fly tying basics

Disco Gold Flashabou, .37mm, 11-1/2" long, Fly Tying, Lure, Jig, Tinsel, Flash

Disco Gold Flashabou, .37mm, 11-1/2" long, Fly Tying, Lure, Jig, Tinsel, Flash

# **Kylebooker Disco Gold Flashabou Review: Is It Worth the Hype?**

As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials that can enhance my fly tying and lure-making projects. Recently, I came across **Kylebooker Disco Gold Flashabou**—a shimmering tinsel material designed for fly tying, jigs, and lures. The product boasts a **0.37mm thickness and an impressive 11-1/2″ length**, making it a versatile option for various fishing applications. But does it live up to expectations in terms of **performance, durability, and value for money**? Let’s dive into a detailed review.

## **Product Overview**
The **Kylebooker Disco Gold Flashabou** is a premium flash material primarily used in fly tying to add **iridescent flash and movement** to flies, streamers, and jigs. Its **gold disco finish** mimics the natural shimmer of baitfish, making it highly attractive to predatory fish like trout, bass, and salmon. The **0.37mm thickness** ensures it’s neither too stiff nor too flimsy, striking a perfect balance for tying secure yet fluid patterns.

### **Key Features:**
– **Material:** Synthetic flashabou tinsel
– **Color:** Disco gold (highly reflective)
– **Thickness:** 0.37mm (ideal for medium-sized flies)
– **Length:** 11-1/2″ per strand (longer than many competitors)
– **Applications:** Fly tying, lure making, jig dressing, tinsel accents

## **Performance & Effectiveness**
### **1. Flash & Attraction**
One of the standout features of this product is its **exceptional reflectivity**. The **disco gold finish** creates a **realistic baitfish illusion**, especially in low-light conditions or murky water. When tied into streamers or jigs, the Flashabou produces a **pulsing, lifelike action** that triggers aggressive strikes.

### **2. Durability & Handling**
Unlike cheaper tinsel materials that fray or lose their shine quickly, the **Kylebooker Flashabou** holds up well against repeated strikes and water exposure. The **0.37mm thickness** makes it **easy to work with**—neither too delicate to handle nor too rigid to wrap smoothly around hooks.

### **3. Versatility in Fly Tying**
This material is excellent for:
– **Streamer wings** (e.g., Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows)
– **Jig skirts** (adds flash without adding bulk)
– **Tinsel ribbing** on nymphs and wet flies
– **Accent strands** in salmon and steelhead flies

## **Price & Value for Money**
When comparing similar flash materials, the **Kylebooker Disco Gold Flashabou** is competitively priced. Given its **longer strand length (11-1/2″)**, you get **more material per purchase** compared to standard 6-8″ flashabou options. This makes it a **cost-effective choice** for anglers who tie flies in bulk.

### **Pros:**
✔ High reflectivity for maximum fish attraction
✔ Durable and resistant to fraying
✔ Longer strands = better value
✔ Works well in both freshwater and saltwater

### **Cons:**
❌ Slightly more expensive than generic tinsel (but worth the upgrade)
❌ Disco gold may be too flashy for ultra-clear water (though this depends on fishing conditions)

## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?**
If you’re serious about **fly tying or lure making**, the **Kylebooker Disco Gold Flashabou** is a **fantastic investment**. Its **superior flash, durability, and length** make it a standout choice among synthetic tinsels. While it may cost a bit more than basic options, the **enhanced fish-attracting properties** justify the price.

For anglers targeting **trout, bass, pike, or saltwater species**, this material can **significantly improve lure effectiveness**. Whether you’re tying **streamers, jigs, or tinsel-bodied flies**, the **Disco Gold Flashabou** delivers **excellent performance and value**.

### **Rating: 4.8/5**
– **Flash & Attraction:** ★★★★★
– **Durability:** ★★★★☆
– **Ease of Use:** ★★★★★
– **Value for Money:** ★★★★☆

If you’re looking to **upgrade your fly-tying materials**, this product is **highly recommended**. Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣

Goose Biots (stripped goose) for Fly Tying – White

Goose Biots (stripped goose) for Fly Tying - White

# **Kylebooker Goose Biots (Stripped Goose) for Fly Tying – White: A Review on Value for Money**

As an avid fly tyer and fishing enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality materials that enhance my fly patterns without breaking the bank. Recently, I came across **Kylebooker Goose Biots (Stripped Goose) for Fly Tying – White**, and after extensive testing, I’m ready to share my thoughts on whether these biots offer good value for money.

## **What Are Goose Biots?**
Goose biots are the stiff, tapered fibers taken from the leading edge of a goose flight feather. They are widely used in fly tying to create legs, tails, and wing cases on nymphs, emergers, and dry flies. Their natural stiffness and slight curvature make them ideal for imitating insect appendages realistically.

The **Kylebooker Stripped Goose Biots** are pre-stripped, meaning the fluff and barbs have been removed, leaving only the strong, usable fibers. This saves time compared to processing raw biots yourself.

## **Quality and Performance**
### **1. Durability & Texture**
The white biots from Kylebooker are consistently smooth and strong, with minimal breakage during tying. Unlike some cheaper alternatives, these fibers hold up well when wrapped or split, making them suitable for intricate patterns like **Pheasant Tail Nymphs** or **RS2 Emergers**.

### **2. Consistency in Size**
One of the biggest frustrations with biots is inconsistent thickness, but Kylebooker’s selection is well-sorted. The fibers are uniform in length (approx. 1.5–2 inches) and diameter, ensuring predictable results when tying multiple flies.

### **3. Color & Dye Absorption**
The natural white color is perfect for custom dyeing. I tested them with **Rit Dye** and **Fly Tyer’s Dye**, and they absorbed color evenly without losing their sheen. This versatility makes them a great choice for anglers who prefer custom-colored flies.

## **Price vs. Competitors**
When comparing **Kylebooker Goose Biots** to other brands like **Whiting Farms** or **Hareline**, the price point is competitive. A typical pack contains **50–60 biots**, which is sufficient for tying dozens of flies. While some budget brands offer larger quantities, the quality is often inconsistent.

Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
– **Kylebooker Stripped Goose Biots (White)**: ~$5–$7 per pack
– **Whiting Farms Biots**: ~$8–$10 per pack
– **Generic Bulk Biots**: ~$3–$5 (but often lower quality)

Given the reliability and time saved from not having to strip the fibers yourself, the **Kylebooker biots offer solid value**.

## **Potential Drawbacks**
– **Limited Quantity**: If you tie flies in bulk, you may need multiple packs.
– **Availability**: They are not as widely stocked as Hareline or Whiting products, so online ordering may be necessary.

## **Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?**
For fly tyers who prioritize **quality, consistency, and ease of use**, the **Kylebooker Goose Biots (Stripped Goose) in White** are an excellent investment. While slightly pricier than generic bulk options, the superior texture and durability justify the cost. Additionally, their dye-friendly nature makes them a versatile choice for various fly patterns.

If you’re looking for a **reliable, mid-priced biot** that performs well in both freshwater and saltwater applications, this product is a strong contender. I highly recommend giving them a try—especially if you tie **mayfly nymphs, midges, or caddis imitations**.

**Rating: 4.5/5** (Excellent quality, minor deduction for limited pack size)

Would you like recommendations on specific fly patterns that work best with these biots? Let me know in the comments!

Happy tying and tight lines! 🎣