Lot 154 , Natural Hen Back Saddle Soft Hackle Feathers for Fly Tying
Joel Wakefield 
**Kylebooker Lot 154 Natural Hen Back Saddle Soft Hackle Feathers for Fly Tying: A Comprehensive Review on Value for Money**
For fly-tying enthusiasts, selecting high-quality materials is crucial to crafting effective and durable flies. Among the myriad options available, **Kylebooker Lot 154 Natural Hen Back Saddle Soft Hackle Feathers** has garnered attention for its affordability and versatility. But does it truly offer good value for money? Let’s delve into its features, performance, and overall cost-effectiveness.
### **1. Quality of the Feathers**
The **Kylebooker Lot 154** features natural hen back saddle feathers, which are prized for their softness and flexibility—key traits for creating lifelike soft hackle flies. Unlike stiffer rooster feathers, hen feathers provide a more subtle movement in the water, mimicking insects more realistically.
– **Texture & Durability**: These feathers are soft yet resilient, making them easy to wrap around hooks without breaking.
– **Natural Colors**: The lot includes earthy tones (browns, tans, and olives), ideal for imitating mayflies, caddis, and midges.
– **Consistency**: While not as uniform as premium-grade feathers, the variation in size and color can be advantageous for different fly patterns.
### **2. Quantity vs. Price**
One of the standout aspects of this product is its **cost-efficiency**. A single lot typically contains **50–100 usable feathers**, depending on size preferences. Compared to high-end brands like Whiting or Metz, which charge significantly more for smaller quantities, Kylebooker’s offering is a budget-friendly alternative.
– **Pros**: Affordable for beginners or bulk users; sufficient for dozens of flies.
– **Cons**: May include some less desirable feathers (broken or overly short), but this is common in mid-range packs.
### **3. Performance in Fly Tying**
These feathers excel in **wet flies and emergers**, where a soft, pulsating action is needed. Their moderate barb length makes them suitable for sizes #12–#18 hooks.
– **Ease of Use**: The feathers are easy to handle, even for novice tyers.
– **Versatility**: Can be used for collars, throats, or full hackle wraps.
However, if you’re tying ultra-small flies (#20 and below), you might find some feathers too bulky.
### **4. Comparisons to Alternatives**
– **Whiting Farms**: Superior uniformity and premium genetics but 3–4x the price.
– **Metz**: Slightly better consistency but less cost-effective for bulk tying.
– **Generic Craft Feathers**: Cheaper but often lack the quality for effective fly tying.
**Kylebooker strikes a balance**, offering decent quality at a fraction of the cost of top-tier brands.
### **5. Verdict: Is It Worth It?**
For **budget-conscious tyers** or those needing bulk materials for streamers and wet flies, **Kylebooker Lot 154 is an excellent choice**. While it may not match the perfection of premium feathers, its **price-to-performance ratio** is hard to beat.
**Final Rating**: 4/5 (Great for the price, minor inconsistencies expected).
If you prioritize affordability without sacrificing functionality, this product is a smart addition to your fly-tying kit. Tight lines!