# **Kylebooker Hareline Dubbin – Badger Saddle Hackle 5-7″: A Great Value for Fly Tiers?**
When it comes to fly tying, having high-quality materials is essential for creating effective and durable flies. One of the key components in many fly patterns is saddle hackle, and the **Kylebooker Hareline Dubbin – Badger Saddle Hackle (5-7″)** is a product that has gained attention among fly tiers. But is it a good value for the price? In this review, we’ll examine its quality, versatility, and overall cost-effectiveness to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your fly-tying arsenal.
## **Quality and Appearance**
The **Hareline Dubbin Badger Saddle Hackle** is known for its natural, high-grade feathers. The badger coloration—a mix of black and white with subtle barring—makes it ideal for a variety of fly patterns, including dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. The feathers are typically soft yet durable, allowing for smooth wraps around the hook shank without excessive breakage.
One of the standout features of this product is the **consistent feather length (5-7 inches)**, which ensures that tiers have enough material for multiple flies. The barb density is also well-balanced, providing good movement in the water while maintaining structural integrity.
## **Versatility in Fly Patterns**
This saddle hackle is highly versatile, making it a favorite among fly tiers who want a single material that can be used across different fly types. Here are some common applications:
– **Dry Flies**: The stiff yet flexible barbs make it suitable for floating patterns like Adams or Elk Hair Caddis.
– **Wet Flies & Nymphs**: The hackle can be used as a collar or tail material for flies such as the Woolly Bugger or Pheasant Tail Nymph.
– **Streamers**: The longer feathers can be incorporated into streamer patterns to add lifelike movement.
Because of its neutral color scheme, it blends well with other materials, allowing for creative customization.
## **Price vs. Performance: Is It Worth It?**
The **Kylebooker Hareline Dubbin Badger Saddle Hackle** is competitively priced compared to other premium saddle hackles on the market. While it may not be the absolute cheapest option, the **quality-to-price ratio is strong**, especially considering the feather length and durability.
When compared to Whiting or Metz saddles, which are often more expensive, this product holds its own in terms of usability. However, if you’re looking for ultra-stiff hackle for highly technical dry flies, you might prefer a Whiting variant. That said, for general tying purposes, this hackle performs admirably.
## **Potential Drawbacks**
No product is perfect, and there are a few minor considerations:
– **Variability in Feather Density**: Some users report slight inconsistencies in barb density, though this is common in natural materials.
– **Limited Color Options**: While badger is a classic and useful color, those seeking more vibrant or specialized hues may need to look elsewhere.
## **Final Verdict: A Solid Investment for Fly Tiers**
Overall, the **Kylebooker Hareline Dubbin – Badger Saddle Hackle (5-7″)** offers **excellent value** for both beginner and intermediate fly tiers. Its durability, versatility, and reasonable price make it a worthwhile addition to any fly-tying kit. While it may not replace premium-grade hackles for specialized applications, it performs exceptionally well for a wide range of patterns.
If you’re looking for a **cost-effective, high-quality saddle hackle** that can handle multiple fly types, this product is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re tying for trout, bass, or panfish, the Badger Saddle Hackle from Hareline Dubbin delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
**Rating: 4.5/5** – A great balance of quality and affordability for most fly-tying needs.