Vise Upgrade

[spyder]

I am looking for some advise (no pun intended)

I have been tying for a few years and use the DYNA KING - Kingfisher. I like it - but have been thinking about upgrading to a true rotary.

There are many to look at ... Which should I be thinking about?

If I upgrade, should I keep the Kingfisher as a traveling vise or sell it??

Anyone interested???

[mmarkey]

Unless you really need a little extra cash or you're tight on storage, I'd definitly keep it. You can always use an extra vise to teach someone, a buddy, or a kid, it can be fun to share like that. You won't get much for an old vise, Keep It. JMHO ;)

[Grizzz]

Spyder,

I have both the Barracuda and Barracuda Jr and I love both of them. For a little less money, you cannot beat the Renzetti. I would also keep the Kingfisher for a traveling vise. I bought my Jr to make it my traveling one but it is just too big for that. I have been thinking about getting the Kingfisher to do that.

Grizzz

[Ivan]

How much do you plan spending on your new vise? The reason I ask is that you can spend as little as $35 or as much as $600 for a true rotary vise. It would really help my recommendation if I knew what type of budget or range you are looking at.

Keep the kingfisher you and that vise have history. Since I quess(?) after all is said and done you'll probaly go with one of the barracudas, the kingfisher will be an excellent throw vise.

Just a quess!

Ivan

[cannibalfly]

if you gotta have it...The barracuda Jr. "trekker" is a great new vise. I like the fact that the midge jaws are interchangable with most dyna king vises. Plus the quick jaw alignment only make it better. I've had an original Barracuda for some time and as soon as the Jr. Trekker came out, I got one for my travel vise!

[spyder]

Budget - under $400....

[Josh Barnett]

Budget - under $400....

These aren't all under $400.00, but this will give you a better understanding of some of the vises on the market today. Don't go soley with the information we pass along to you here. Go to your local fly shops, Unicoi or Orvis (Atl. and Norcross locations) and try out some of the vises.

Maybe at the NGTO Spring Fling, everyone could bring their vises. That way potential buyers could come and take a look and maybe even tie a fy on the vises they're interested in.

IN RED ARE UNDER $400.00

All Descriptions Are From Vise Manufacturers



Dyna-King Vises
http://dyna-king.com
Barracuda Vise @ $349
The Barracuda vise is a favorite with rotary tyers around the world. Dyna-King has crafted this quality vise with the finest precision construction of stainless steel. Available with pedestal or clamp base. The vise is complete with a light-weight bobbin hanger, a rotary tying video, and has a standard jaw that will accommodate hooks ranging from 24 to 10/0. A full rotary vise at a very competitive price.

Dyna-King Vises
http://dyna-king.com
Barracuda Deluxe @ $365
The Barracuda Deluxe is the Barracuda Vise with all brass knobs/appointments and 90 degree handle extension.

Dyna-King Vises
http://dyna-king.com
Barracuda Junior Trekker Vise @ $219
The Barracuda Jr. TREKKER Vise is now offered as a lighter weight vise to accommodate the angling trekker. Light weight in your travel bag as well as your pocket book. Vise less the base weighs less than 1/2 lb. with ball bearings in the housing for smooth rotation, adjustable drag, easy adjustments for a wide hook range 22 to 8/O, and includes a light weight bobbin hanger and your choice of base (pedestal or clamp).

Dyna-King Vises
http://dyna-king.com
Barracuda Indexer Vise @ $365
The Barracuda Vise is now offered with an Indexer option. This feature aids in the tying of epoxy flies. The indexer option enables the vise to rotate freely and/or stay stationary at 8 points (4 on each side) on the axis of rotation. It allows the epoxy to dry evenly without any adjustment to the rotational drag. The feature is an additional option now available at the time of purchase on any Barracuda vise.

Dyna-King Vises
http://dyna-king.com
The Presentation Limited Edition Vise @ $575
The Dyna-King Presentation series vises are a limited edition. Only 200 of these vises will be made so this is a rare vise. The Presentation comes with a solid walnut cabinet, hand-crafted with beveled lid, an adjustment wrench, and two sets of rock solid jaws. Like the Supreme, it has velvety-smooth vise rotation which allows you to rotate the fly for trimming, cementing, or just viewing. It also serves to set "drag" on the rotary feature. Available in clamp models only.

Dyna-King Vises
http://dyna-king.com
The Voyager @ $209
The Voyager is also known as Dyna-King's "Traveling Companion". It is compact and lightweight with a 30º head angle and furnished with a Cordura Nylon carry pouch. It has no screws or knobs, stainless steel vise body, notch-lock cam and tool steel jaws. The base for the pedestal model is machined from lightweight black derlin. Both models in their pouches will fit in a large coat pocket for easy transport. The vise is offered in either clamp or pedestal base.

Renzetti Vises
http://renzetti.com
Presentation 4000 Vise @ $350 +
If your tying needs require a variety of hook styles and sizes, you'll find unmatched versatility in the Presentation 4000. The 4000 has two rotary tension adjustments. You can use one adjustment to preset a desired level of tension for your basic tying needs. The second adjustment is used for adding tension or holding the rotary shaft in a particular desired position. Pedestal base comes with pockets. To utilize the custom features of this vise it must be ordered for the right or left hand tyer. New base is available.

Renzetti Vises
http://renzetti.com
Presentation 3000 Vise @ $339
The Presentation 3000 is the ideal vise for the tier who is primarily interested in tying small flies and streamers. Crafting miniature offerings can require considerable hand and finger manipulation. Maximum finger clearance behind and around the hook is possible with the Presentation 3000 because we made the jaw slender and set it at an angle. The signature Renzetti rotary feature enables you to wind thread, hackle or other material around the hook with a precision smoothness you'll appreciate whether you're tying your first fly or your thousandth. Pedestal base comes with pockets.

Renzetti Vises
http://renzetti.com
Traveler Cam Vise @ $170 +
In addition to all the great features of our standard traveler vises, this latest series features a new set of cam operated jaws. The system is lever actuated with infinitely adjustable jaws. Minimal pressure on the lever holds the hook rock steady. Your tying sequence is never compromised by unwanted hook movement. Pedestal base comes with pockets. Cam Traveler Vises must be ordered for right or left handed tier. The Traveler jaws and the Saltwater Traveler jaws are not interchangeable, however you can order a Renzetti Traveler Bent Shaft (specify right or left) and a Cam Saltwater Traveler set of jaws. This will require disassembling your vise each time you wish to switch jaws. The cost of this is approx. $107.00. Please call us if you need to do this. A Saltwater Cam Traveler Vise Head will accomplish the same with out any assembling required.

Danica Dan Vises
True Rotary Dan-Vise
This is one of the cheaper of the true rotary vises. Constructed of metal, and hard plastic it is also one of the cheaper made vises. Excellent starting vise for new or intermediate fly tyers.

Regal Rotary Vises
http://www.hookhack.com/vises.html#Anchor-REGA-25415
C-Clamp Model @ $150
C-Clamp Model w/ Midge Jaws @ $150
Special Bronze Pedestal Medallion Model @ $225
No vise comes close to Regal's hook-holding power, ability and simplicity. Self adjusting jaws hold hooks from 6/0 to 32. Squeeze handle and jaws open. Insert hook, release handle and you're ready to tie. Streamlined vises have 360 degree rotation and 220 degree up and down movement for full visual contact. No glare black finish. C-clamp is black. Pedestal base is extra heavy and beautifully bronze finished.

Regal Rotary Vises
http://www.hookhack.com/vises.html#Anchor-REGA-25415
Regal Inexpensive Vise @ $110
The Regal inexpensive vise is a cosmetically less-expensive version of the standard Regal vises. Adjustable for height only; does not rotate. Jaws and mechanism are of the same high quality as the rotary vises. C-clamp base only. No glare black finish.

Griffin Fly Tying Vises
http://www.flyfishusa.com/fly-tying...if-mongoose.htm
Montana Mongoose @ $175
The supreme hook holding power that Griffin vises are famous for is passed on to the new addition in their family of rotary vises. The sleek and agile design of the Mongoose will ensure a comfortable hand position while tying. The smooth 360 true rotation will help provide better and more professional looking flies. Tempered steel jaws will securely grip hooks from 4/0-28's. The Mongoose comes complete with: C-clamp, Pedestal, Bobbin Cradle, Material Clip, Hackle Gauge, Supreme Bobbin & Deluxe Carrying Case. This vise is ready to travel with you.

Griffin Fly Tying Vises
http://www.flyfishusa.com/fly-tying...superior-1a.htm
Griffen Superior IA Vise @ $40
The Griffin Superior 1A is the longest lasting, most practical vise costing under $40 that we have found. This vise has many features found only in more expensive vises; easy hook size adjustments (takes hooks from #8/0 to #28), comes with c-clamp and will work either right or left handed. Lifetime warranty. Made in USA.

Griffin Fly Tying Vises
http://www.flyfishusa.com/fly-tying...superior-2a.htm
Griffen Superior IIA Vise @ $55
The Griffin Superior 2A is the longest lasting, most practical vise costing under $60 that we have found. This vise has many features found only in more expensive vises; easy hook size adjustments (takes hooks from #8/0 to #28), comes with c-clamp and will work either right or left handed. Lifetime warranty. Made in USA.

Peak Fly Tying Vises
http://www.traditionalangler.com/PeakVises.asp
Peak Rotary @ $129-$199
The Peak Rotary is a new vise on the market. Revolves at a 360 Degree rotation. Nice vise.

Marryat Fly Tying Vises
http://www.traditionalangler.com/MarryatVises.asp
Marryat MP (Mark Pettijean) Vise
The MP vise is designed by Marc Petitjean of Switzerland and is manufactured by Marryat in Japan. The MP Vise enables tiers to tie a variety of flies from the simplest to the most intricate and complicated designs. The MP Vise includes three sets of jaws for size 32 to 4/0 hooks, a tube fly system, pedestal and clamp base, standard and rotary settings, bobbin rest, parachute system and a material holder. All adjustments are made by hand, no tools required.

How To Make A Vise For $6.00 (http://www.eflytyer.com/tools/The%20Engleman_vise.html)

Joshua Barnett
Editor, The Modern Angler
Tier, Back Porch Fly Company

[MetrelaBrown]

again, keep the kingfisher. You will regret it if you sell it. I have one as a backup vise and love it for traveling and teaching. I personally upgraded two years ago from a Renzetti traveler to a Renzetti Presentation 4000 and love it. I love the sturdy base. Keep in mind, since you are so use to a dynaking, you my be happiest with a dynaking upgrade like the barracuda. Thats why I'm so partial to Renzetti since its the brand I learn to tie on. Either way, I think the Dynaking or Renzetti vises are hard to beat for the quality and ease of tying on.
Josh has given you excellent advise. Go to a local shop and ask to tie a few flies on each and see which you like the best. You might want to call ahead to make sure a flyshop has the vises your interested in are in stock.
happy tying!

[willis5]

I played with the ones at the FishHawk (thanks Rob!) and I settled on the Dynaking Barracudda Jr. Trekker. I really like it. I have played around on and tied on a few others (peak and renzzetti traveler where my other two favs). -Billy

[Ivan]

Spyder I see you live atlanta. Stop by the Fishhawk see Rob or Gary they have both renzetti and Dynaking. As I quessed earlier I think you'll like a Dyna King Barracuda variant for the resaons Metrela stated. Take a look at the Barracuda Deluxe (see Josh's post above) its in your budget range and you'll find the fit and feel familar.

If I where going to upgrade to a bench roatary I would probaly go with the Griffin Mongoose sight unseen. Because I have been tying on a Griffin 3AR for over seven years and have tied on several of their offerings. I am very comfortable witn Griffin vises.

[stiritup56]

if you wanna sell the kingfisher let me know, im in the market for a new vice