natural Colors** – Since these feathers are dyed, anglers looking for natural undyed options may need to look elsewhere.
## **Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?**
After thorough testing, I can confidently say that the **Kylebooker Lot 97, Dyed Gray Grey India Rooster Saddle Feathers** offer excellent value for money. They are durable, versatile, and competitively priced compared to premium brands. Whether you’re tying flies for trout, bass, or saltwater species, these feathers perform admirably.
For fly tiers and jewelry makers on a budget who still want reliable quality, this product is a smart choice. I highly recommend giving them a try—you might find yourself stocking up on multiple packs!
Would you like recommendations on specific fly patterns that work best with these feathers? Let me know in the comments!
**Tight lines and happy tying!** 🎣