Rooster RINGNECK PHEASANT SKIN No Wings No Tail FLY TYING/Fishing 2nd Quality
# **Kylebooker Rooster RINGNECK PHEASANT SKIN No Wings No Tail FLY TYING/Fishing 2nd Quality: Is It Worth the Price?**
As an avid fly-tying enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable materials to enhance my fishing experience. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Rooster Ringneck Pheasant Skin (No Wings, No Tail, 2nd Quality)** and decided to evaluate its value for money. After thorough testing, here’s my detailed review to help fellow anglers make an informed decision.
## **Product Overview**
This pheasant skin is marketed as a **second-quality** material, meaning it may have minor imperfections but remains highly functional for fly-tying. Unlike premium-grade skins, this version excludes wings and tail feathers, making it a budget-friendly option for anglers who primarily need body feathers for tying nymphs, soft hackles, and other fly patterns.
### **Key Features:**
– **Material:** Natural Ringneck Pheasant skin
– **Grade:** 2nd Quality (minor flaws, but still usable)
– **Exclusions:** No wings or tail feathers included
– **Best For:** Fly-tying soft hackles, nymph collars, and other feather-based patterns
## **Performance & Usability**
### **Pros:**
1. **Cost-Effective Alternative**
– Compared to first-quality pheasant skins, this product is significantly cheaper while still providing ample usable feathers. If you don’t need wings or tail sections, this is a smart buy.
2. **Good Feather Density**
– Despite being 2nd quality, the skin retains a decent number of hackle feathers suitable for tying. The natural barring on the feathers adds realism to flies, making them more attractive to fish.
3. **Versatile for Various Fly Patterns**
– The feathers work well for:
– Soft hackle flies (e.g., Partridge & Orange, Pheasant Tail Nymph)
– Collars on wet flies
– Legs on hopper and caddis patterns
4. **Durable & Easy to Work With**
– The skin holds up well when plucking feathers, and the fibers remain intact when wrapped around hooks.
### **Cons:**
1. **Limited Feather Selection**
– Since wings and tails are excluded, those looking for long, stiff feathers for streamers or wing cases may need to purchase additional materials.
2. **Minor Imperfections**
– Being 2nd quality, some feathers may have slight discoloration or uneven barring, but this rarely affects functionality.
## **Price & Value for Money**
When compared to premium-grade pheasant skins, this product offers **excellent value** for fly-tiers on a budget. While it lacks some premium features, the core material is still highly functional, making it a great choice for beginners or those who prioritize affordability over perfection.
## **Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?**
**Yes, if:**
✔ You need affordable pheasant feathers for soft hackles and nymphs.
✔ You don’t require wings or tail sections.
✔ Minor cosmetic flaws don’t bother you.
**No, if:**
✖ You need high-grade feathers for competition-level flies.
✖ You require long tail or wing feathers for streamers.
### **Conclusion**
The **Kylebooker Rooster Ringneck Pheasant Skin (2nd Quality)** is a **solid budget-friendly option** for fly-tiers. While it may not match the perfection of premium skins, it delivers where it counts—providing usable, durable feathers at a fraction of the cost. If you’re looking to stock up on pheasant materials without breaking the bank, this is a worthwhile purchase.
**Rating: 4/5** (Great for the price, but limited by missing wing/tail sections)
Would I buy it again? **Absolutely**—especially for everyday fly-tying needs. Tight lines! 🎣