Regal Medallion Stainless Jaws Question

**GregM** · 04-18-2013, 09:57 PM

Do these jaws have a groove/s in them, or are they smooth?

I am concerned about using them on Tiemco's SP-BL hooks, with the "spade point". Do they avoid smashing the spade?
I'm generally tying size 20 to size 8.

I'm also weaving czech nymphs. I assume the swivel on the Medallion does "upside down and low"?

Any other issues to consider?

Thanks.

Greg

**SherpaB** · 04-18-2013, 10:31 PM

you'd be putting the hook in too deep if the spade was inside the jaw. they are strong enough and fine enough to not have to worry about that...IMO its one of the finest Trout Vises available especially good for the sizes you mention. I also have a Dyna king which is good but not nearly as good for trout sized hooks.

**H Dot Verseman** · 04-18-2013, 10:48 PM

I have a regal medallion, they are fine. i think the regal revolution is a much better vise, and had I saw the revolution before I purchased the medallion, I would have saved and purchased it.

i tie with tmc spbl hooks all the time, it is fine. i also tie wovens, and it rotates and you can bend the vise down low.

not worth the money imho. that is from someone who has had one for about 3 years now.

**GregM** · 04-18-2013, 11:02 PM

Well, goods news and ... ummm... bad news.

I've been tying about a year. I started with a HMH Sx knowing I'd learn what I needed over time. The jaws are a little big. I don't like adjusting for hook size. The "rotation lock" seems to work free in about 3 flies. I would like "upside down and low" for wovens. I do OK wrapping ribbing, PT, and huerls, but it is a PITA, so Maybe a rotary makes sense if the Medallion is ruled out.

Circles, I keep going in circles.
For just once I like it to be an inward spiral....

Thanks guys. I DO appreciate the input.

**SherpaB** · 04-19-2013, 03:51 PM

H Dot curious as to why you say not worth it. Is the stainless jaw not worth it or the regal vise in general? I tied for some very large distributors in my college years through my 20's on a regal ...what a great vise it was for me...saved time held hooks and did its job really well. i got into rotary vises with both Renzetti and Dynaking over the last 15 or so years and they are good vises...but I like the regal better and the stainless jaw even better than the normal one. its simple and holds hooks without any intervention on my behalf. you can do the c-clamp (which I prefer) and the stainless jaw for $200. pretty good value IMO

**H Dot Verseman** · 04-19-2013, 04:13 PM

Stainless is fine, but that model isn't worth it at this point. For me, the revolution is a better value. The true rotary feature is such an upgrade over the medallion's limited flexibility.

**SherpaB** · 04-19-2013, 05:23 PM

I hear you. I guess I have tied so long I have my way of doing it which rarely involves taking full advantage of "true rotary" . I suspect I would have more use for it if I did more salmon, streamer or saltwater flies. I typically like to twist the fly to inspect it which is accomplished just fine with the regular rotary capability of the vise. I do like the stainless because the jaw is so much finer in profile that it makes it superb for tying in the 18 and smaller size range with no detrimental effects of tying much larger bugs. My 2 cents.

**GregM** · 05-05-2013, 03:06 PM

I purchased a Regal Medallion with the Stainless Steel Jaws. I like it.
Thanks all for your comments and insights.

I tie thread body flys and was at a loss on where to hang the 2nd spool that I use for the ribbing.
I tie woven Czech flys and found the allen key adjustment to adjust the head angle to be a real PITA.

I replaced the head angle adjustment socket head screw with a "thumb screw", from which I filed off the last 1/2" of threads.

KnobPost.jpg

I now have an easy "no tool, no look" adjustment knob for wovens, and I have a bobbin hanger.