Bill Sherer’s X-Treme Dubber

Bill Sherer’s X-Treme Dubber

I was looking for another fly tying brushing tool–the couple I’ve been using work fine and get the job done, but I’ve never been able to leave well enough alone.

With a little internet searching and a couple phone calls, I found The X-Treme Dubber at Bill Sherer’s We Tie It Fly Shop. Something that stood out right away is that they’re made in the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods, and the $80 (on sale) price tag was fair and consistent with other options. Musky capital of the world, so when in Rome…

Designer Bill Sherer must have had the same (complex) dubbing issues I was facing, because he solved them with the new and improved X-Treme Dubber. As a woodworker, I also appreciated the craft and knowledge that went into the tool’s refined and updated design.

The tool is built with solid construction and tight tolerances, also with adjustable feet that allow the height of the entire tool to rise from the table surface. This was especially convenient and comfortable when standing–those extra couple inches were the difference in not bending over. A very smooth ball bearing spinning wheel allows for tight brushes to be twisted up evenly. The spring-loaded wire hook travels a full inch, providing constant tension on complex or compound brushes. 

Another feature I use consistently is the tool’s counter-spinning capability, allowing you to tighten the loop from both ends–this is magic for keeping everything in place during the initial rotations. Manipulating and repositioning those thousands of tiny fibers is made simple by the built-in adjustable (and removable) tabletop. Once the brush is ready for spinning, the table top can be lowered down and out of the way, or removed completely. 

Bill Sherer’s tool has improved my efficiency and consistency and made the entire spinning process more fun. What's also cool is that the X-Treme Dubber is perfect for expert fly tyers, but also novices. I was able to teach a couple friends how to use the tool, and they had success on their very first tries.