in the market for a new vise

[castafly]

Hello, I am currently looking for a new (upgrade) vise. 100-200$$ price range. I would like a rotary vise. I have looked at the renzetti traveler and the dk treker. any advice or experience would be great.

Another question...Are the HMH spartan and the standard true rotary?

I am not set on any make or model so please give me your two cents.

Thanks Greg

[Flyfish99]

I purchase a Danvise several years ago and it meets all of my needs. The body is made of Delrin, which turns some people off, but I have no problem with it. It is a true rotary, and I have tied everything from #2 streamers to #26 BWO emergers with no problems. Price is around $80, and I believe Orvis markets them in the U.S.

[mer]

Short answer, "No." The HMH vises are a "rotating" type (you can spin them), not a "true rotary" in the style of a Renzetti (and others).

[fessiewig]

Opinions on fly tying vises are like @$$holes; every has one. My take is if you are truly interested in tying flies go out and do some serious research on vises and their pros and cons and then pick one that meets your needs and buy it. Buy the best vise you can and don't "settle" for a lesser vise because it a few dollars less than the one you really want.

[SWW]

Try Mountain Road Fly Shop. I upgraded last year and tried out a new vise there. I was able to give it a spin and did not feel pressured to buy any paticular brand and he supplied some materials to boot
Good Luck

[fessiewig]

Good advice!

[BirdFish]

I have a Renzetti Traveler and really like it. It is the "clamp on to the table" style. It has 2 heads so I can tie really big salt water patterns. I agree with the advice to go to a fly shop or a United Fly Tiers meeting and try out some different vices.
Dave

[Tangled Tippet]

Im willing to bet he takes home the Renzetti.

[castafly]

Hey, The renzetti it is. Had a birthday I received a few gift cards to orvis. I went over to Manchester VT. Handled the HMH, renzetti, regal. I really liked the renzetti traveler. With gift cards in hand it was hard to say no.

I also handled a couple of nice rods. the zero G is very nice. But wow do they want $$$$$$$$ for it.

thanks again to all who gave me opinions.

Greg

[fessiewig]

But wow do they want $$$$$$$$ for it.
I hear this a lot! I believe the Zero Gravity is around the same as an equivalent Sage, Winston, or Scott. It is, however, still a lot of money but let's not make Orvis sound like the only high priced rod on the market. Of the three other rod makers mentioned, Orvis does more for the environment and fish preservation than any of them. In fact, I think if you check the record Orvis does more than all of them combined. Now that's not to say the others are bad companies, but if I was going to spend that kind of money for a rod I'd surely take that into consideration.

[mer]

Or if you're going to spend that kind of money, think bamboo.

:shock:

[castafly]

I was not putting down orvis at all. I have MANY orvis rods and think the work they do for our sport is outstanding. I was just making small talk about the zero G being nice and a little expensive. I feel that the other rod makers are also very expensive but you do get what you pay for. I own three t 3 rods and love them.
I think very highly of orvis.

If I was to think bamboo then you'd be talking about thousands not hundreds of dollars for a rod.
hope all is well...looks like a nice weekend get out and fish...I am

Greg

[mer]

Not quite true; plenty of places where you can pick up a used Orvis for quite a bit less than $1000. You can spend over that, but you can find them for a lot less. I have a couple by American makers that were less than high end graphite.

[Chappy]

Hello,

I have had a Traveler for about 6 years. I did buy the thicker spinning attachment when I got the vice.

I just upgraded to a pedestal base, a parachute tool, and the plate that goes behind the fly to see it better. I also got a new LED vice light. I guess I am getting old..lol.

I haven't decided to get additional jaws as so far I can tie up to a #2 Salmon fly hook and a 2/0 saltwater. I guess probably should get the saltwater jaws as the time to tie sub 20's is diminishing. But for 6 years of tying through this range, I have nothing bad to say.

BTW - if you ever need to oil the vise just use 1 drop!!! and 1 drop only!!! hehehe.

[castafly]

Hey Chappy.. thanks for the reply, good luck with the up coming class. I learned a ton in your class. Thanks for everything.

I tied a few salt water patterns on the traveler, I love it..

take care Greg

[Chappy]

Castafly,

Glad you enjoyed the class. It was a shame you were on call for some of the last classes...

I plan to add a Surf Candy and a Saltwater Clouser to the February class. Since Striper fly fishing is so popular...

Use Unique hair or Super Hair for good durability...

Send me some pictures of what you are tying.... chris@chappysguide.com

Take care...