# **Kylebooker Lot 36, Dyed Gold India Rooster Saddle Feathers for Fly Tying Jewelry – A Comprehensive Review on Value for Money**
As an avid fly fisherman and fly-tying enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality materials that offer both durability and aesthetic appeal. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Lot 36, Dyed Gold India Rooster Saddle Feathers**, marketed for fly tying and jewelry making. After thorough testing and comparison with other similar products, I am ready to share my insights on whether this product delivers good value for money.
## **Product Overview**
The **Kylebooker Lot 36** consists of dyed gold rooster saddle feathers sourced from India. These feathers are known for their vibrant color, flexibility, and suitability for various fly patterns, including streamers, nymphs, and dry flies. Additionally, their lustrous appearance makes them a popular choice for jewelry makers.
### **Key Features:**
– **Material:** High-quality rooster saddle feathers
– **Color:** Rich, dyed gold with consistent hue
– **Quantity:** 36 feathers per lot
– **Versatility:** Suitable for fly tying and jewelry crafting
– **Origin:** India (known for premium poultry feathers)
## **Performance in Fly Tying**
### **1. Quality & Durability**
The feathers exhibit excellent structural integrity, with minimal breakage during handling. Unlike some cheaper alternatives, these feathers maintain their shape well when wrapped around hooks, making them ideal for intricate patterns like the **Royal Wulff** or **Zonker streamers**.
### **2. Color Retention**
One of the biggest concerns with dyed feathers is color bleeding when wet. However, after multiple tests in both freshwater and saltwater conditions, the **Kylebooker feathers** showed minimal fading, proving their dye quality is superior to budget brands.
### **3. Flexibility & Ease of Use**
The barbs on these feathers are soft yet sturdy, allowing for smooth tying without excessive fraying. This makes them particularly useful for creating **soft hackles** and **wing cases** on nymphs.
## **Comparison with Competing Brands**
To assess the **cost-effectiveness** of this product, I compared it with similar offerings from **Whiting Farms, Hareline Dubbin, and Metz**.
| **Brand** | **Price per Feather** | **Color Retention** | **Feather Strength** |
|———–|———————-|———————|———————-|
| **Kylebooker** | $0.50 – $0.75 | Excellent | High |
| **Whiting Farms** | $1.00 – $1.50 | Superior | Very High |
| **Hareline Dubbin** | $0.40 – $0.60 | Good | Moderate |
| **Metz** | $0.80 – $1.20 | Very Good | High |
While **Whiting Farms** offers premium genetics and slightly better durability, the **Kylebooker feathers** provide **90% of the quality at nearly half the price**, making them an excellent mid-range option.
## **Potential Drawbacks**
– **Slight Inconsistency in Size:** Some feathers vary slightly in length, which may require minor trimming.
– **Limited Natural Colors:** Since these are dyed, they may not appeal to purists who prefer undyed feathers.
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Money?**
For fly tyers and jewelry makers looking for **affordable yet high-performance feathers**, the **Kylebooker Lot 36** is a solid investment. While not the absolute best on the market, it strikes a **perfect balance between cost and quality**, making it a **great value-for-money option** for both beginners and experienced tiers.
If you prioritize **durability and color brilliance** without breaking the bank, this product is **highly recommended**. However, if you demand **absolute top-tier genetics**, you might consider **Whiting Farms**—though at a significantly higher price.
### **Rating: 4.5/5**
✅ **Pros:** Affordable, vibrant color, strong barbs, versatile
❌ **Cons:** Minor size variation, dyed (not natural)
For hobbyists and professionals alike, the **Kylebooker Lot 36** is a **smart buy** that won’t disappoint. Happy tying! 🎣