We love tying flies, and we know many of you do too. However, as much as we love telling you about our favorite fly patterns, tools, and materials in the world of fly tying, sometimes we like to hear from you! Today is one of those days.
That’s right, it’s poll time again on the Deneki blog, and we want to know..
What’s Your Favorite Fly Tying Vise?
- Brand?
- Model?
- Rotary or fixed?
- Pedastal base or c-clamp?
- Why?
We get asked all the time what we prefer to tie on. We’ll be honest, there’s a lot of HMH and Regal vises kicking around our lodges.. However, we know many of you tie a lot of flies, for a lot of different species, so help out your fellow tyers and leave a comment below with your favorite vise and why!
Renzetti traveler
Griffin Montana Mongoose – love the rotary vise, and it’s one that I had been looking at for awhile before receiving it as a gift. For travel I use a Regal Medallion.
Peak Rotary pedestal vise. Great heavy base and price point for American made product.
I tie on any advise you put out for me to catch a fish, Kyle. You’re the best and the rest of the world is just “catchin’ on”.
Renzetti
Pro
Rotary
Pedestal
Because of high quality, ability to use rotary techniques without the clamp damaging my tying desk
Like Scott Sanders I settled on a Renzetti Traveler. Has a clamp and a pedestal base, is rotary which certainly helps tying small flies like PT’s (with secret formula). I started with a Herter’s vise in the mid-60’s and have tied on almost all makes, but cost, and performance with the Renzetti took care of my needs!
Hi Friends,
I use what vice I have in front of me. Experience has taught me this.
My Rotary Regal Vice with big game damascus clamp and large brass base is visually pleasing as well as functional. Holds the big hooks well.
Much Love!
I use a Saga Instruments Delux Multi Direction Vise, model F-2201. It rotates and uses a c-clamp to mount to a table or bench.
http://sagainstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/F-2201-300×300.jpg
The only thing I dislike about it is that it uses a bolt that uses an allen wrench to open and close the jaws. This gets a bit annoying because I have to slip the wrench into the allen wrench bolt. I also have the allen wrench tied to the vise so as not to misplace it. I’m currently looking for a way to mount a lever on the bolt so I can do away with the allen wrench.
The price was right, $13.50. The shipping from India was kind of pricey though. But I ordered a bunch of other tools from the company when I bought it. The whole shebang was far less than a comparable vise here in the US.
I used a cheap Cabelas AA vise for many years; it did the job. Stepped up to an Anvil Atlas vise recently; that thing is nice. Heavy base, smooth rotation, and the jaws have tied everything from #16 midges to 3/0 saltwater flies.
I have just started tying flies. I had a very simple old vise, not a rotary one. As I like the unusual an artistic I bought a Vosseler vice. Check out their site. so far, I love. it. Attaches to any flat surface, 360 degree rotation, Better way to hold a hook, takes a little to get used to, no material or bobbin holder, beautiful piece of sculpture.
Norvise…great for tying big saltwater patterns. it’s straight rotation makes fly bodies and dubbing really simple and uniform.
https://norvise.com/
Renzetti Traveler
Regal vise since 1982. The old model with the black and gold flecked paint. Have upgraded to a Regal Medallion recently. I like to look at the other side of the fly but don’t need rotary. I have an older Renzetti traveler which just sits there gathering dust unless I need it for itty bitty flies. Lets see, my wife and each of my 3 boys have a Regal as well as two brother’s-in-law. However, I tie and teach kids on any vise available. I had so many Regals at one point I donated some to Wounded Warriors and Quiet Waters here in Bozeman. The wounded vets apparently love using them for their simplicity and hook holding ability
Renzetti Presentation 4000 w/ Pedestal Base
Started out with that same Cabela’s AA many years ago (yeah, I’m old). Worked great until Fly Fishing started going after Pike, Muskie & Saltwater fish. Moved up to a Regal in the ’80’s. Standard, original, non-rotary head on the brass base. What a change! Loved that vise & still have it.
These days, after visiting the Renzetti factory in Titusville, FL. I use a Renzetti Master Vise with full rotary functions and its pedestal. Haven’t found a fly I can’t tie on it. Dries to Saltwater & even tubes. Sturdy, smooth, strong but not too heavy to travel with. Cost some bucks but it’s an heirloom going to my grandson in what I hope won’t be for a bunch of years.