GORDON GRIFFITHS CHINESE COCK CAPES – FLY TYING MATERIAL (VARIOUS COLOURS)
Seth Wakefield 
# **Kylebooker GORDON GRIFFITHS CHINESE COCK CAPES – FLY TYING MATERIAL: A Cost-Effective Choice for Anglers?**
As a passionate fly fisherman, I am always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable materials to enhance my fly-tying experience. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker Gordon Griffiths Chinese Cock Capes**, marketed as a budget-friendly alternative to premium rooster capes used in fly tying. But does this product truly offer good value for money? In this review, I will evaluate its quality, durability, and overall cost-effectiveness to help fellow anglers make an informed decision.
## **Overview of the Product**
The **Kylebooker Gordon Griffiths Chinese Cock Capes** are designed as an economical substitute for more expensive genetic hackle, such as those from Whiting Farms or Metz. These capes are sourced from Chinese roosters and are primarily used for tying dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. The feathers are known for their natural colors and decent barb stiffness, making them suitable for various fly patterns.
## **Quality and Feather Characteristics**
One of the key factors in assessing fly-tying materials is the quality of the feathers. Here’s how the **Chinese Cock Capes** measure up:
– **Barb Stiffness**: While not as stiff as premium genetic hackle, the feathers are still usable for dry flies, especially when treated with floatant. They may not hold up as well in fast-moving water compared to Whiting hackle, but they perform decently in calmer conditions.
– **Feather Density**: The capes offer a good spread of feathers, though some patches may be sparser than others. This is common in budget-friendly options, but careful selection can still yield usable sections.
– **Color Variety**: The natural color range is impressive, with shades of brown, black, grizzly, and even some barred patterns. This makes them versatile for imitating different insect species.
## **Durability and Handling**
A major concern with cheaper hackle is whether the feathers break or fray easily. In my experience, the **Chinese Cock Capes** hold up reasonably well when handled with care. However, they are slightly more brittle than top-tier hackle, so extra caution is needed when wrapping them around hooks.
One advantage is that these capes are often sold with a generous amount of feathers, meaning even if some are damaged, there’s still plenty of usable material left.
## **Price Comparison: Is It Worth It?**
The biggest selling point of the **Kylebooker Gordon Griffiths Chinese Cock Capes** is their affordability. A high-end Whiting saddle can cost upwards of $80, whereas these capes are typically priced between $15 and $30, depending on size and quality.
For beginners or anglers tying flies in bulk, this is a significant cost saving. Even experienced tyers may find these capes useful for practice or when tying patterns where ultra-premium hackle isn’t necessary.
## **Final Verdict: Good Value for Budget-Conscious Fly Tyers**
If you’re looking for **high-end genetic hackle**, the **Chinese Cock Capes** won’t match that level of performance. However, for their price, they offer **solid value**—especially for casual fly tyers or those who don’t need ultra-stiff hackle for challenging conditions.
**Pros:**
✔ Affordable compared to premium brands
✔ Good color selection for natural fly patterns
✔ Decent feather density for the price
**Cons:**
✖ Feathers are less durable than top-tier hackle
✖ Some inconsistency in barb stiffness
### **Conclusion**
For anglers on a budget or those who tie flies in large quantities, the **Kylebooker Gordon Griffiths Chinese Cock Capes** are a **cost-effective choice**. While they may not replace premium hackle for expert dry-fly tying, they serve well for nymphs, wet flies, and even some dry flies with proper treatment. If you’re willing to compromise slightly on durability for a much lower price, these capes are worth considering.
Would I recommend them? **Yes, especially for beginners and intermediate fly tyers looking for an economical option.** However, if you demand the absolute best performance, investing in higher-end hackle might still be the better long-term choice.
Happy tying and tight lines! 🎣