**Is the Kylebooker 24 HURRICANE LIVING EYES 3D Soft Molded 3/16″ Eyes Fly Tying Lures Worth the Money?**
As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable fly-tying materials. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker 24 HURRICANE LIVING EYES 3D Soft Molded 3/16″ Eyes Fly Tying Lures** and decided to test their performance and value for money. After several fishing trips and fly-tying experiments, here’s my detailed review.
### **First Impressions & Build Quality**
The first thing that caught my attention was the **3D soft-molded design** of these eyes. Unlike flat or painted eyes, these have a realistic, slightly raised texture that mimics the natural appearance of fish eyes. The **3/16″ size** is versatile, suitable for small to medium-sized flies, making them ideal for trout, bass, and panfish patterns.
The material feels durable yet flexible, ensuring they don’t crack or peel easily when bent during fly assembly. The adhesive backing is strong, but I still recommend adding a drop of super glue for extra security, especially in fast-moving water.
### **Performance on the Water**
The **”Living Eyes” effect** truly stands out underwater. The reflective coating and 3D shape create a lifelike shimmer, enhancing the fly’s attractiveness to predatory fish. I tested these eyes on woolly buggers, streamers, and poppers, and the results were impressive.
– **Trout Fishing**: In clear streams, the eyes added just enough flash to trigger strikes without spooking wary fish.
– **Bass Fishing**: When tied on Clouser Minnows, the eyes improved visibility in murky water, leading to more aggressive hits.
– **Saltwater Use**: Though not marketed for saltwater, I tried them on small crab flies, and they held up well against corrosion after rinsing.
### **Price & Value**
A pack of **24 pairs** is priced competitively, usually under $10, depending on the retailer. Compared to similar 3D eyes from premium brands, the Kylebooker version offers **comparable quality at a lower cost**. For fly tiers who go through materials quickly, this is a budget-friendly option without sacrificing realism.
### **Potential Drawbacks**
– **Limited Size Options**: The 3/16″ size works well for many patterns, but larger eyes would be useful for bigger flies like pike streamers.
– **Adhesive Strength**: While decent, the glue isn’t as strong as some high-end brands, so reinforcing with glue is advisable.
### **Final Verdict**
The **Kylebooker 24 HURRICANE LIVING EYES** deliver excellent value for money. Their **realistic 3D effect, durability, and affordability** make them a solid choice for both beginners and experienced fly tiers. If you’re looking to upgrade your fly patterns without overspending, these eyes are definitely worth adding to your tying kit.
**Rating: 4.5/5** (Docked half a point for the adhesive, but overall a fantastic product!)
Would I buy them again? Absolutely—they’ve become a staple in my fly-tying supplies. Tight lines!
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