shopping for a new vise- already

**H Dot Verseman** · 02-17-2011, 12:51 AM

Hello,

I'm looking for a new vise as I am a little unimpressed with my Regal Rotary vise. I'm not really a fan as it is pretty crude. Durable, but unnecessarily bulky, a very clunky rotary feature, and since I did not get the midge jaws, it can crush hooks with his spring pressure on smaller hooks if not placed delicately with precision.

I know a lot of my complaints are because I am a novice tier, 4 months, but they just aren't working for me.

Anyone want a 3 month old regal c clamp vise, with standard jaws? make an offer

So, I'm looking for a precise rotary vise, with a really smooth rotary feature and easy to use handle. I'm also looking for a vise that is about $200 and the option to have midge jaws and standard jaws. C clamp and base options. Bobbin holder a plus, although i'm not opposed to buying it separately. I also prefer to tie with the vise head angled upwards.

Any suggestions?

**Lonewolve** · 02-17-2011, 02:16 PM

Hdot Verseman,
hay hands down i'd go with a Renzetti traveller's cam model ,also they have a separate midge jaw assembly you can get also,but i feel that's unnecessary.This vice set the standard for rotary vices when it was a thumbscrew model,now with a cam operated jaw its the Cat's meow.I personally tied for four shops locally here in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos and guided quite a bit.When i started tying for the shops and clients i had a Thompson 360 SLT rotary vice,although this wasn't a true rotary vice, so i got a order for one of my custom inlaid shadowbox frames with several full dress Salmon flies and a picture of the guy who ordered it with the fly the guy used to catch the Atlantic Salmon he caught on the Cascapedia.The fish was a monster and when he recieved the Frame with flies and picture he sent me a quite a nice tip as well as payment. I used the payment to buy my Renzetti Master Vice,and i have never looked back.
Renzetti hands down for rotary,and if you get a stationary vice a HMH Spartan is great as well.hope this helps.

Tight Wraps & Tight Lines
Rick Wallace

**Dr. BlueDun** · 03-01-2011, 01:05 PM

Well it's unfortunate about having purchased the Regal Rotary---I found the exact same views a few years back and posted my opinions then as well, after having given one a two week trial. Clunky and "in the way" additionally it would spit hooks, not good when you have a cat in the house. I am neither a friend of Renzetti because of it's earlier faulty hook vise (with the '0' rings and thumbscrew) the modified cam version is better---the cost of the upgrade for earlier vises was almost the cost of a new vise---this I did not appreciate for those stuck with the old vise jaws. I would highly recommend the Dyna Barracuda with similar (much better) rotary vise and jaws and cam you cannot beat. I do not compare prices as they are in the same ball park---Dyna King super machining, finish and functioning...."Doc"

**scottiedog** · 04-09-2011, 09:35 AM

Just got a renzetti presentation 4000 - it's fantastic. had a dynaking kingfisher before, and it was fine mostly, but the hook holding power on the cam-lock renzetti is far better. Keeping both as I can travel with the kingfisher easier.

**deanwo** · 04-09-2011, 12:08 PM

I am also in the market for a new vise. I've been tying with an old Thompson Model A vice for a couple of years and it has served me well. I met Aaron last month at the Bear's Den show and he showed me how to tie the woven nymphs, which is very challenging, but doable, with my non-rotary vise.

The Renzetti Presentation 4000 looks very nice, but ~$400 is a bit too rich for my blood. I looked at the reviews at Fly Fish Ohio and the Anvil Apex and Axis seem to be nice for a decent price.

I tie from 22 midges to 1/0 Clousers now on the Thompson, but mostly tie between 20 and 2/0.

Any experience with Anvil? Any other rotary vices in this price range ($90 to $150) that would be good to look at?

Thanks for your feedback!

**steve83** · 04-09-2011, 08:19 PM

I have a Peak rotary that I really like. They are available at BassPro if you want to see it in person. I tied on a friend's Renzetti and all of the adjustments and o-rings made it a pain. The Peak is cam operated and to change hook size you just loosen a collar. Midge jaws, and other accessories, are available as an option. They also make "combo" packages which already include different jaws/accessories if you already know what you want.

**whheff** · 04-10-2011, 08:27 AM

Hi All,
I tried many a vise when I started tying and I finally settled on an HMH standard. I also bought the Midge jaws because I tie a lot of small flies.
I did not care for the rotary vise I had. I could not get a good had position when tying. I like to rest my hand on top of the vise when I tie.
I did have an Apex vise by Anvil and it was probably my second favorite but my only complaint were the jaws. They use a one size fits all approach. If you tie in the 8 to 20 range size, it is a good vise for the price.
Just my 2 cents.

Bill