Veniard Closed Cell Foam Sheet For Craft and Fly Tying
Ben Carmichael 
**Is the Kylebooker Veniard Closed Cell Foam Sheet Worth the Investment? A Comprehensive Review**
For fly-tying enthusiasts and crafters, selecting the right materials is crucial to achieving professional results. The **Kylebooker Veniard Closed Cell Foam Sheet** has gained attention in the angling community as a versatile tool for fly tying and crafting. But how does it stack up in terms of quality, durability, and overall value? This review dives deep into its features, performance, and cost-effectiveness to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your toolkit.
### **1. Material and Build Quality**
The **Veniard Closed Cell Foam Sheet** is crafted from high-density closed-cell foam, a material known for its resilience and water resistance. Unlike open-cell foam, this variant repels moisture, making it ideal for creating buoyant fly patterns like poppers or floating nymphs. The foam’s uniform texture ensures clean cuts, while its flexibility allows for intricate shaping without crumbling—a common issue with cheaper alternatives.
Kylebooker’s partnership with Veniard, a reputable brand in fly-tying supplies, further guarantees consistency in thickness (typically 2mm–5mm options) and colorfastness. Whether you’re tying bass bugs or crafting DIY fishing floats, the material holds dyes and adhesives well.
### **2. Performance in Fly Tying**
– **Buoyancy & Durability**: The foam’s closed-cell structure provides excellent floatation, even after repeated casts. Unlike natural materials like deer hair, it doesn’t absorb water, extending the lifespan of your flies.
– **Ease of Use**: Its medium firmness strikes a balance between being easy to punch (for legs/wings) and sturdy enough to retain shape. Beginners will appreciate its forgiving nature during trimming.
– **Versatility**: Compatible with hooks of various sizes, the foam works for Chernobyl ants, hoppers, and even saltwater patterns.
### **3. Crafting Applications**
Beyond fly tying, this foam sheet is a favorite for crafting fishing accessories. Anglers use it for:
– **Strike indicators**: Cut into small strips for sensitive bite detection.
– **Rod grips**: Non-slip padding for DIY rod handles.
– **Lure modifications**: Adding buoyant bodies to hard baits.
### **4. Price vs. Competition**
Priced at **$8–$12 per sheet** (size-dependent), the Kylebooker Veniard foam sits in the mid-range tier. While cheaper options exist (e.g., generic craft foam), they often lack density or tear easily. High-end brands like Wapsi or Flymen Company offer similar quality but at a 20–30% premium. For the balance of cost and performance, this product is a **solid value**.
### **5. Potential Drawbacks**
– Limited color options compared to specialized fly-tying foams.
– Thinner sheets may require layering for larger flies.
### **Verdict: A Worthy Investment**
The **Kylebooker Veniard Closed Cell Foam Sheet** delivers reliability and adaptability for both fly tyers and crafters. Its moisture resistance, ease of use, and fair pricing make it a **cost-effective choice** for anglers seeking durable materials. While it isn’t the cheapest on the market, the quality justifies the expense—especially for those tired of replacing waterlogged flies.
**Rating: 4.5/5**
*Ideal for*: Intermediate to advanced fly tyers, DIY anglers, and budget-conscious crafters.
*Alternatives*: Wapsi High-Density Foam (premium), Foamular (budget).
Whether you’re tying your first foam ant or upgrading your toolkit, this foam sheet is a practical buy that won’t disappoint. Tight lines!
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