Ewing Hackle – Rooster Cape – Grizzly / Orange
# **Kylebooker Ewing Hackle – Rooster Cape – Grizzly / Orange: 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. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Ewing Hackle – Rooster Cape in Grizzly/Orange**, and I wanted to evaluate its performance, durability, and overall value for money. After extensive testing, here’s my detailed review.
## **Overview of the Product**
The **Kylebooker Ewing Hackle** is a premium rooster cape designed for fly tying. The **Grizzly/Orange** variant offers a striking color combination that works exceptionally well for attractor patterns, nymphs, and dry flies. The feathers are hand-selected for consistency in size, texture, and barb length, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced tiers.
## **Quality and Durability**
One of the first things I noticed was the **exceptional feather quality**. The hackles are stiff yet flexible, which is crucial for creating durable dry flies that float well. The **Grizzly/Orange** coloration is vibrant and consistent across the cape, ensuring uniformity in finished flies.
Unlike some budget capes that have weak stems or inconsistent barb lengths, the **Ewing Hackle** maintains a high standard. The feathers hold up well to repeated handling, and the natural oils help repel water, extending the lifespan of tied flies.
## **Versatility in Fly Tying**
This cape excels in versatility. The **Grizzly/Orange** blend is perfect for:
– **Dry flies** (Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Stimulators)
– **Nymphs** (Pheasant Tail variants, Hare’s Ear)
– **Streamers** (Woolly Buggers, Zonkers)
The **medium-to-fine barb structure** allows for precise wraps, and the feather stems are strong enough to prevent breakage during tying. Whether I’m working on size #12 or #18 flies, the cape provides the right feather size without excessive waste.
## **Price vs. Performance: Is It a Good Value?**
At first glance, the **Kylebooker Ewing Hackle** may seem pricier than generic rooster capes. However, considering the **feather density, color consistency, and durability**, it offers excellent **long-term value**. Cheaper alternatives often require discarding subpar feathers, whereas this cape maximizes usable material per dollar spent.
Additionally, the **Grizzly/Orange** variant is unique—many standard capes don’t offer this color blend, making it a worthwhile investment for anglers who want distinctive patterns.
## **Final Verdict**
If you’re serious about fly tying and want a **reliable, high-performance hackle cape**, the **Kylebooker Ewing Hackle in Grizzly/Orange** is a solid choice. While not the cheapest option, its **quality, consistency, and versatility** justify the price. For those who tie frequently, this cape will save money in the long run by reducing waste and producing better flies.
**Rating: 4.8/5** (Highly recommended for intermediate to advanced tiers; beginners may prefer a slightly cheaper option for practice.)
Would I buy it again? **Absolutely.** It’s now a staple in my fly-tying kit.