Fly Tying Starter Kit Needed

[Rjotten]

I'm looking for a used Fly tying kit. Where can I get one? Does any have a vise and basic hardware that they are looking to part with?

[Esopus Guy]

I've seen guys cart home some serious inventory for extremely cheap on Craigslist.

A few companies make starter kits at a very affordable price. You usually get a vice and materials along with instruction to tie a few patterns. I started out with a $50 kit from Gander MT. a few years ago and now it's out of control.
Hareline Dubbin, Rumpf and Umpqua make some kits as well. The more you spend on the kit the better the vise,materials and quantity of materials will be.

[ChrisMichels]

I would suggest buying a good vise and just enough materials to tie one type of fly. A pheasant tail or hairs ear is a good choice to start with.

Nothing is more frustrating to me than tying on a crappy vise. I like to tell people to buy a quality vise when first starting to tie. It makes things easier and more enjoyable. Perfect one fly, then move to another. Before you know it, you'll be tying tons of really great patterns, and learning new techniques with each one. Normally the stuff that you get with the kit is not great quality, and you end up spending more money to upgrade at least the vise in a matter of months.

A really good quality vise for not too much money is the Peak Rotary vise. I've had mine for a few years now and really love it still.

[Adam]

I've seen guys cart home some serious inventory for extremely cheap on Craigslist.

Nothing is more frustrating to me than tying on a crappy vise.

I agree

Invest in a solid vise...craigslist...ebay....plenty of people unloading perfectly good ones.

[Rjotten]

I had searched Craiglist before without much luck b/c it is so regionalized, but I did find a Rumpf McKenzie Vise Light 16" Stem Silver Fly Tying NIB. It is listed for 79.95. There are a few other vises on e-bay that look as good if not better but none in the brands that you recommend besides the Rumpf.

Do either of you a point of view on which style is better, c-clamp or pedalstel? I'm leaning towards a c-clamp as it seems sturdier. Either way, I want to make sure that the vise is rotating, no?

[ChrisMichels]

I use a peak i have is a pedestal rotary vise.

[littlej81]

I second the Peak. I've had mine for a year and love it.

[Esopus Guy]

You can find vises than can be used both ways pedestal or clamp

[Rjotten]

I found a new rotary peak for ~ 150. I also found a peak rotary everything kit for 375. The kit. This kit includes:
Midge Jaws
Saltwater Jaws
Ritt Pick-N-Brush
Rotary Tying Techniques DVD
Waste Catcher
Hex Stacker
D-Arm
Profile Plate
C-Clamp for traveling
Material Clip
Accessory Shaft
Brass Screw Kit Upgrade
Desk Top TooL Caddy
Vise Travel Pouch

Is this a good value? Is there anything in this kit that is a must have for a beginner? Anything that's not needed? I don't see myself tying midges day one. Help!

[Rjotten]

I found the peak rotating vise. now I need some basic tools. I will check the usual places, butbwhat else do you recommend?