DR SLICK LARGE BRASS FLY TYING HAIR STACKER, SMOOTH ACTION & HEAVY – ITEM #HSL
# **Kylebooker DR SLICK LARGE BRASS FLY TYING HAIR STACKER, SMOOTH ACTION & HEAVY – ITEM #HSL: Is It Worth the Money?**
As an avid fly fisherman, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality tools that can improve my fly-tying efficiency. Recently, I came across the **Kylebooker DR SLICK LARGE BRASS FLY TYING HAIR STACKER (ITEM #HSL)** and decided to research its performance, durability, and overall value. After thorough testing and comparisons, here’s my detailed review to help fellow anglers determine whether this tool is worth the investment.
## **Overview of the DR SLICK HAIR STACKER**
The **DR SLICK LARGE BRASS HAIR STACKER** is designed to align and stack natural or synthetic hair materials evenly, ensuring a clean and professional finish for streamers, bucktail flies, and other hair-based patterns. Its key features include:
– **Heavy-duty brass construction** for durability
– **Smooth action** for effortless hair alignment
– **Large size** suitable for bulkier materials
– **Precision-cut edges** for clean stacking
## **Performance & Usability**
### **1. Build Quality & Durability**
One of the standout features of this hair stacker is its **solid brass construction**. Unlike cheaper plastic or thin-metal alternatives, brass provides excellent weight, ensuring stability while stacking hair. The heavy base prevents tipping, making it easier to work with longer or thicker hair bundles.
### **2. Smooth Action**
The **”smooth action”** claim holds true—the tool’s interior is polished to reduce friction, allowing hair to slide in and out effortlessly. This is especially useful when working with deer hair, bucktail, or synthetic fibers, as it minimizes tangling and ensures a uniform stack.
### **3. Size & Capacity**
The **large size** of this stacker is ideal for tying bigger flies, such as pike streamers or saltwater patterns. It can handle thicker hair clumps without overcrowding, a common issue with smaller stackers. However, if you primarily tie smaller dry flies, a medium or small stacker might be more suitable.
## **Comparison with Competing Models**
To assess its value, I compared the **DR SLICK HSL** with two popular alternatives:
1. **Griffin Montana Fly Company Brass Hair Stacker** – Similar in build but slightly lighter, making it less stable with dense materials.
2. **Tiemco Hair Stacker** – High-quality but more expensive, with a marginally smoother finish.
The **DR SLICK HSL** strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it a strong contender in the mid-range price segment.
## **Potential Drawbacks**
– **Price Point:** While not the cheapest, the brass construction justifies the cost.
– **Weight:** Some may find it slightly heavy for travel, though this also contributes to stability.
## **Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?**
If you frequently tie hair-based flies and want a **durable, smooth-operating stacker**, the **Kylebooker DR SLICK LARGE BRASS HAIR STACKER (ITEM #HSL)** is an excellent choice. Its **heavy brass build, precision-cut edges, and smooth performance** make it a reliable tool that will last for years. While it may not be the cheapest option, the **long-term value** outweighs the initial cost.
For fly tyers who prioritize **quality and efficiency**, this stacker is a **worthwhile investment**. If you’re on a tight budget or only tie small flies, a smaller or plastic model might suffice—but for serious anglers, the **DR SLICK HSL delivers**.
### **Rating: 4.5/5**
✔ **Pros:** Durable, smooth action, excellent for large flies
✖ **Cons:** Slightly heavy, mid-range price
Would I recommend it? **Absolutely.** This tool has earned a permanent spot in my fly-tying kit.
—
**Have you tried the DR SLICK HSL? Share your thoughts in the comments!** 🎣