# **Kylebooker Hareline Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle: Is It Worth the Money?**
As an avid fly-tying enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials that offer both performance and value. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Hareline Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle**, a product that has sparked some debate among anglers regarding its cost-effectiveness. After testing it extensively, I’ve formed a detailed opinion on whether this hackle is worth the investment.
## **What Is the Kylebooker Hareline Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle?**
This product is a strung saddle hackle sourced from China, marketed under the Hareline brand. Saddle hackles are essential for tying various dry flies, streamers, and nymphs, prized for their long, flexible fibers and natural movement in the water. The Kylebooker variant is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to premium options like Whiting or Metz hackles.
## **Quality and Performance**
### **Pros:**
1. **Affordability** – Compared to premium American or European hackles, this Chinese saddle hackle is significantly cheaper, making it accessible for beginners or budget-conscious tiers.
2. **Decent Fiber Length** – The feathers provide reasonably long fibers, suitable for tying medium-sized flies (sizes 10-16).
3. **Variety of Colors** – Hareline offers this hackle in multiple natural and dyed shades, allowing for versatility in fly patterns.
4. **Good for Practice** – Since it’s more economical, it’s an excellent choice for practicing tying techniques without wasting expensive materials.
### **Cons:**
1. **Inconsistent Quality** – Some feathers have weak stems or uneven barb density, making them less reliable for precision tying.
2. **Not Ideal for Small Flies** – The fibers can be too stiff or thick for delicate dry flies (size 18 and smaller), where finer hackles are crucial.
3. **Durability Concerns** – A few users report that the feathers fray or break more easily than premium brands, reducing their lifespan.
## **Comparison to Premium Hackles**
If you’re used to **Whiting Farms** or **Metz** hackles, you’ll notice a difference in fiber softness and stem strength. Premium hackles offer superior consistency, allowing for better floatation and durability in fast-moving water. However, if you’re tying flies for casual fishing or warm-water species (like bass or panfish), the Kylebooker Hareline hackle performs adequately.
## **Final Verdict: Is It a Good Value?**
For **beginners or those on a tight budget**, this hackle is a reasonable choice. It won’t match the performance of high-end feathers, but it gets the job done for general fly-tying needs. If you’re a **serious dry-fly angler** targeting selective trout, investing in premium hackles might be a better long-term decision.
**Rating: 7/10** – A solid budget option with some trade-offs in quality.
Would I buy it again? For practice and bulk tying, yes. For competition-grade flies, probably not.
Would love to hear other anglers’ experiences with this product—feel free to share your thoughts! 🎣