Best Fly Tying Vises
Best Fly Tying Vises – This guide will provide all the information you need about the top fly tying vises available.
Fly fishing is more fun than entice a fish to eat a fly you made.Fly tying can be as easy as you think. Although your flies may not be perfect at the beginning, you can quickly learn simple patterns.
Fly tying vice is a tool that allows you to tie your own fly. This guide will show you the top fly tying vices available, regardless of whether you are a beginner, expert or advanced fly tier.
The Best Fly Tying Vises Available
Fly-tying is best done with a good vise.There are many fly-tying tools on the market. However, most are not well made or have serious problems. Although it may seem good to save money initially, you will end up spending more over the long-term.
There are many great options available, and many are excellent value. You will find the best choices for you, from the budget-friendly to the top of the line vises. Let’s first discuss how to select the right fly-tying tool for you and your budget.
To ensure that you get the best fly tying vices, we have chosen vices suitable for all levels. We will also discuss what you should look out for when selecting a fly vise. Some might wonder if I should get a rotary vice, or a vise that has fixed jaws.We have you covered. Let’s get started!
What is the difference between a traditional and rotary fly-tying vise?
A rotary vise spins your hook on an axis, as you can see from its name. You can hold your material steady and then rotate the hook to tie your fly. This allows you to wrap your fly in a precise and even manner that is easier than using a traditional vise. A rotary fly-tying vice allows you to see your fly from every angle.
Some vises end up in the middle. Although you can rotate your hook, it won’t be able keep the shaft stable. You can see your fly from every angle, but cannot wrap the fly during rotation. This is a compromise between both styles and can be useful on traditional fly-tying vises.
The choice is ultimately up to you. Rotary vises allow for more flexibility and precise wrapping. A rotary vise is very useful for small fly tying. You can also use a wider range of materials with it, which opens up new possibilities for fly-tying.
However, all that flexibility comes with a price. A rotary vise has many more moving parts. A rotary vise is more complex, which can make it difficult for beginners. A rotary vise may be too complicated if you are trying to tie simple patterns. People also prefer the tactile control of a traditional vise and report that they achieve better results with one. Traditional vises tend to be less expensive than similar rotary vices, but there are many options available for every budget.
If you are interested in traditional fly-tying, you can get a vise for…
- You prefer simplicity.
- Most of your time will be spent tying basic patterns
- Most likely, you will be tying larger to medium sized flies.
- You wish to save money on your vise
If you need a rotary fly-tying tool,
- You will tie small flies
- Complex patterns will require precision when you tie them.
- Flexibility and complexity are more important than simplicity.
C-Clamp vs Pedestal Base
It is crucial to have a solid base for your fly-tying vice. A strong base is essential to ensure that your tying goes smoothly. There are two types of bases: the C-clamp which clamps to the table’s side, and the pedestal which rests on top. Most fly-tying vises come with both the C-clamp and the pedestal bases. Some require that you choose one of the two before purchasing.
It can be a bit tricky to choose the right one. This debate has many meanings for the concept of “portability”. A C-clamp can be used to create a dedicated workspace. It is possible to tighten it, but a good C clamp won’t move. C-clamps can also be used to fly tie while on the move, as they are lighter and compact than heavy pedestal bases.
A pedestal base is, however, a great compromise between portability and utility. The pedestal base is not portable and heavy, but it can be very useful. You don’t even need a table edge to use your C-clamp. Many people dislike having their vise on the edge of the table. This is both for comfort and ease of use. A pedestal base can be used on any flat surface from counters to floors to tables.
If you need a pedestal base,
- There is no dedicated fly-tying area
- There is no suitable clamping site
- You don’t enjoy being at the edges of the table
If you need a C-clamp,
- Fly-tying is possible in a designated area
- You need a setup that is travel-ready
Accessory
Many fly-tying tools come with accessories. These accessories can be useful or unnecessary, depending on their requirements. Most accessories are quite affordable. You can often buy an accessory for $10-20 if your vise does not include what you need. Hence,
- Don’t base your purchase of a vise on its accessories. Some people are influenced by the little extras that a company offers, even though the vise might not be as good as they think.
- Except for the most notable accessories, I won’t be spending much time reviewing accessories.
- The material clip and bobbin are two important accessories that are common. You can find the following accessories useful.
- Material clip It helps keep feathers and other materials out of your way while you tie.
- The Bobbin As you tie your knot, hold on to the thread. Both are essential and may be necessary, but they are not very expensive. While it’s nice to have a quality one, you can always get another if needed.
The Top 5 Best Fly-Tying Vises
1. Griffin Montana Mongoose Vise
The Griffin Montana Mongoose’s heavy-duty construction is one of its most distinctive features. It is made of all-metal, which makes it more durable than other vises. Many people begin with cheaper plastic vises, which end up breaking down or causing parts to fall off. The Griffin Montana Mongoose by Griffin is a great upgrade to cheap beginner vises and would be a good choice for anyone, novice or expert fly-tyer.
The Griffin Montana Mongoose’s customizable nature is one of its best attributes. The vise can be controlled with great precision. The vise comes with a pedestal base as well as a c clamp. Everything from the jaw to rotation can be adjusted easily. The Montana Mongoose is more difficult to set up than other vises. The tradeoff is worth it if you get a vise that performs exactly as you expect it to.
The Montana Mongoose includes a material clip and bobbin, which are quite standard for its price range. Both are excellent quality, particularly the material clip. It can handle a variety of materials and is fully adjustable. This vise is very versatile, thanks to its fine-tune jaw and ability to handle a wide range of fly tying materials.
Pros
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- Highly customizable and adjustable
- The all-metal construction is extremely strong
Cons
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- It takes a bit longer to set up the initial system than normal.
Check out the price and read more about the Griffin Montana Mongoose fly tying vise at Amazon.com
2. Wolff Industries Atlas Rotary Vise
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The Atlas is available with both a C clamp and a pedestal base. Particularly the pedestal base is extremely sturdy. It also holds the vise well.Wolff Industries manufactures all their vises here in Indiana, USA. They have a great reputation for excellent build quality and customer service. Their Atlas rotary vise is different from their Apex vise. It features the Wolff stainless steel construction, which will last for decades.
The Atlas’ jaw is adjustable easily and can hold even the smallest of hooks. If you are like me, your grip on #28 will be difficult. The vise will work fine with smaller hooks. The jaw actually makes it harder to hold large hooks. However, this is not a problem with 0-range hooks which many fly-tyers don’t use much.
The adjustment knobs look almost like plastic. To make them more comfortable, they are coated with a black plastic. The knobs are made of stainless steel just like the rest. Wolff is committed to creating a high-quality product that will last for years and be simple to use. The Atlas is a rotary fly-tying tool that can withstand the apocalypse.
Here’s his detailed review of the Atlas vise after he used it for one year.
Pros
- Built in solid stainless steel
- Small hooks easily handled
Cons
- It doesn’t hold large hooks as well as other vises.
3. Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise
| List Price: | $64.50 |
| The New Source: | $64.50 in Stock |
| Use from: | Stock out |
The Griffin Odyssey Spider vise offers a great value for true rotary vises. It is built with the same toughness as the Montana Mongoose and will last for a long time. Like the Montana Mongoose, it is also customizable. Although it lacks some of the bells and whistles, the low price makes up for this. The Griffin Odyssey Spider is the best budget rotary vise.
The Griffin Odyssey Spider includes a C-clamp. It is very sturdy and provides a solid base for fly-tying. If you don’t want a pedestal base, you can buy one separately.
The vise’s jaws can hold a variety of sizes of hooks. It can hold onto smaller hooks than #28 but it is able to handle larger hooks. This will cover most fly-tying applications, including for beginners.
The Odyssey Spider vise is not as easy to set up as the Montana Mongoose. There are many moving parts and options. Once you’ve got your preferences set up, you can have a custom fly-tying tool. This is a great deal for less than half the price of many other rotary fly-tying vices.
Pros
- Amazing value
- Very flexible
Cons
- Holds very small hooks (#28) well
Check out the price and read more about the Griffin Odyssey Spider fly-tying vise at Amazon.com
4. Wolff Industries Apex Vise
| List Price: | $160.20 |
| The New Source: | Stock: $152.99 |
| Use from: | $152.99 in Stock |
The Apex, like its brother, the Atlas, is made out of stainless steel in Indiana, USA. It is a heavy vise. It is unlikely to break or fall apart easily. Wolff’s traditional fly-tying tool, the Apex, is different from the Atlas’ rotary version.
The Apex is larger than its brother. It’s smaller than the traditional Atlas, and is therefore easier to use. This makes it an ideal vise for fly-tying while on the move, whether you’re traveling to your favorite fishing spot or just need something to hold your time during a business trip. The Apex, like the Atlas comes with both a Cclamp and a pedestal. Both are very solid and stable.
The jaw is where the Apex shines, and even surpasses its brother. It can accommodate even a #32 hook and is especially well-suited for small hooks. The lever that controls your jaw is easy to use and long. Although it may seem like a minor point, you will be clamping and unclamping a lot while fly-tying. It is important to avoid fatigue and keep things simple.
Although it is not a rotary vise the Apex has some functions that are similar to a rotary one. You can rotate the barrel in a way that allows you to view your fly from different angles. The hook will not stay in the same place as in a true Rotary Vise. It is not as useful as a traditional-style vise but it does limit its use.
Pros
- Construction of strong stainless steel
- Some rotary functions
Cons
- It doesn’t hold large hooks as well as other vises.
Check out the price and read more about the Wolf Industries Apex fly-tying saw on Amazon.com
5. Regal Medallion Vise
| List Price: | $169.00 |
| The New Source: | $169.00 in Stock |
| Use from: | Stock out |
This section will provide more information about choosing the right fly tying tool. We’ll discuss why it is a good idea to tie your own fly flies and which vise is best for you.
How to choose the Best Fly Tying?
Why Tying Your Own Flies is a Good Idea
Fly fishermen tie their own fly flies. Others don’t. We want to share our thoughts on why it is a good idea to tie your own fly flies.
We believe that you will become a better fly angler if you learn how to tie your own flies. This is because you’ll learn more about the insects and artificial counterparts that fly-tiers attempt to imitate.
For example, fly fishing trips can be made with a vise. You can quickly adjust to the conditions and tie some flies at night.
Tying nymphs is easy and quick, especially for those with small hands. Techniques like euro-nymphing are becoming more popular over the years, mainly because they have been so successful.
Last, but not least, it’s incredibly satisfying and fun to catch fish with your own creations.
What kind of vise do you need?
Before you buy the product that is right for you, ask these questions.
How long do you spend tying flies each day?
It doesn’t make financial sense to spend hundreds of dollars on the most expensive vise if you are only tying fly every now and again. If you’re just starting out, the same applies.
What type of flies do you tie?
Any of the vises that we have reviewed will be fine if you are only tying fly flies for trout. You might also want to tie saltwater flies. We recommend the Renzetti Saltwater Traveler and the Regal Big Game Head and Travel Base Fly Tying Vise.
Clamp or pedestal vise
Only you can answer the question of whether you prefer a pedestal vise or a clamp. These are the benefits of each version.
A clamp-equipped vise can be attached to any type of table. The pedestal is heavy and sturdy, making it easier to transport. Many of the models that we reviewed have both a metal and a plastic version.
Rotary Fly Tying Vise Vs. Fixed Jaw Vise
Fixed jaw vises cannot be rotated. It is fixed in one position and cannot be moved. Modern vises are rotary.
What is a Rotary Flyvise?
The head of a rotary fly-tying vise can rotate. A rotary vise is useful for adding materials to advanced fly tying techniques. You can use a rotary vise to tie flies. It can be used to hold the fly steady or rotate the head. This can improve precision and help you tie better flies.
Are you in need of a Rotary Vise
You could argue that a vise with a rotating head is unnecessary. You won’t be a better flyer if you don’t have one. No matter which vise you have, you will need to master the basics.
A rotary vice might be enough for you if you’re just getting started. A rotary vice is a great tool to make fly tying easier once you are confident that you will continue with it.
What amount should you spend?
It is hard to provide a straightforward answer because everyone has different budgets. A vise like the Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tie Vise will help you tie flies for less than $100.
You might consider the Renzetti Traveler 2200 Fly Tying Vise, or the Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vise, if you’re looking for something more expensive and medium-priced.
If fly tying is your passion, you can spend more than $350 on some of the most high-quality fly tying vices and vises available.
