# **How to Choose STRUNG SADDLE HACKLE – Hareline Fly Tying Rooster Feathers 5-7″ – 23 Colors NEW!**
When it comes to fly tying, few materials are as essential as high-quality saddle hackle. Whether you’re crafting dry flies, streamers, or nymphs, the right feather can make all the difference in presentation and durability. Hareline Dubbin’s **Strung Saddle Hackle – Rooster Feathers (5-7″)** is a top-tier choice for fly tyers, offering **23 vibrant colors** and excellent versatility. But how do you choose the best hackle for your needs? In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when selecting **Hareline’s Strung Saddle Hackle**.
## **Understanding Saddle Hackle vs. Other Feather Types**
Before diving into selection criteria, it’s important to recognize what makes **saddle hackle** unique:
– **Length & Flexibility:** Saddle hackles (5-7″) are longer than neck hackles, making them ideal for larger flies or multiple wraps.
– **Barb Density:** These feathers have a moderate barb density, balancing stiffness for dry flies and softness for wet flies.
– **Versatility:** Suitable for dry flies, wet flies, streamers, and even saltwater patterns.
Compared to **capes (neck hackle)**, which are stiffer and better for small dry flies, saddle hackle provides more material per feather, reducing waste and cost.
## **Key Factors When Choosing Hareline Strung Saddle Hackle**
### **1. Feather Length (5-7″)**
Hareline’s **5-7″ strung saddle hackle** is perfect for medium to large flies. The extra length allows for multiple wraps on streamers or extended tails on dry flies. If you tie mostly **size 6-14 flies**, this range is ideal.
### **2. Barb Stiffness & Quality**
High-quality rooster saddle hackle should have:
– **Stiff barbs** for dry flies (to support the fly on the water’s surface).
– **Slight taper** for smooth wraps without bulk.
– **Minimal webbing** (soft, fluffy sections near the base), which can absorb water and sink flies.
Hareline’s feathers are **premium grade**, ensuring consistent stiffness and minimal defects.
### **3. Color Selection (23 Options Available)**
With **23 colors**, Hareline offers options for every fishing scenario:
– **Natural Tones (Grizzly, Brown, Dun):** Perfect for imitating mayflies, caddis, and midges.
– **Bright Colors (Orange, Pink, Chartreuse):** Great for attractor patterns and saltwater flies.
– **Dyed Variants (Olive, Purple, Black):** Useful for matching specific hatches or adding contrast.
**Pro Tip:** If you’re unsure, start with **Grizzly, Brown, and White**—these cover most common fly patterns.
### **4. Packaging & Convenience (Strung vs. Loose)**
Hareline’s **strung hackle** comes bundled, making storage and selection easier than loose feathers. Each bundle is uniform in length, reducing prep time.
### **5. Value for Money**
Since saddle hackle provides more usable material per feather than capes, it’s a **cost-effective** choice for frequent tyers.
## **Best Fly Patterns for Hareline Strung Saddle Hackle**
Here are some top patterns where this hackle excels:
– **Dry Flies:** Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff
– **Streamers:** Woolly Bugger, Zonker, Clouser Minnow
– **Nymphs:** Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear
## **Final Thoughts**
Choosing the right **Strung Saddle Hackle** from Hareline comes down to **length, stiffness, color, and intended use**. With **23 colors** and premium-grade feathers, this product is a must-have for any serious fly tyer.
Whether you’re matching a hatch or experimenting with new patterns, **Hareline’s Strung Saddle Hackle** delivers **quality, consistency, and versatility**. Stock up on your favorite shades and elevate your fly tying game today!
**Tight lines and happy tying!** 🎣
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*Have you tried Hareline’s Strung Saddle Hackle? Share your favorite patterns in the comments!*