Looking for vise advice

[Rusty_Shackelford]

I am looking into tying my own flies and I have always avoided buying any kits so I decided to build my own kit and the only item I am uncertain about is the vise. Can someone please suggest an inexpensive vise to start out with? Ideally one with a rotary function so I can see the bottom of my fly without removing it from the vise. I am considering the Griffin Odyssey Spider vise but even it is a bit more than I was hoping to spend until I'm sure that tying is for me. I hope to tie some basic trout patterns and some streamers.

 

[Dave_W]

Peak makes a good vise suitable for beginners to advanced. I use one and I tie a lot of flies from midges to muskies. This vise retails in the $125 range.

 

[turkey]

I'd second Dave W's suggestion. I started with a Thompson AA and ran that until the jaws started to wear out. I too wanted to go with a rotary and bought a Peak. Very nice product with great quality. At some point I purchased a lightly used Regal non-rotary. The Regal is my main squeeze now but I kept the Peak. My daughters are starting to use it so I'm happy I kept it.

 

[Rusty_Shackelford]

I now have the Peak Rotary and the Renzetti Traveler on my short list, didn't expect this to be so pricey but I mite as well do it right if I'm going to. What do y'all prefer, the base or the C-clamp style? I am leaning toward the clamp but if someone has a good reason for getting one with a base instead I'd love to hear it.

 

[turkey]

My Thompson was a clamp but my others have a weighted base. If I was in your wading boots, I'd buy one with a base, knowing that I could buy a clamp at a later date for itinerant tying circumstances.

Renzetti are also of great quality. Not trying to muddy the waters but you can't go wrong. Have fun with it!

 

[nfrechet]

ez rotary vise $60

https://www.jsflyfishing.com/js-tools-ez-rotary-vise

tungsten carbide vise $75

https://www.jsflyfishing.com/js-tools-tungsten-carbide-vise

 

[dryflyguy]

The renzetti knock off looks pretty nice.
Has anyone tried it?.

 

[Baron]

Check your local fly shops for used models. I was in California last November and visited a fly shop that must have had 10 used ones one the shelf all affordably priced.

 

[drakeking412]

renzetti traveler is my vote. buy once cry once. then be happy because you have better jaws than a peak and cool new do dads and ad ons should you want to upgrade too.

also cool username but I'm onto you Gribble

 

[moon1284]

I never had a peak but the traveller is a very nice vise. I had a regal Medallion, and an hmh Spartan, I prefer the traveller to both. I also have a renzetti presentation 2000 that I got a good deal on that I keep at my camp. That is a very nice vise.

Everyone has different opinions, but I'm partial to renzetti.

 

[Rusty_Shackelford]

I purchased a Peak Rotary this morning for $140, seemed like a reasonable price. Thank you for all the help.

 

[tomgamber]

Anyone use or tried a Griffin Montana Mongoose? I think I'm down to that or a Renzetti Traveler. Leaning toward the Griffin. Have an older Griffin I use now.

Also, looking for a smaller seller, perhaps a shop owner who frequents the board to buy from.

Look forward to hearing back.

Sellers can PM if they'd prefer.

Thanks.

 

[mute]

I too am looking at the peak vs Griffin Montana mongoose

 

[tomgamber]

I pulled the trigger on the Griffin last night. Money wins. Got one for 160 bucks online.

 

[JohnPowers]

Got a traveler when they first came out. Upgraded to cam jaws and got the bobbin hanger. Never questioned the purchase.