Best Fly Tying Vise of 2018 (#2 Will Make You Delighted to Use One Now!)
Looking for the best fly tying vise isn’t exactly as easy as I’ve expected. The journey it took me before I finally found the right one was not only time-consuming but also draining as well. But enough of my grumbling: my goal here is to give you just about the right tips to arm yourself with so you won’t have to experience the ordeal that I had.
Today, I daresay that the ordeal has been replaced with efficiency and organization. My workroom could not have been more effective; my flies are now all on-point, varied, and secured.
All the silk, hackles, and feathers are now in unison because of my fly tying vise. But none of these could ever be achieved without the right arsenal of knowledge I learned through the bits of advice I got from my seasoned pro friends and the humbling mistakes I made along the way.
As it usually goes on my blog, I’ll be revealing the top choices first for the best fly tying vise in the competition now. Right after that, as I’d often do, I’ll cover some of the important factors to remember when you’re on a hunt for the best fly tying vise.
Product Name | Type | Hook Range | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pedestal Base or C-clamp
| 28 - 4/0 | 96/100 | ||
Pedestal Base | 24 - 2/0 | 98/100 | ||
Pedestal base | 32 - 7/0 | 96/100 | ||
C-clamp | 28 - 4/0 | 93/100 | ||
Pedestal base | 32 - 7/0 | 94/100 |
Best Fly Tying Vise
Via Amazon.com
Originally released to the fly-tying enthusiasts back in 1988, today’s Orvis’ Renzetti Traveler 2000 vise is all the more improved and better than its predecessors.
It has all the flexible features one must have in this tool like the positive rotary action, the easy-to-use screw adjustments, along with its built for hooks sizes 28 to 4/0. Left-handed aficionados won’t have to fret over as the product is available for right- or left-hand action and a C-clamp in tow for the pedestal base models.
Meanwhile, this newer variant boasts of top-of-the-line materials and a design that is both durable and modern. Each aspect of this equipment is well-adjusted to the users’ needs and comfort. Ultimately, its price is decent enough for features that are more than sublime.
Specs:
PROS
CONS
Via Amazon.com
One of the sturdiest vises out there, the Rotary Fly Tying Vise - Peak Fishing Vise With Pedestal Base has a 6” x 6” x ½” stand-alone pedestal base construction that is armed with white and powder-coated steel.
Its base is equipped with a durable, stable platform that features a convenient pocket whose edge is rounded for its beads and hooks. Meanwhile, the product’s non-reflective white coat has good contrast, enabling all the small hooks and beads to be seen easily without your eyes straining.
Repeatable gripping is likewise promised with the item’s positive-stop cam right from your first fly all the way to the last one. Peak Rotary Vice’s hardened jaws should be able to hold hooks that range from a 2/0 streamer to a #24 midge.
Other additional features comprise of an adjustable height and length bobbin rest, along with a quick-change jaw and a friction knob that can be adjusted.
Specs:
PROS
CONS
Via Amazon.com
Wolff Industries, Inc products are known for their defects-free offerings both in material and labor in the entirety of your usage.
So if you want something that lasts and won’t leave you in the lurch, the Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vise should very well be at the top of your list. It comes with a full rotary vise; the enclosure of a stainless steel construction is surely a welcoming inclusion.
Other inclusions are Delrin sleeve bearings, the 0-1 tool steel jaws, the 7/0 to 32 hook range, and a separate tying friction and spindle lock. And as it has rust free – Teflon bushings, its overall smooth feel is retained. Easy wrapping is also expected with the item’s extended finger pin with ball end.
Specs:
PROS
CONS
Via Amazon.com
If you’re a beginner and have been wanting to master the art of fly tying without having to purchase the most premium around then, the Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise is the one you’re looking for.
Our fourth entry is ideal for the entry level tyers who are on a hunt for the truest rotating vise. Meanwhile, this affordable fly tying vise has the advanced fly tying vise technology that you puts this item to a whole new caliber.
As it has an interminable provision of flawless strength and performance, the variants under this product should suit both the seasoned and the beginners.
Specs:
PROS
CONS
Via Amazon.com
The second contender from the formidable Wolff Industries also comes with a warranty that is free from defects in both its labor and materials — something that I find highly indispensable when I was still choosing my fly tying vise.
Its tool steel jaws are boosted by its body’s stainless steel construction and the flexible 6/0 to 32 hook range. The flexibility continues with the product’s in-line rotary left and right along with the much-needed hand-tying adjustment.
The Apex Rotary Fly Tying Vise is also detailed with an easy-to-follow instruction right from its vise head position, its jaws, down to its lock handle and black wing nut. Every inch of the detail is supplied to get you not only started but arm you with ways to make your flies masterfully-put together.
Specs:
PROS
CONS
Quick Buying Guide to the Best Fly Tying Vise
Ensure that the following are considered (and present!) when looking into the best fly tying vise:
#1 Jaws
The jaws of your vise are usually made of long-lasting tool-hardened steel. Meanwhile, the pads that are ridged right on the inside faces of these jaws are the ones that give you an excellent grip. It is also important to note that these jaws are only to be utilized for small hook sizes.
You may find that the cheaper vises are the versions which feature a one jaw-type that is fitted already; the pricier ones, on the other hand, have these standard and midge jaws that also accommodate smaller hooks. Extras like tube fly along with magnum jaws are also included.
#2 Material Spring or Clip
Your fly tying vise should likewise be equipped with a material spring or clip. A useful accessory at best, this is usually already fitted or can be bought as a separate item. This spring holds your materials out of your way, with your hands-free of anything — as you tie the fly seamlessly.
#3 The Fixed/Adjustable Head
The vise’s head manner and degree of tilting and rotating will vary depending on the price that you choose. As it goes, those that come with cheaper vises tend to be equipped with a fixed head; the pricier variants can tilt and lock their heads in varying angles. Also, these quality vises can turn through 360 degrees — providing you the capacity to turn the fly upside down as you do the tool’s underside.
#4 The Type of Operation
The type of operation is also a significant factor to consider when choosing the best fly tying vise as it will determine the likely output you’re going to have when you select one. The vice operation has four main types: the screw collet, the cam lever, the spring lever, and the draw or push collet.
When you’re gunning for the cheaper end, you’d mostly get the screw collet type. This one has a knurled wheel that grabs the jaw right into the tube which closes them on the hook — giving them the right amount of grip.
On the other hand, the cam lever features a more premium hook hold than that of the former. It has a small knurled bolt located right at the front which gives the users finer adjustments. The spring lever type doesn’t have a fine adjustment tool, but it can still hold an array of hook sizes.
Lastly, the push or draw collet type has the lever that can be locked into position. Its jaws are placed in a tube, and with a cam lever at its back, they’re mostly drawn back right into the tube or are pushed forward that closes safely all over the hook.
#5 Stem Fitting
The stem fitting is paramount too on choosing the best fly tying vise. It is the point in which the vise stem crosses the pedestal base. There are variants in which the mechanism just slides in, or the screw is placed in a pre-drilled hole. Meanwhile, the pricier variant has a collar extension that is fitted right to the base. This stem situates itself into it and can be placed safely with a screw.
#6 Pedestal
Pedestal-based fly tying vise can be very advantageous to those who travel a lot or to someone who is just and plainly mobile. As it can be used to any surface, you don’t need a particular workplace for this vise.
Just ensure that this pedestal type sports a substantial form and structure (2lb at least) and accompanying rubber feet right at the bottom so it could be protected from any flat surface you intend to put it on; the rubber feet will also veer it away from slippage. To up your ante in this segment, make certain that the pedestal sports a piece of solid steel or the one that is coated with a powder finish.
#7 Overall Construction
All said, the general construction of your vise should be that of solid and premium build material. Cheaper ones usually come with mild steel or composite plastics while the sturdier features stainless steel and a machine-cut alloy. I’ve gone from the plastic all the way to the stainless steel, and I must say that the latter has the longevity.
Verdict
For the ever globe-trotting aficionados and those who take sturdiness seriously, the Rotary Fly Tying Vise – Peak Fishing Vise With Pedestal Vise is the one to beat. Its simplicity is only rivaled by its prominent, reliable features that are all adjustable and well-defined. You won’t be ever needing an upgrade when you get to experience the flexibility and tenacity of this product.
Do you agree with my top choice? If you think another product deserves a spot on our list or if you want to share some tips, please feel free to sound them off right in the comment section below! Until then, enjoy your latest masterpiece!
