Vise Advice

draggin bottom · 03-14-2003, 07:05 PM

Hey all you tiers, I am planning on taking up the trade next week myself. Any recomendations on a vise I won't feel the need to replace in a year or two? [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

If you really like what you are using, why? How does it compare to previous models?

DB

True · 03-14-2003, 09:37 PM

DB,

I enjoy my Griffin Patriot vise. It comes with either a standard midge head or a bull vise head for larger flies. I've had it for 8 years or so and have never had a problem with it. Smooth, adjustable (if necessary), and a great price. As much tying as I do I need something that's built to last. I owned a Thompson's A vise and that was good too but I kept bending the washers. They're inexpensive to replace but I thought why worry about the hassle? The Patriot will last for many, many years to come. I'm that confident in it.

True

Grantspastor · 03-15-2003, 03:32 PM

Depends on what you want to spend. There are a bunch of good ones available. I have been using a Thompson model A for thirty-five years without complaint. I know there are better ones out there, but haven't felt the need to upgrade

draggin bottom · 03-15-2003, 05:32 PM

Grantspastor,
I'd like to spend more on tying than on the tools. But with that said, I'd like to avoid rebuying a vise because in two years I feel the need to upgrade. I'm just a research nut, with no personal experience. A good friend is all about his Renzetti Traveller. SFS in Wood Village says the Regal is great. I want a good performing vise that I don't have to replace. I guess I'd go the extra, if it proves to be money well spent. I don't know about rotary or stationary, are postionable or? :whazzup:

Thanks for any advise you can offer.

DB

Grantspastor · 03-15-2003, 06:06 PM

If you're going to spring for the extra $...I think I'd go for a rotating vise. You can live without it, but certain patterns are easier to tie if you have one.

By the way, congratulations on getting into tying. You won't be sorry. It adds a dimension of interest and satisfaction that I certainly appreciate. It will in a sense force you to learn more about the sport, particularly entomolgy, and overall you will become a better fisherman because of it.

[ 03-15-2003, 07:12 PM: Message edited by: Grantspastor ]

draggin bottom · 03-15-2003, 06:20 PM

You know. That one of the things that intrigues me about tying. I bet a real satisfaction occurs when you catch fish on your own fly. But I think I will learn alot, and that always keeps things interesting.

Thx for the help. It is appreciated.

DB

Mojo · 03-15-2003, 06:47 PM

I've been tying for over 30 years, several of those commercially, and have owned many vises. I started with a Tompson model A, and still have one.

I currently USE a DYNA KING Squire. I have 2 sets of jaws, one regular size, and one set of midge jaws. It is by far the best vise I have ever used. Go look at one before you buy anything else.

A good vise is the most important thing you can have on your bench. If the hooks wiggle, it is very frustrating. Make sure what ever you buy has fully adjustable jaws. You'll want something that ties down to at least a 22 and can hold a 2/0 firmly.

No Bail · 03-15-2003, 06:51 PM

I use the Renzetti Traveler and love it. It will hold all the sizes that trout and steelhead fisherman will want. You can get it in C clamp or pedestal but make sure you get the cam model. The true rotary vises are worth a few extra dollars.

GutshotApe · 03-15-2003, 07:06 PM

You probably should start with an inexpensive vise....but if you want the best, something that you'll never wear out, then look into a Nor-vise. There are a couple of models but what all Nor-vises have that no other vise has is the ability to rotate. This enables the tier to smoothly wrap the fly and greatly speeds up tying and increases the quality of the finished product. The Nor-vise has a standard set of jaws and can be locked into place...but after you start tying you will quickly see the advantage of being able to rotate the jaws, fly and all while tying.

T Loop · 03-15-2003, 09:03 PM

I would suggest taking a class. most of them will have several vices on hand that you can try and decide for yourself what you like.

that said, i have a renzetti traveler i really like (rotary and pedestal vice) i like the pedestal because i can tie without havig to clamp to anything for easy setup in hotel rooms, etc.

Fish_N_Russ · 03-15-2003, 10:07 PM

I have had a Regal Inex for about 20 years now. I don't know what their current line has, but I always liked the fact that you need no other jaws, just put it in the vise and go. Rock solid grip every time from size 4/0 to 20's (at least thats what I have tied on it). I have used the heck outta mine and it still works just like the day I bought it, just a little uglier :smile:

float2ber · 03-26-2003, 07:15 AM

[ 03-26-2003, 08:53 AM: Message edited by: float2ber ]

float2ber · 03-26-2003, 07:23 AM

I'm still getting used to this format since this is my first posting. Sorry about any mistakes.
I started out on a Thompson, which is still used by my son. Works great and is inexpensive. I now use a Regal, which I highly recommend. If you want to go to a rotary, the Nor-Vise is the best. Spendy though.
Good luck.

draggin bottom · 03-26-2003, 04:05 PM

Hey float2ber,

Nice to have you on board. Thanks for the advice. I think you owe us your story. Start your own thread.

DB

draggin bottom · 03-26-2003, 04:09 PM

Thanks to all who responded. I have now tried 3 different vices. Regretfully, I was not able to try a Regal which came highly recommended. Thanks to Edmund who loaned me his Renzetti Traveler for the weekend. I decided on the Traveler, except with the cam. It is on order and I will have it by the weekend.

Thanks again. You are a great group!

DB

Fish_N_Russ · 03-28-2003, 11:51 PM

Wow thats a nice lookin vise :smile: I would be spoiled though with all the bells and whistles that has