fly tying travel case

1 dozen (12) – CDC Loop Wing Emerger – Adams

# **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – CDC Loop Wing Emerger – Adams: Is It Worth the Price?**

As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable flies that can improve my catch rates. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker 1 Dozen (12) – CDC Loop Wing Emerger – Adams** and decided to evaluate its cost-effectiveness. After testing them on multiple fishing trips, here’s my detailed review on whether these flies offer good value for money.

## **Overview of the Fly**
The **CDC Loop Wing Emerger – Adams** is designed to imitate emerging mayflies, particularly in the Adams pattern, which is a staple in many fly boxes. The fly features:

– **CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers** – Known for their natural buoyancy and lifelike movement in water.
– **Loop wing design** – Enhances realism, mimicking the struggling motion of an emerging insect.
– **Adams coloration** – A versatile gray and brown pattern that works well in various water conditions.

Given that this set includes **12 flies**, it’s marketed as a cost-effective option for anglers who frequently lose flies or fish in challenging conditions.

## **Performance on the Water**
I tested these flies in both slow-moving streams and faster rivers, targeting trout in different stages of feeding. Here’s what I observed:

### **1. Buoyancy & Movement**
The CDC feathers performed exceptionally well, keeping the fly afloat longer than standard dry flies. The loop wing added a subtle but effective wiggle, which seemed to trigger more strikes, especially during mayfly hatches.

### **2. Durability**
One concern with CDC flies is their tendency to get waterlogged. However, these held up surprisingly well after multiple fish catches. A quick false cast or a dab of floatant revived them effectively.

### **3. Versatility**
The Adams pattern is a proven fish-catcher, and this emerger variant worked equally well in both clear and slightly murky waters. It fooled selective trout in slow pools and aggressive feeders in riffles.

## **Price vs. Quality Comparison**
To assess the **value for money**, I compared Kylebooker’s offering with similar flies from well-known brands like **Umpqua, Orvis, and Hareline**:

| Brand | Quantity | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|——–|————|—————-|—————-|
| **Kylebooker** | 12 flies | $12-$15 | CDC loop wing, durable ties |
| **Umpqua** | 12 flies | $18-$22 | Premium materials, hand-tied |
| **Orvis** | 12 flies | $20-$25 | High-end hooks, expert tying |

While Kylebooker’s flies may not have the same premium finish as Umpqua or Orvis, they perform nearly as well at a **lower cost per fly**. For budget-conscious anglers who go through flies quickly, this makes them a **solid mid-range option**.

## **Potential Drawbacks**
– **Hook sharpness**: Some hooks required a quick touch-up with a sharpener.
– **Consistency**: A few flies had slightly uneven wing placements, but this didn’t seem to affect performance.

## **Final Verdict: Good Value for Money**
If you’re looking for a **reliable, budget-friendly emerger pattern**, the **Kylebooker 1 Dozen CDC Loop Wing Emerger – Adams** is a great choice. While not as refined as premium brands, it delivers **90% of the performance at 60-70% of the cost**.

For anglers who fish frequently and lose flies to snags or aggressive fish, buying in bulk (12 flies) makes economic sense. I’d recommend these for **intermediate fly fishers** who want a balance between quality and affordability.

Would I buy them again? **Yes**—especially for stocking up before a big fishing trip where losing flies is inevitable.

**Rating: 4.2/5 (Great for the price!)**

Would you like recommendations on where to buy them at the best price? Let me know in the comments!

Happy fishing! 🎣