Rotary vise recs

[Wasatchangler]

I’m in the market for a new vise. Currently tying on a regal medallion which I love but interested in a true rotary function. I perused a thread from last year and it seems like the renzetti traveler and peak rotary are two favorites that I will be considering. Primarily tying trout flies down to size 22 and looking to keep the cost around $200-250. Any comparisons from those with experience with those two models? Or any others that I should be considering? Much appreciated!

 

[adamcu280]

I've tried Peak Rotary and Renzetti Traveler but I've settled in on Montana Mongoose. Bought three of them so far.

@Nick Clayton had a nice review of cheaper vises a handful of years ago. Prices are probably higher nowadays but it's worth a look.

 

[cascadian]

I’m in the market for a new vise. Currently tying on a regal medallion which I love but interested in a true rotary function. I perused a thread from last year and it seems like the renzetti traveler and peak rotary are two favorites that I will be considering. Primarily tying trout flies down to size 22 and looking to keep the cost around $200-250. Any comparisons from those with experience with those two models? Or any others that I should be considering? Much appreciated!

The Traveler is OK. That's not the glowing review you're going to get from most owners, but it's how I feel.
If your jaws are perfect, let's trade

 

[Wasatchangler]

I've tried Peak Rotary and Renzetti Traveler but I've settled in on Montana Mongoose. Bought three of them so far.

@Nick Clayton had a nice review of cheaper vises a handful of years ago. Prices are probably higher nowadays but it's worth a look.

Thanks! Nick’s video is super helpful. Seems like the mongoose has more plastic than some of the comparable models. Have you had any issues with any components?

 

[Wasatchangler]

The Traveler is OK. That's not the glowing review you're going to get from most owners, but it's how I feel.
If your jaws are perfect, let's trade

Just had my first chip in the jaws last week!

 

[cascadian]

Oh well.
Regardless, be sure you are willing to lose the ability to easily and quickly adapt to different hook sizes in exchange for a fiddly screw that needs to be adjusted for every size change. OK, not EVERY size change, just every size change you will make.
If I had to do it over again, I would have bought the Regal. No quality vise made today has issues with jaws chipping; any vise one buys needs to have the hook set properly. You would have chipped a Renzetti, too.

 

[adamcu280]

Thanks! Nick’s video is super helpful. Seems like the mongoose has more plastic than some of the comparable models. Have you had any issues with any components?

No issues after thousands of flies.

 

[SurfnFish]

I installed a Peak handle on my Renzetti Trailer that does make it function better in rotary.

 

[Wasatchangler]

Oh well.
Regardless, be sure you are willing to lose the ability to easily and quickly adapt to different hook sizes in exchange for a fiddly screw that needs to be adjusted for every size change. OK, not EVERY size change, just every size change you will make.
If I had to do it over again, I would have bought the Regal. No quality vise made today has issues with jaws chipping; any vise one buys needs to have the hook set properly. You would have chipped a Renzetti, too.

I am certain that I will miss the convenience and simplicity of the regal jaw mechanism.

 

[Norm Frechette]

renzetti traveler

 

[cascadian]

renzetti traveler

Ah c'mon Norm, you barely have a few thousand flies and 15 years on yours

Btw, if you don't mind, how's the new vise?

 

[Zak]

I tie on the Peak Rotary and like it.

 

[kmudgn]

I have a Presentation model. I had been tying for at least half a century using a Thompson Model A and then an HMH Standard. I did not know that I needed a rotary vise until I used one. Much improved flies and greater ease of wrapping.
I got the Presentation as I found the Traveller to be too "light" for my tying style. I tie with a "strong" hand and the Traveller just did not fit my style. That being said, everyone has their own preference and you should get what works for you.

 

[Norm Frechette]

Ah c'mon Norm, you barely have a few thousand flies and 15 years on yours

Btw, if you don't mind, how's the new vise?

its in transit back to the fly shop for a refund

it wasnt quite what i expected.

i should have listened to the little guy on one shoulder. try before you buy

 

[onefish]

I have a stonfo elite as I wanted a true rotary. I have a couple of buddies who, after using mine, also went with the same vise and are happy with their choice. You will get lots of opinions, none of which are incorrect. Good luck with your new vise, whichever one you choose.

Here is a good article that quite nicely summarizes what your are looking for including video links to a wide variety of vises.

Choosing a Fly Tying Vise

Tons of links, videos, and, of course, opinions about what to look for in a fly tying vise - which is a very personal decision.

www.thescientificflyangler.com

 

[headduck]

I ended up with the renzetti. It works well. Feels dainty in my big mits. Always coveted the regal as I mostly tie larger flies...but grass is always greener.

 

[Paige]

Big fan of the Nor Vise and their automatic bobins, once you switch, it hard to use anything else!

 

[onefish]

Big fan of the Nor Vise and their automatic bobins, once you switch, it hard to use anything else!

Have a buddy that also made the switch to a Nor Vise and says the same thing.

 

[SurfnFish]

Big fan of the Nor Vise and their automatic bobins, once you switch, it hard to use anything else!

only sold mine when I was no longer tying for salmon and steelhead....when it comes to a rotary, there is Norvise and then everyone else. And their bobbins are definitely the schizzle...

 

[Wasatchangler]

Big fan of the Nor Vise and their automatic bobins, once you switch, it hard to use anything else!

I can see the appeal of the Nor vise and it would definitely be a consideration if not for the price of admission. Looks very effective for laying down a thread base and production tying.