Fly Tying Feathers, Biots, Herl, Rooster Neck, Hen Neck, Etc. Small Collection
Francis Haines 
# **Kylebooker Fly Tying Feathers, Biots, Herl, Rooster Neck, Hen Neck, Etc. Small Collection: Is It Worth the Money?**
As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable fly-tying materials. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Fly Tying Feathers, Biots, Herl, Rooster Neck, Hen Neck, Etc. Small Collection** and decided to evaluate its value for money. After thorough testing, here’s my detailed review.
## **What’s Included in the Collection?**
This small but diverse collection includes:
– **Rooster neck feathers** – Essential for dry fly hackles.
– **Hen neck feathers** – Great for softer, more lifelike wet flies.
– **Biots (goose or duck)** – Useful for tails and wing cases.
– **Herl (peacock or ostrich)** – Adds flash and movement to nymphs and streamers.
– **Assorted small feathers** – Good for tying smaller patterns.
The variety makes it a solid starter kit for beginners or a convenient refill for experienced tiers.
## **Quality Assessment**
### **Pros:**
1. **Good Feather Selection** – The rooster and hen necks are well-sized for most standard flies. The hackles are reasonably stiff, making them suitable for dry flies.
2. **Decent Biots & Herl** – The biots are straight and easy to work with, while the herl has a nice sheen, enhancing fly attractiveness.
3. **Affordable Price** – Compared to premium brands like Whiting or Metz, this collection is budget-friendly.
4. **Convenient Packaging** – The materials are neatly bundled, preventing tangles and damage.
### **Cons:**
1. **Inconsistent Feather Quality** – Some feathers have minor defects (split barbs or uneven stems), requiring extra trimming.
2. **Limited Quantity** – While good for small projects, frequent tiers may need additional packs sooner.
3. **No Specialty Feathers** – Missing CDC or marabou, which are common in advanced patterns.
## **Performance in Fly Tying**
I tied several patterns, including:
– **Elk Hair Caddis (using rooster hackle)** – The feathers held up well, providing good floatation.
– **Pheasant Tail Nymph (using biots and herl)** – The biots were easy to split, and the herl added a nice touch.
– **Woolly Bugger (with hen neck feathers)** – The softer fibers created a lifelike movement in the water.
Overall, the materials performed well, though I noticed slight variations in durability between individual feathers.
## **Value for Money?**
For **beginners or casual tiers**, this collection is a great entry point. It covers basic needs without a high investment. However, **serious fly tiers** might prefer higher-grade feathers for consistency.
### **Final Verdict: 7.5/10**
– **Budget-friendly** ✅
– **Good for standard patterns** ✅
– **Minor quality inconsistencies** ❌
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to stock up on essential fly-tying materials, the **Kylebooker Small Collection** is a reasonable choice. Just be prepared to sort through a few imperfect feathers. Tight lines! 🎣