# **Is Kylebooker Wapsi Beaver Dubbing Worth the Money? A Comprehensive Review**
As an avid fly tyer and fishing enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality materials that offer both performance and value. Recently, I came across **Kylebooker Wapsi Beaver Dubbing**, a product that has been generating some buzz in the fly-tying community. But is it really worth the investment? In this review, I’ll break down its features, performance, and overall value to help fellow anglers decide whether this dubbing should make its way into their fly-tying kits.
## **What Is Wapsi Beaver Dubbing?**
For those unfamiliar, **Wapsi Beaver Dubbing** is a natural fur-based material used primarily for tying nymphs, streamers, and other wet flies. Beaver fur is known for its excellent water absorption and lifelike movement underwater, making it a favorite among fly tyers who want their patterns to look as realistic as possible.
Kylebooker’s version of this dubbing is marketed as a premium option, promising superior texture, durability, and ease of use compared to cheaper alternatives. But does it live up to the hype?
## **Key Features of Kylebooker Wapsi Beaver Dubbing**
### **1. Natural Material with Great Texture**
One of the standout qualities of this dubbing is its **natural beaver fur composition**. Unlike synthetic blends, real beaver fur has a unique ability to trap air bubbles, giving flies a more natural appearance when submerged. The fibers are also slightly coarse, which helps them hold together better on the hook without excessive waxing.
### **2. Excellent Water Absorption**
A major advantage of beaver fur is its ability to absorb water quickly, helping flies sink faster—a crucial factor when fishing deep pools or fast-moving currents. In my tests, flies tied with Kylebooker’s dubbing sank noticeably quicker than those made with synthetic blends.
### **3. Durability & Longevity**
Cheap dubbing often frays or falls apart after a few fish, but I found that **Wapsi Beaver Dubbing holds up well**, even after multiple catches. The fibers remain intact, reducing the need for frequent fly repairs.
### **4. Wide Range of Colors**
Kylebooker offers this dubbing in a variety of shades, from natural browns and olives to brighter hues like orange and pink. This versatility makes it suitable for imitating different insect species or adding attractor patterns to your fly box.
## **Performance on the Water**
To truly assess its value, I tied several nymphs and streamers using this dubbing and tested them on my local trout stream. The results were impressive:
– **Natural Movement**: The fur fibers pulsate subtly in the water, mimicking the motion of real insect larvae.
– **Quick Sinking**: Flies reached the desired depth faster, which was especially helpful in deeper runs.
– **Fish Attraction**: I noticed more strikes compared to flies tied with lower-quality dubbing, likely due to the lifelike texture.
## **Price vs. Value**
Now, the big question: **Is Kylebooker Wapsi Beaver Dubbing worth the price?**
While it’s slightly more expensive than generic dubbing blends, the **performance and durability justify the cost**. A single package lasts a long time, and the improved catch rates make it a smart investment for serious fly tyers.
That said, if you’re a beginner or only tie flies occasionally, a cheaper synthetic option might suffice. But for those who prioritize quality and effectiveness, this dubbing is a solid choice.
## **Final Verdict**
**Kylebooker Wapsi Beaver Dubbing delivers excellent performance, durability, and realism**, making it a worthwhile addition to any fly tyer’s materials. While it’s not the cheapest option available, the **enhanced fishing results** make it a high-value product for dedicated anglers.
If you’re looking to upgrade your fly-tying game, this dubbing is definitely worth considering. Tight lines!