Hends Krystal Flash, Fly Tying Material
# **Kylebooker Hends Krystal Flash, Fly Tying Material: 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 **Kylebooker Hends Krystal Flash**, a synthetic material designed to add shimmer and movement to flies. But the big question is: **Does it offer good value for money?** After testing it extensively, here’s my detailed review.
## **What Is Krystal Flash?**
For those unfamiliar, **Krystal Flash** is a thin, iridescent synthetic fiber used in fly tying to imitate the flash of fish scales or insect wings. It’s commonly used in streamers, nymphs, and saltwater patterns to attract fish with its reflective properties. The **Kylebooker Hends** version promises durability, vibrant colors, and ease of use—but does it live up to expectations?
## **Quality & Performance**
### **1. Material Strength & Durability**
One of the biggest concerns with flash materials is fraying or breaking when tying or fishing. The **Kylebooker Hends Krystal Flash** holds up well under tension, resisting fraying better than some cheaper alternatives. I’ve tied multiple Clouser Minnows and Woolly Buggers with it, and even after aggressive retrieves, the flash strands remained intact.
### **2. Color & Reflectivity**
The iridescence of this material is excellent—it catches light beautifully underwater, mimicking the natural flash of baitfish. The color options are vibrant, with shades like **pearl, red, blue, and green** offering versatility for different fishing conditions. Compared to other brands, the reflective quality is on par with premium options like **Hareline Dubbin’s Krystal Flash**, but at a more budget-friendly price.
### **3. Ease of Use in Fly Tying**
The strands are thin enough to tie smoothly without bulk but strong enough to avoid splitting when wrapping. Whether used as an underbody flash or as a tailing material, it integrates well with other materials like bucktail or marabou. The only minor drawback is that it can be slightly slippery when applying head cement, so a quick touch of superglue helps secure it.
## **Price & Value Comparison**
When evaluating **cost-effectiveness**, the **Kylebooker Hends Krystal Flash** stands out. A standard pack contains enough material for dozens of flies, and the price is competitive compared to well-known brands like **Hareline or Wapsi**.
– **Hareline Krystal Flash**: ~$4–$6 per pack
– **Wapsi Flashabou**: ~$5–$7 per pack
– **Kylebooker Hends Krystal Flash**: ~$3–$5 per pack
Given the similar performance, this makes the **Kylebooker Hends version a great budget-friendly alternative** without sacrificing quality.
## **Potential Drawbacks**
No product is perfect, and here are a few minor issues I noticed:
– **Packaging**: Some users report that the strands can tangle if not stored properly.
– **Color Fastness**: While most colors hold up well, extremely bright hues (like neon pink) may fade slightly after prolonged UV exposure.
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?**
If you’re a fly tyer looking for **affordable, durable, and highly reflective flash material**, the **Kylebooker Hends Krystal Flash** is an excellent choice. It performs nearly as well as premium brands but at a lower cost, making it a **high-value option** for both beginners and experienced tiers.
For trout, bass, or saltwater flies, this material adds the right amount of flash without being overly gaudy. I’d highly recommend giving it a try—especially if you tie in bulk and want to save money without compromising on quality.
**Rating: 4.5/5** (Great value, minor storage quirks, but overall a fantastic buy!)
Would you like recommendations on specific fly patterns that work best with this material? Let me know in the comments!
Happy tying and tight lines! 🎣