Can We Talk Vises?...The Tying Kind.

[ChemFly]

OK. I've been laboring over the same Regal vise for the past 15 years.
It's a plain, no nonsense vise that gets the job done, but I'm ready to trade up to a newer, meaner vise for tying the big stuff. When I mean big I mean 8/0+ circle hooks and big irons for bluewater species. I'm thinking of going over to a Dyna-King rotary or a big Renzetti.

Pedestal base? C-clamp? Any thoughts? Pros' con's??

Let's hear 'um. What are you folks using?

[Ray]

I'm changing from the Regal to the Renzetti saltwater cam traveler with the pedestal base myself. The Regal has been a good vice to me for 4 years. But I don't like how the cam features interfere with bigger flies.

[Jim Miller]

I've been using a Dyna-King Barracuda for about 14 years. It's a big vise, heavy & well made. The jaws accomidate a size 24 or a 8/0. If you have "big paws" you will appreciate the non-dainty nature of this vice. I use the pedestal version.
Try one out!

[tsheehy]

Another vote for the Dynaking Barracuda.. nice big, heavy-duty vise gets the job done.

-- Tom

[msiler]

I own both the Renzetti Saltwater (w/knob not clamp) and the Dynaking Barracuda. The renzetti sits on a shelf and is only used when friends come to tie with me...that about sums it up.

The Barracuda is heavy and indestructible. Plus is fits everything I put in it and holds big hooks TIGHT no matter how hard I spin deer hair or tug on my thread for big saltwater flies!

[Chuckster]

I have a Renzetti Traveler C-clamp that I bought about 8 years ago, great vise. I think I'll finally drive down to see Scott at the Bear's Den and buy the Pedestal Saltwater Cam Traveler. I'm hoping that the shaft size is the same so I can use the C-clamp or the pedestal with either one.

The current Traveler I have is OK, but it has the old knob style rather than the new cam, which I'm certain has better holding power. I figure with those two vises I should have a good range of hook size. I love the rotary range of the Renzettis...

Good luck with your search!

[BIG PAPA]

If you are looking to tye big fleyes you would be better off with a HMH Pro model. HMH vices allow for jaw replacement, a magnum jaw will allow you to tye fleyes up to 10/0 comfortably, with no hook slippage. call John at HMH or e-mail him ,he is a really good guy.








Glenn

[dlangan]

I too have an (old) HMH vise which would be comparable with today's pro version. I do like the interchangable jaws and go between the trout and magnum frequently. I rarely use the midge jaws but then again I only fish flies below a #20 once or twice a year (most :-) and the trout jaws handle that hook anyways...

I do have C-clamp and pedestal. I wind up using the C-clamp almost exclusively. I tie in a variety of odd places of differing table heights - hence the C-clamp.

I know there's a number of great vises out there and haven't looked at them in well... forever. The praise for the baraccuda is interesting.

[Fin Addiction]

Another vote for the dyna king barracuda. I tie anything from trout ot 5oz lead head jigs on 10/0 mustads....

The jaws have a recess groove in them for saltwater style flies....clamp it in and it aint moving....:-%

[ChemFly]

My visual survey of the Fly Tying Show in NJ this past November illustrated a high percentage of DK Barracudas being used by saltwater tyers. One tyer, Rich Tilly of Queenstown MD, was using two at one time to suspend the works of a squid fly that he was tying. The whole span of the fly and leader configuration had to be 18-20 inches between the two vises. That was an impressive use of tying vises! :)

Anyway, being able to hold large irons are important for my next stage in tying.
I've been using my old Regal in a C-clamp configuration, which is fine for freshwater bugs, but I might switch to a stationary-base model so long as the base is heavy enough to handle the tension and downward force of tying big flies with mono. So far the Regal in a C-clamp can handle all of the pressure that is required- it just does'nt hold very large hooks.

[mdrew9]

I have the Renzetti Saltwater Traveler. It can't clamp down hard enough onto big hooks, and I have a lot of problems with the handle unscrewing when I turn it. I wish I had gotten the Dynaking Baracuda.

[Sentience]

I have to say that I wouldn't trade in my Regal for anything.

[LastCastMike]

You should check out a Patriot Cam Vise. Very Stury -Will hold anything. Not nearly as expensive as a Dyna-King.
I've been using these vises for 7 or 8 years for full dress salmon and heavy salt-water flies.

[flatwingflinger]

When I first got the Barracuda(my first rotary), I had trouble adjusting the vise and broke five 2/0 stainless 34007 with no damage to the jaws :eek: . It works even for the new guys. Absolutely rock solid! If it was just me and Rambo :cool: and I had to take a vise into the forest, the Barracuda is going!

[tjf02]

I am just starting to tie and need to get a vice. I "stole" my friends vice he was not using for freshwater flies, and it does not like even the 2/0 hooks.

Suggestions on vices, or if anyone wants to sell me one of their old/unused ones send me a pm. I will be going to the Marlboro show and looking to possibly pick one up there. Thanks.

Tim

[wrx_canoe]

I have the Dyna-King Ron Abbey Signature model. Basically a Barracuda arm and jaw with the Sidewinder handle. Beautiful and very functional vice.

My only complaint is that the jaw mechanism of the Dyna-king is so heavy it doesn't rotate very constantly due to the dramatic off-set in weight. In that respect a Renzetti may be better.

[kent jones]

i use a dyna king and a regal would not trade either one different vise for different flies. i have had both since 1984 no down time for either one

[mbrown]

I used a regal for years,then was traded a Dyna King pro for some labor.Bought a barracuda a few years ago.love both of them.I find that mostly I use the "pro" model.I can tie rotary (slightly off center axis) AND I like the other angles that you can lock the jaws at.Stoneflies,etc. on curved hooks,stuff that i tie deep into the hook bend.my two cents

[surfrat59]

For under a hundred bucks, pedestal included, the Griffin 1AR has been fantastic...height, jaw angle, rotation tension,are all easily adjusted. Sturdy and well built, you will not move a hook clamped in one of these ;)