Vise Short List what to pick

[boomslang]

Hi there,
Ashamed to admit that I have been fly fishing for 10 years, but never tied a fly before. Inspired by my son, I would like to start tying. My motivation is not to save money but to bring some of my ideas into it. Also, I would like to show my son that its fun to learn new things.

Price Point: ~$150

I have affinity for quality. Within a reasonable price range I would always opt for quality over value. Most of my fishing rods are Winston and reels are made by Hardy. I would like to get a vise that is well made and more precise. I do not care for lots of bells and whistles. Rotary would be nice. But, educate me if it is necessary.

I see vises at different price points. Now, help me understand if it is better to get an average company's top or middle of the line model or a leading brands lower level model.

I would like to buy a good vise that I can grow with. I am never going to tie commercially but I would like to enjoy tying. Also, I am not going to be tying complicated stuff at the beginning. but eventually I would like to learn to tie some atlantic salmon flies (hair wing) for fishing (not display). So, it would be helpful to be able to find alternative jaws for the vise that can hold different size flies. Following is my short list. I would appreciate if you can comment on these. List is in the order of my preference.

1. Griffin Blackfoot Mongoose: Like the looks. not sure about the quality and durability issues. Also, how does it compare to the HMH Spartan or Regal Medallion from the build quality and smoothness point of view

2. Anvil Atlas: very similar opinion as the Griffin. Any comment about the quality and durability would be great. Again how does it compare to the griffin or the Spartan

3. Peak Rotary vise: I hear that a lot of people use this vise. Is it too bulky and heavy around the jaw? Also, what is the build quality and what are the durability issues with this vise. How would you compare it with the Blackfoot or the Atlas.

Your help is much appreciated. Thank you so much.

B

 

[wannafish]

I'm very pleased with the quality Anvil puts out. I don't have the Atlas so I can't comment on it but the Apex is built to last. Very heavy rugged components. The jaws will hold hooks from 2/0 to 22 which covers everything I'll ever tie. It has rotary function but not "in line" rotary (I think the Atlas has in line rotary though and can be used for wrapping materials). I only need the rotary function for checking the entire circumference of the fly anyway. Very solid base on this vise; won't tip even when spinning deer hair. Also comes with a c-clamp but I haven't used it yet. Hope this ramble is of some use to you

 

[noreaster]

Just got an Atlas and can say I like it a lot. The rotary feature is really nice, as is fit and finish.

 

[jaybo41]

Welcome to the forum and to fly tying. I'd recommend a read of this. These guys did a very good job reviewing vises within your budget. Mind you it slightly dated, but for the most part very much relevant.

Fly Tying Vises In-Depth Review by Fly Fish Ohio!

Personally, I tie on a Peak. Very happy with the build and use. I've not found the head too bulky until I get down to say 18 and below. When I'm at that point, I use the Midge Jaws. I have tied thousands of flies on mine since 2009 and have not had one single issue.

You might also want to have a look at Regal Medallion or the Traveler series. The other to have a look at is the Renzetti Traveler. Both great companies with well respected products.

Good luck, let us know what you end up with.

 

[boomslang]

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it. I have considered the regal medallion, but was not overly inspired by its design or looks. I have no doubt it is a good vise, but, I just wanted something different.

Keep the suggestions coming. I will take a look at the renzetties too.

Thanks.

---------- Post added at 09:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:04 PM ----------

I read the vise review by fly fish Ohio. While it is a very informative document, I thought that the numaric rating did not quite match their written comments. HMH SX vise is a great example. They raved about the vise in the comments section then gave it a poor rating.

Anyway, thats just my opinion.

Thanks

B

 

[JoJer]

I've been through 3 or 4 $10-$20 vises over the years. I spent a lot of time on the OFF's vise shoot-out. I'd lusted for the HMH for years. When the time came that the up grade would become reality, I went with the Anvil Apex. I've been really happy with it and the comments in the Ohio Fly fishers reveiw were dead on. I pretty much disregarded the numerical rating-down grading the vice because of the box it comes in? Really?

 

[boomslang]

As I was checking the Anvil website I came across this info. Does it mean that the Apex and Atlas vises are no longer a part of Anvil. If that is the case, who knows how the warranty services are going to be handled.

NOTICE

 

[JoJer]

As I was checking the Anvil website I came across this info. Does it mean that the Apex and Atlas vises are no longer a part of Anvil. If that is the case, who knows how the warranty services are going to be handled.

NOTICE

They've changed the web site page to reflect the new company name. It's still called the Anvil Apex and the list of features still says lifetime warranty. It appears to be the same vise on the same web page with the addition of the new company name. I'll bet a nickle they still honor warranties on all the Anvil vises.

I sent Anvil's sales guy an email and a link to see if he'd like to join the discussion.

 

[cw76]

I have the Dnya-King King fisher vice and can't say enough about the quality and workmanship not to mention performance. Fairly basic but just right for me. MSRP-145.00 Built in wine country CA by a family run business.

 

[roofish]

1 word PEAK

 

[mysticm]

3. Peak Rotary vise: I hear that a lot of people use this vise. Is it too bulky and heavy around the jaw? Also, what is the build quality and what are the durability issues with this vise. How would you compare it with the Blackfoot or the Atlas.
B

Hi,
I have been tying on the Peak rotary for a while now and find it bulletproof and built like a tank. I hope that I never drop the thing on my foot. I have large hands and found it tough tying small patterns (<20) on the std jaws. However Peak makes / sells 'midge' jaws for the vise and since installing those, I have not had any issues.
The vise is easy to adjust and grips very nicely. The fit and finish is quite good (for its price bracket).

 

[flytire]

2013 renzetti traveler $160

 

[brucerducer]

Hi Boomslang:

You can try the "Mark III" vise sold on e-bay. It is well within your budget.:wiggle:

 

[streamwalker]

Love my 2013 renzetti traveler

 

[randyflycaster]

I think you can't go wrong with any of those vises.

I couldn't find a Renzetti Traveler for less that $194.00.

Randy

 

[streamwalker]

I think you can't go wrong with any of those vises.

I couldn't find a Rezetti Traveler for less that $194.00.

Randy

Yea I just paid that for mine but its worth it!

 

[Liphookedau]

Hi there,
Ashamed to admit that I have been fly fishing for 10 years, but never tied a fly before.
Don't worry a Friend I Fish with has been Flyfishing since The late 60s & he still buys most of his Flies except The ones I Give him to Match The Hatch.

These Days I Mainly use an Atlas which I find quite Good,I also have one I made years ago,a Dyna King plus a few more Smaller ones.
There are lots of good Vises arouind,you shouldn't have to spend 150 Bucks check out Ebay & you might pick up a Bargain.
Brian.

 

[flytire]

1. Griffin Blackfoot Mongoose: not sure about the quality and durability issues.

2. Anvil Atlas: Any comment about the quality and durability would be great.

3. Peak Rotary vise: Also, what is the build quality and what are the durability issues with this vise.

i would recommend a trip to your local fly shop, tying club, tu meeting or even your tying buddies to handle each one of these vises and get a feel for each one of them.

these companies would have gone out of business a long time ago if they werent producing quality products. each vise may have a different fit and finish than the other but that doesnt qualify for bad quality

---------- Post added at 07:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:12 AM ----------

I think you can't go wrong with any of those vises.

I couldn't find a Renzetti Traveler for less that $194.00.

Randy

the 2013 edition of the traveler is $160. check out the renzetti website or even feather craft.

http://www.renzetti.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=194

http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?store=feacraft&action=display&target=RR057

 

[boomslang]

Good point about the quality of the available vises. Unfortunately, I am very limited in my ability to test all the vises.

More I am looking at the 2013 Renzetti Travelers, more I like it. What is the real life difference between anodized (2200 or 2300 series) vs. plain aluminum (2000 series) parts. Durability? or just looks?

Also, i am thinking, if I get the anodized Traveler vise for $190+, why not just get the HMH Spartan. Any comments?

I would like to hear more about the Griffin Blackfoot Mongoose. How does it compare to the Peak vise.

Thank you for all the great information.

B

 

[streamwalker]

I think mainly looks. U gotta think how much abuse Is it Guna take sitting on your desk?? Now if your going down the river in a float tube tying flies that may be different. I like the size of the traveler and the jaws have held anything from size 18 to size 4 just fine so far.