Buying a fly tying vise for the first time can be a dizzying experience, and even seasoned fly tyers can get lost in the vast sea of features, claims of innovation, and multitude of add-ons, options, and jaw choices that are out there.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list of vises, but it should cover a pretty large number of the available vises and types/styles of vises.
- Rotary Vises:
Rotary fly tying vises, such as the Renzetti Traveler 2200 and the Dyna-King Barracuda, allow the fly to be rotated while tying, providing easier access to different angles and facilitating precise thread placement. Pros include versatility, improved tying efficiency, and better visual examination during the tying process. However, rotary vises tend to be more expensive compared to non-rotary vises. Some other models are the Peak Rotary Vise, Renzetti Presentation, Griffin Odyssey Spider, Stonfo Transformer and Stonfo Elite.
- C-Clamp Vises:
A lot of fly tying vises are available with a C-Clamp or a pedestal, like the Griffin Montana Mongoose and the Regal Medallion. The C-clamp attaches to the edge of a table or workbench, making it easy to attach and remove if you tie in different locations. Pros also include stability and portability, and usually a lower price point than a pedestal vise.
- Pedestal Vises:
Pedestal vises, such as the Peak Rotary Vise and the HMH Spartan, come with a heavy base that provides stability and eliminates the need for a table edge to clamp onto. Pros include quick setup, and versatility in different tying environments. However, they may not offer as much stability as C-Clamp vises, and are often larger and heavier to transport.
- Inline Rotary Vises:
Inline rotary vises, such as the Norvise and the Regal Revolution, feature a unique rotary mechanism where the hook shank remains stationary while the vise rotates. Pros include excellent control over thread placement, simplified material handling, and efficient dubbing techniques, although, they’re usually a bit more expensive.
- Tube Fly Vises:
Tube fly vises, like the HMH Tube Spinner Vise and the Stonfo Transformer, are specifically designed for tying tube flies. Pros include versatility in handling different tube diameters and lengths, as well as ease of assembly and disassembly. However, they may have a steeper learning curve for beginners and may require additional accessories for certain tying techniques.
To read more about other materials needed to get started tying flies, check out this article, Beginning fly tying: What materials do you need to get started tying flies?