TUNGSTEN FLY TYING BEADS ANODIZED BLUE 4.0 MM 5／32＂ 100 COUNT
Steve Kerr 
# **Kylebooker TUNGSTEN FLY TYING BEADS ANODIZED BLUE 4.0 MM 5/32″ 100 COUNT – A Great Value for Fly Tiers?**
As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable tying materials. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Tungsten Fly Tying Beads in Anodized Blue (4.0 mm, 5/32″, 100-count)** and decided to test them out. After using them for several tying sessions, I’m ready to share my thoughts on whether these beads offer good value for money.
## **Quality and Durability**
One of the first things I noticed about these beads is their **solid tungsten construction**. Unlike cheaper brass or plastic beads, tungsten is denser, which means it sinks faster—a crucial feature for nymph patterns that need to get down quickly in fast-moving water. The anodized blue finish is vibrant and doesn’t chip easily, even after repeated use.
The **precision drilling** is another strong point. The holes are clean and uniform, making threading onto hooks effortless. I’ve used other brands where the holes were too tight or uneven, leading to frustration during tying. With Kylebooker’s beads, I didn’t encounter any such issues.
## **Performance on the Water**
Since tungsten is heavier than brass or glass, these beads significantly improve sink rates. I tied a few **Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Hare’s Ear patterns** with these beads and noticed an immediate difference in how quickly they reached the bottom. In fast currents, where getting deep quickly is essential, these beads performed exceptionally well.
The **anodized blue color** adds an attractive flash that can trigger strikes, especially in murky water or low-light conditions. While color preference can be subjective, I found that the blue worked well for imitating certain aquatic insects.
## **Price and Value**
At around **$15–$20 for a 100-count pack**, these beads are competitively priced compared to other tungsten options on the market. Considering that tungsten is more expensive than brass, getting 100 high-quality beads at this price is a solid deal. Some premium brands charge significantly more for the same quantity, making Kylebooker’s offering a **budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality**.
## **Potential Drawbacks**
While I’m mostly satisfied, there are a couple of minor downsides:
1. **Limited Size Variety** – The 4.0 mm size is great for medium-sized nymphs, but I wish Kylebooker offered more diameter options in the same pack.
2. **Color Fading Over Time** – While the anodizing is durable, prolonged exposure to rocks and debris can cause slight wear. However, this is common with most anodized beads.
## **Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?**
Absolutely. If you’re looking for **affordable, high-quality tungsten beads** that enhance sink rates and add a touch of flash to your flies, the **Kylebooker Tungsten Fly Tying Beads** are an excellent choice. They’re durable, well-made, and priced fairly compared to other brands.
For fly tiers who fish deep, fast water or simply want to upgrade from brass beads, this 100-count pack is a **great investment**. I’ll definitely be buying more in different colors and sizes for my tying bench.
**Rating: 4.5/5** (Highly recommended for performance and value!)
Would you try these beads? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Tight lines! 🎣