DEER HAIR, tanned, fly tying material approx 12” x 15”
**Is Kylebooker DEER HAIR, Tanned, Fly Tying Material (Approx 12” x 15”) Worth the Money?**
As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials that enhance my fly-tying experience. Recently, I came across **Kylebooker DEER HAIR**, a tanned deer hide marketed as fly-tying material, measuring approximately **12” x 15”**. But the big question is: **Does it offer good value for money?** After thorough research and hands-on testing, here’s my detailed review.
### **Quality of the Material**
The first thing I noticed about the **Kylebooker DEER HAIR** is its **consistent texture and natural tanning process**. Unlike some bleached or overly processed deer hair, this product retains its natural oils, making it easier to work with when spinning or stacking hair for bass bugs, dry flies, or streamers. The **hair length varies slightly**, which is typical for natural hides, but the overall density is excellent—ideal for creating buoyant flies.
The **tanning process** ensures the hide remains supple without being too stiff, allowing for smooth clipping and trimming. Compared to cheaper alternatives, this deer hair doesn’t shed excessively, which is a common frustration among fly tiers.
### **Size and Usability**
The advertised dimensions (**12” x 15”**) provide a **generous amount of material** for multiple flies. Given that most deer hair flies only require small clumps, this single piece can last for dozens, if not hundreds, of ties. The size is comparable to premium brands like **Wapsi or Hareline**, but often at a slightly lower price point.
One advantage of this product is that it comes **untrimmed**, meaning you can cut sections according to your needs—whether you prefer longer hair for big poppers or shorter fibers for delicate dry flies.
### **Price vs. Competitors**
When assessing **value for money**, the **Kylebooker DEER HAIR** holds up well against competitors. Here’s a quick comparison:
– **Kylebooker DEER HAIR (~$15-$20 per hide, depending on retailer)**
– **Wapsi Premium Deer Hair (~$20-$25 per hide)**
– **Hareline Natural Deer Hair (~$18-$22 per hide)**
While not the cheapest option on the market, the **Kylebooker version offers a solid balance between affordability and quality**. Cheaper alternatives often have inconsistent hair density or excessive shedding, leading to wasted material and frustration.
### **Performance in Fly Tying**
In practical use, this deer hair performs exceptionally well for:
– **Bass bugs & poppers** – The hollow hair provides excellent floatation.
– **Dry flies** – The finer fibers work well for smaller patterns.
– **Streamers** – Good for creating bulk without adding too much weight.
I’ve tied **Chernobyl Ants, Muddler Minnows, and Dahlberg Divers** with this material, and the results were consistently good. The hair spins easily, and the natural taper helps in creating smooth, durable flies.
### **Potential Drawbacks**
No product is perfect, and there are a few minor issues:
1. **Some inconsistency in hair length** – Not all patches are uniform, but this is typical for natural hides.
2. **Occasional thin spots** – A small percentage of hides may have less dense areas, but most are well-packed.
3. **Not pre-sorted** – Unlike some high-end brands, you’ll need to sort the hair yourself.
### **Final Verdict: Good Value for Money?**
**Yes!** If you’re looking for **reliable, high-quality deer hair at a reasonable price**, the **Kylebooker DEER HAIR** is a solid choice. While it may not be the absolute cheapest option, the **consistent quality, good density, and usable size** make it a **great value for fly tiers**.
For **beginners**, it’s an excellent way to practice spinning and stacking without breaking the bank. For **experienced tiers**, it provides enough quality to justify the cost over cheaper, lower-grade alternatives.
If you’re in the market for deer hair fly-tying material, the **Kylebooker DEER HAIR, tanned, approx 12” x 15”** is definitely worth considering. **Happy tying and tight lines!** 🎣