# **Kylebooker Sideling Hill Hackle – Rooster Saddle – Brown – Grade 2: Is It Worth the Money?**
As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials that enhance my tying experience without breaking the bank. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Sideling Hill Hackle – Rooster Saddle in Brown (Grade 2)** and decided to evaluate its performance, durability, and overall value for money. After extensive testing, here’s my detailed review.
## **Overview of the Kylebooker Sideling Hill Hackle**
The **Sideling Hill Hackle** is a premium rooster saddle designed for fly tyers who seek reliable, high-grade feathers for various patterns. The **Grade 2** classification indicates that it’s a mid-tier option—not the absolute top quality, but still excellent for most tying needs. The **brown color** is versatile, making it suitable for nymphs, dry flies, and streamers.
### **Key Features:**
– **Natural Brown Feathers:** Ideal for imitating mayflies, caddis, and other common insects.
– **Grade 2 Quality:** A balance between affordability and performance.
– **Long, Sturdy Fibers:** Good for both dry flies (if properly prepped) and wet flies.
– **Ethically Sourced:** Kylebooker emphasizes sustainable farming practices.
## **Performance in Fly Tying**
### **Dry Flies**
While **Grade 1** hackle is typically preferred for dry flies due to its superior stiffness and barb density, the **Grade 2** version holds up surprisingly well. The fibers are slightly softer, but with proper floatant application, they still produce effective dry flies like **Elk Hair Caddis** or **Adams**.
### **Nymphs & Wet Flies**
This is where the **Sideling Hill Hackle excels**. The longer, more flexible fibers are perfect for soft hackle patterns like **Pheasant Tail Nymphs** or **Hare’s Ear**. The natural brown shade blends seamlessly into most aquatic environments.
### **Streamers & Buggers**
For larger patterns, such as **Woolly Buggers**, the saddle hackle provides excellent movement in the water. The feathers are durable enough to withstand multiple casts without excessive fraying.
## **Durability & Longevity**
One of the biggest concerns with mid-grade hackle is feather breakage. However, the **Kylebooker saddle** holds up well under tension. The stems are pliable yet strong, reducing waste during tying. With proper storage (kept dry and away from pests), this hackle should last for dozens, if not hundreds, of flies.
## **Price vs. Value**
Compared to **Whiting Farms or Metz** saddles, the **Kylebooker Grade 2** is significantly more affordable while still delivering reliable performance. If you’re a beginner or an intermediate tyer who doesn’t need competition-grade feathers, this is an excellent choice. Even advanced tyers will appreciate its versatility for non-dry-fly applications.
### **Pros:**
✔ Affordable for the quality
✔ Excellent for nymphs and wet flies
✔ Good feather length and flexibility
✔ Ethical sourcing
### **Cons:**
✖ Not the stiffest option for dry flies
✖ Slightly inconsistent barb density (expected in Grade 2)
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?**
If you’re looking for a **cost-effective, versatile rooster saddle** that performs well across multiple fly patterns, the **Kylebooker Sideling Hill Hackle (Brown, Grade 2)** is a solid investment. While it may not replace premium dry-fly hackle, it’s an excellent supplementary material for nymphs, streamers, and softer dry flies.
For the price, durability, and tying performance, I’d rate it **4.5 out of 5 stars**—making it a **great value** for most fly fishermen.
Would I buy it again? **Absolutely.** It’s a reliable, budget-friendly option that deserves a spot in any fly tyer’s materials kit.
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**Have you tried the Kylebooker Sideling Hill Hackle? Share your thoughts in the comments!** 🎣