Vise Upgrade

[am4mu]

I am considering upgrading from my entry level vises to a rotary. Am looking at Renzetti presentaion, Griffin Montana mongoose and Dyna King Barracuda. I realize that these are not the cheapest vises in the world but would like this to be the last vise that I would purchase. Would love to hear any pro's and con's that you all have. I know that a lot of this is personal preference but I don't have enough experience to know what my preferences are. The only thing I know is that I would like this vise to have a pedestal. not be light as I don't want to chase this thing all over my bench. At this time I would only be tying at home and I have several conventional vises that I can travel with. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Doug Kiefer

[ness]

I'm too cheap to buy one at that level. I can tell you that I have the Renzetti Traveler, and it's extremely well-made. I've got the pedestal version, and it's plenty heavy plus it has a sticky foam bottom that helps keep it put. Mine's about 10-years old, and I've got no plans to retire it yet, but when I do Renzetti will get a hard look.

[bobtu]

I just upgraded from my intro vise to a Peak Rotary Vise with Pedestal Base.

I chose Peak primarily because all the reviews said it was the best bang for the buck...

So far, I love it...

[laker67]

I've had good luck with the Griffin Mongoose. It's a great travel vise as well. Compact pedestal and well balanced.

[timsfly]

I would go with the Dyna-king, been tying on two proffesional Dyna-kings

for over 30 years with nary a problem. They are tough.

[McManus]

Perfect! Four answers--four different vises.

I tie with one, of the above--but would be happy with the Peak, Dynaking or the Renzetti. I've had the opportunity to use these and find them all to be excellent vises.

[Terry Beeson]

I have the Renzetti Traveler also and love it. But, honestly, I don't think you would be disappointed with any of the above mentioned. The Peak and Griffin I've tied on and really liked. The DynaKing has been one that I've heard a lot of guys say they won't give up. But I just really like the Renzetti.

I think if you come to Sowbug in March and look at the different vises, you'll be even MORE confused...

[warlock]

I use a danvise. It's a rotary, its durable and it was only $100. It may not be the prettiest vise out there, but it works for me.

[jOrOb]

Go tye a fly!

Really, go to the local fly shop and tie on all of them. Try them all, then pick the one you like the best and be done. This topic has been visited repeatedly for as long as tyers have been using vises, and one thing you can be sure of is that there are a lot of opinions, and they all differ. Another thing that is pretty sure is that you probably will not regret any of the listed vises, along with a number of others which didn't make your short list. With that in mind, pick the one that suits you the best. That means test driving them.

Don't be afraid to try some of the other models as well though, while you are at it. I am using an inexpensive vise from Terra, and it serves me perfectly fine.

jOrOb

[Greg]

You've gotten some great advice. Probably the best is that if you get the opportunity - try before you buy!! There are lots of great vises on the market and a lot of times it just comes down to a matter of taste.

For example I know renzetti makes a great vise but I just don't care for them - I don't like the rubber band/o-ring they all seem to have and they seem small and under engineered to me. But I know they work great for many, many people who love them.

I own several vises. My current favorite rotary vise is the Peak. Give it a look if you can. I've had mine for 2 years and I have had 0 problems and have yet to have a hook slip. It was also the overall favorite in 2 different vise reviews at it's price point. I have yet to see a bad review on it. See below:

http://www.flyfisherman.com/ftb/hwvise/index29.html

http://www.flyfishohio.com/Vise%20Review%2...ses_summary.htm

Happy tying with whatever you end up with.

Greg