Gear review
For years I’ve used a Stonfo dubbing twister that came in an early kit I bought. While it did the job I needed it to, I found myself using the split-thread technique more often because it was faster. I recently started looking into some other twisters, and soon realized there were a lot of great ones on the market, but the one that really caught my eye was the Smhaen Master Dubbing Twister.
At first I balked at the price, and delayed making the purchase, but just like the expensive Petitjean CDC clips, sometimes it’s worth it to pay more for the tool that will do the job better than anything else. Let’s take a look at the features, performance, and my overall impression of the Smhaen Master Dubbing Twister.
Design and Build Quality
The Smhaen Dubbing Twister’s small size was a huge plus for me. Some of the larger pencil-size twisters can get in the way and are too long to hang from my thread without hitting my pedestal. Holding the tool you can feel that this is a quality piece of equipment. There’s just one moving part, and I’m pretty sure this should last a lifetime. The weight of the twister makes it easy to spin quickly, and if you need a lot of twist, this thing spins for ages.
Functionality and Ease of Use
Using this dubbing twister is a breeze, and the number of ways you can use such a simple tool is quite impressive. There is of course the tried-and-true simple hook method, which works surprisingly well, and is made even better thanks to a little notch that keeps the thread in place. The spring-loaded mechanism simplifies the process of securing and releasing dubbing materials. The narrow profile of the tool allows for precise placement of dubbing wraps, enabling fly tiers to create tight and consistent bodies. The integrated thread pickup feature ensures efficient thread control, eliminating the need for additional tools during the tying process.
Performance
When put to the test, the Smhaen Dubbing Twister delivers exceptional performance. Its smooth rotation allows for precise control over dubbing placement and tension, resulting in neat and well-segmented bodies. The spring-loaded mechanism ensures that dubbing is held securely, preventing slippage during the wrapping process.
Value for Money
While the Smhaen Dubbing Twister falls in the higher price range compared to other dubbing twisters, its outstanding performance and durability make it worth it. The quality craftsmanship and features make it a worthwhile addition to any fly tyer’s bench. The versatility and ease of use of this tool enhance the tying experience, enabling you to create professional-grade flies with ease.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Smhaen Dubbing Twister stands out as the best-in-class. Its ergonomic design, functionality, versatility, and performance combine to get it a permanent spot on my bench. Whether you’re a seasoned fly tyer, or a beginner looking to elevate your tying skills, the Smhaen Dubbing Twister is a worthy investment that will definitely enhance your tying experience.