Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle (7 pieces)
Paul George 
# **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle: Is It Worth the Money?**
As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality fly-tying materials that offer both performance and value. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle**, a product that has been gaining attention among fly tiers. But is it truly a cost-effective option compared to other well-known brands like Whiting or Metz? In this review, I’ll break down its quality, durability, and overall value to help fellow anglers decide whether it’s worth adding to their fly-tying arsenal.
## **What Is Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle?**
Strung saddle hackle is a popular material used in fly tying, particularly for dry flies, streamers, and nymphs. The feathers are long, flexible, and ideal for creating durable, lifelike flies. Traditionally, premium hackle comes from American or European suppliers, but Chinese hackle has emerged as a more affordable alternative.
The **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle** is marketed as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise too much on quality. But how does it really perform?
## **Quality and Appearance**
Upon first inspection, the feathers are decently uniform in length and color. The hackle comes in various natural shades, including grizzly, brown, and dun, which are essential for imitating different insect species. However, compared to high-end brands like Whiting, the **Kylebooker Chinese hackle** has slightly stiffer barbs, which can be a drawback when tying delicate dry flies that require ultra-soft fibers for better floatation.
That said, for streamers and nymphs, the stiffness is less of an issue and may even provide better durability. The feather stems are reasonably strong, meaning they won’t break easily during tying.
## **Durability and Performance**
One of the biggest concerns with budget hackle is whether it will hold up after multiple casts. In my tests, flies tied with **Kylebooker Chinese saddle hackle** performed well in moderate fishing conditions. The feathers didn’t fray excessively, and the barbs stayed intact even after catching a few fish.
However, when compared to premium hackle, the Chinese variant tends to absorb water slightly faster, which can affect the buoyancy of dry flies. A good floatant helps mitigate this issue, but it’s something to keep in mind if you primarily fish dry flies in fast-moving water.
## **Price Comparison**
The biggest selling point of the **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle** is its affordability. A full saddle typically costs **30-50% less** than a Whiting or Metz saddle of similar size. For fly tiers on a budget or those who tie in bulk (such as commercial tiers), this makes it an attractive option.
That said, if you’re tying competition-grade dry flies or need ultra-fine hackle for small mayfly patterns, investing in a premium saddle might still be the better choice. But for general-purpose tying—especially for streamers, wet flies, and nymphs—the Chinese hackle offers excellent value.
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?**
**Pros:**
✔ Affordable compared to premium brands
✔ Good for streamers, nymphs, and wet flies
✔ Decent durability for the price
✔ Available in multiple useful colors
**Cons:**
✖ Stiffer than high-end dry fly hackle
✖ Absorbs water faster, affecting dry fly performance
✖ Slightly less uniform in barb density
**Conclusion:**
If you’re a beginner or an intermediate fly tier looking for a cost-effective hackle that performs well for most fishing scenarios, the **Kylebooker Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle** is a solid choice. While it may not match the ultra-premium quality of Whiting or Metz, it delivers **good performance at a fraction of the cost**, making it a worthwhile addition to any angler’s fly-tying materials.
For those who specialize in delicate dry fly patterns, it might be worth saving up for a higher-end saddle. But for everyday use, this Chinese hackle is definitely a **great budget-friendly option**.
Would I buy it again? **Yes, especially for bulk tying and streamer patterns.**
Happy fishing and tight lines! 🎣