I started tying seven or eight years ago, and I got the cheapest, most basic kit from GIJoes. Personally, I don't think its a bad way to start. First, its cheap. If you've never tied before, you don't really know if you'll like it and keep with it. With the kit, you can find out for relatively little $. Second, it works fine. I taught myself to tie using the chintzy intruction manual, and have caught lots of fish on flies tied with the kit. With a kit, you have everything you need to go home and get started right then. You can always upgrade your tools over time if you like it and want to get more serious.