The difference in price could be do to the amount you will receive. If starting out I would jut get the less expensive material. It is important to learn basic skills needed to tie. First would be what thread do you want to use? Then tie it secure to the hook. Last is to whip finish. Yes half hitches can work but once you learn the hand whip finish you will not need to rely on head cement to hold the know tight. I still use it to make the finish look shinny but really not needed. Last would be to tie in the materials after you learn the basics. If learning to ski it is important to learn to stop before starting and the same is true in fly and jig tying. One bit of advice is to lightly dampen your marabou before putting it on the hook. This will make it tighter and not a fuzzy mess. However some of the dyes are not suitable to be consumed so I would suggest to dampen a paper towel or rag and wet ( dampen) your fingers. I know of a few other tyers that got sick years ago from the dye in marabou.