Best fly tying vices for anglers

 

Looking for the proper fly tying vise can be quite overwhelming given the sheer number of options available in the market today. As you probably know, tying flies is almost an art form and requires plenty of skill and science to get it done correctly. With so many high-quality options, how can you find the right one for your specific needs?

Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of the best fly tying vises for anglers that are available for purchase. The vises in the list below consist of characteristics and features that fit a broad spectrum of requirements ranging from durability, affordability, versatility, and more.

Regardless of your need, we have you covered from casual vices to ones to tie the potential next streamer or fly to land the new butterfly peacock bass Florida record while fishing.

To get the best value for money, you need to consider a few key factors to ensure that you buy the best fly tying vise.

Base type

Most fly tying vises come with either a C-clamp base or a pedestal base. If you want to travel often with your vise, then a C-clamp base should be ideal for you. Pedestal bases are targeted more towards severe users and often come with heavy-duty vises.

Some vises offer both versions, which make it suitable for those who want a solid base and the ability to travel with the vice easily.

Holding power

This is perhaps one of the most critical factors to look for, no matter how experienced you are. Never go for a product that has weak holding power. One way to avoid such products is to go through customer reviews and see how many people suffered the same issue.

If too many people are complaining about it, avoid buying that particular product.

Replaceable jaws

This isn’t a must-have feature to look for, but it is very convenient and provides you with a good value over time. Not all manufacturers do it, so you might want to explore that option further if you come across one.

Adjustability

The ideal vise should offer good adjustability and be simple enough to do it quickly and conveniently. Tying flies is a delicate art, and the minor inconvenience or disturbance can hamper your experience.

Jaw size range

A typical vise comes with a jaw capacity of 20 to 2/0 hooks. However, depending on your experience, you can go for ones that come with a better range. The greater the field, the more value you get over time.

Stem size

This is something that is often overlooked, but it is pretty essential. Vises with short stems can be a pain to use for tall people, so always keep that in mind before buying one. If you are of average height or short stature, then you have nothing to worry about as almost all vises will be comfortable to use.

Portability

If you like traveling a lot, especially when fishing, and want to take your vise with you, make sure it isn’t too heavy. Vises that come with carrying cases will be especially helpful as you will be able to hold both the disassembled vise and additional tools with ease.

Value

Some vises come with a ton of useless accessories that you might never require. If you already have the necessary tools for tying flies, don’t bother going for such vises. On the other hand, if you are a beginner and don’t have many tools, you need to compare the vise price with the cost of buying the tools separately.

Go for whichever option gives you more value.

Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Lifetime Guarantee and 100% made in the USA
• Jaw capacity is 28 to 4/0
• The Odyssey Fly Tying vise is a true 360 degree rotating vise that come with a c-clamp and bobbin cradle.
• An entry level Fly Tying Vise at an entry level price
• Made from the finest materials and made to last a lifetime

This one comes with a C-clamp, bobbin cradle, lifetime guarantee, and a lovely price point. In a market filled with expensive and overrated vises, it stands out as one of the most affordable products that give you a bang for your buck.

With a jaw capacity of 28 to 4/0, you get incredible range as far as tying is concerned. One of its best aspects is that its versatile and straightforward usage, making it great for beginners and experts alike. You also get a bobbin holder, which you don’t usually see even in premium products.

The C-clamp allows you to fasten it to a table instead of having a pedestal base, and it works flawlessly without any hassles at all. Overall, we found it to be an excellent versatile, easy to use, great value for money, and one of the best-priced fly tying vises out there.

Pros

• It comes with a bobbin holder
• Jaw capacity has a great range
• You get a lifetime guarantee
• It comes at a lovely price point
• Very easy to use

Cons

• The quality of some of the plastic parts could have been better
• You need to replace the plastic nuts with metal ones to avoid hassles

Renzetti Original Traveler 2000 Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Pedestal has a 7″ stem on a black power coated base
• Handles hook sizes #28-#4/0
• Features an adjustable bobbin cradle, case harden cam jaws & a rotary tension screw

The Renzetti Original Traveler 2000 comes with a black powder-coated base, C-Clamp, patented cam jaws, a bobbin cradle, polyurethane O-ring, rotary tension screw. This one stands out with its fantastic build quality and high durability in a sea of medium to high quality tying vises.

The quality of the materials used in its construction is something to marvel at. This one was built to last a lifetime, and it shows. The price tag might be a bit on the high side, but the craftsmanship is quite exquisite.

The jaw capacity of 28 to 4/0 is ideal for usage as it provides a great range. However, you might face some difficulty when it comes to tying minor bugs.

With the handy bobbin holder, you can have a relaxed hands-free experience which is always nice to have. Considering everything you get, it’s a perfect vise made with excellent high-quality materials and very easy to operate. Its only downside is its price, but you won’t be disappointed if you can afford it.

Pros

• It comes at a very affordable price tag
• The quality of materials is excellent for its price
• It comes with a very smooth rotary action
• Jaw capacity of 20 to 3/0 is pretty good

Cons

It was a bit expensive

• Not great for tying minor bugs

Colorado Anglers 2001 EZ Rotary Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Ultra fine jaws
• 360 degree rotation
• C-clamp mount

It comes with a 30-degree rotation capability, C-clamp mount, cut-proof aluminum oxide guides, adjustable jaws, and all-metal adjustment knobs. There are plenty of affordable tying vises in the market, but this is probably the best one out there for the budget’s sheer value for money.

The first thing that stands out about this product is its amazingly affordable price tag. The build quality can’t be compared to other premium models, but you will find it hard to find a better product with higher quality at such a low price.

The rotary action feels very smooth with this one. Fine-tuning its positioning is very easy and feels secure, thanks to the all-metal adjustment knobs.

Its jaw capacity can hold up to 3/0 hooks, making it ideal for tying more significant bugs and more minor bugs alike. By combining affordability, durability, functionality, and ease of use, this one is an absolute steal when it comes to sheer value. The only drawback it has is that it doesn’t come with a bobbin holder, but you really can’t complain at such a low price.

Pros

• It comes at a very affordable price tag
• The quality of materials is excellent for its price
• It comes with a very smooth rotary action

Jaw capacity of 20 to 3/0 is pretty good

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a bobbin holder

Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise – Fly Tying

This one comes with a stainless steel aluminum body, a pedestal base with an integrated hook/bead pocket, and a jaw capacity of 30+ to 2/0. If you like having tools with an industrial visual edge, you might probably like this one.

Looking industrial by itself isn’t that useful, but this one is built like a rock. It utilizes stainless steel, brass, and aircraft aluminum in its construction, making it highly durable and secure.

One of its best aspects, though, is that you have the option to use it as a pedestal or clamp base, depending on your personal preferences. The one glaring drawback it has is that it comes with plastic thumbscrews. You have to buy brass ones at an additional cost.

However, the part where this vise excels is in its ability to hold 30 plus hooks with ease, which makes it ideal for intermediate and expert users. Overall, it’s a great fly tying vise that comes with excellent quality, great durability, and incredible versatility.

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Pros

• It’s very durable with an excellent build quality
• You can tie a wide range of bugs in terms of size
• It comes with the option to have a clamp base as well
• It features an industrial look and feel

Cons

• The thumbscrews are made of plastic

Zephr Travel Fly Tying Kit w/Travel Bag

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Zephr Travel Fly Tying Kit w/ Travel Bag
• Deluxe Assortment of Tools and Vise
• EZ Rotary Vise included
• 12 Tools are included – hair stacker, two bobbins, rotating hackle pliers, two scissors, whip finishing tool, bodkin pick, bobbin theader, dubbing twister, tweezers. Vise with interchangeable base/clamp and carrying case
• Very nice and durable traveling bag

It comes with a fly tying tool kit, carry bag, two bobbins – both a pedestal and a C-clamp base. While there are several single-product beginner tying vises in the market today, few can provide the same amount of value as the Zephr Travel Fly tying Kit.

The build quality is pretty good with this product, although it does come with its fair share of plastic parts. Then again, when you want something to be portable, it’s not feasible to have only metal parts.

Of course, the unique aspect of this vise is the wide range of handy tools that come with it. You get a hair stacker, rotating hackle pliers, bobbin threader, and tweezers, thereby making it an invaluable kit for beginner and intermediate users.

It’s not meant to be used as a main vise since it’s made more for portability and ease of use. So if you are a beginner and are looking for a portable fly tying vise with some handy tools, then this might be the one for you.

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Pros

​It comes with both a pedestal and a clamp base

• You get additional fly tying tools
• Easy to travel with
• You get a carry case with it for better portability

Cons

• It’s pretty tiny and cannot be used as your main vise
• Some of its parts are made of plastic

Griffin Montana Mongoose Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• 360 true rotation
• Size 4/0 to 28
• C-Clamp & Pedestal Included
• Hackle Gauge Included
• Lifetime warranty

This one comes with 360-degree rotation capability, C-clamp and pedestal base, bobbin holder, hackle gauge, jaw capacity of 28 to 4/0, and a lifetime warranty. When it comes to intermediate and expert fly tying vises, the Griffin Montana Mongoose reels you in due to its high quality, versatility, and overall value.

It features a heavy-duty construction which is quite apparent the moment you look at it. Each part is made up of only high-quality materials, and it feels excellent and secure when you use it. You can make precise and fine adjustments as per your preference with great accuracy.

The rotary action feels very smooth, and it provides one of the best hassle-free experiences you can get from a vise. In terms of usage, it’s relatively versatile with a clamp size of 28 to 4/0, although it’s not suitable for tying tiny flies.

You also get a hard carry case with it which makes it convenient to travel. Those looking for high quality, durable, high-end vise, ideal for intermediate and expert users, will find it to be a great option and definitely worth the slightly high price tag.

Pros

• It comes with a carry case
• The all-metal body is very durable
• You get a lifetime warranty
• You get a C-clamp and a pedestal base

Cons

• You can’t adjust the angle of the jaws
• It’s not ideal for tying small flies

Stonfo Transformer Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Interchangeable jaws
• Adjustable rotary tension
• Smooth rotary motion
• Locking position at any angle
• Shaft fast locking every 45° angle

It comes with interchangeable jaws, adjustable rotary tension, multiple locking positions, and a pedestal base with an integrated rack for tool storage. When it comes to high-end fly tying vises, no other product can provide the same level of quality, adjustability, and versatility as the Stonfo Transformer vise.

It’s not called a transformer for no reason. The sheer amount of adjustability you get with this product can make your head spin if you’re a beginner. It comes with a fast coupling device and attachments which allow you to transform it into an in-line vise, a tube fly vise, or a streamer vise as per your needs.

You can also easily adjust the rotary tension and its height to your preference. The shaft can also be locked into position at every 45 degrees. On top of all these features, it’s also reversible, making it perfect for left-handed users as well.

If you have a high budget and need a high-end fly tying vise that offers excellent versatility, fantastic quality, and functionality, then this one won’t disappoint.

Pros

• The pedestal base comes with a handy tool rack
• Its highly versatile
• Adjustable rotary tension is convenient
• It’s ideal for left-hand tying
• Perfect for expert users in terms of adjustability

Cons

• It comes with a high price tag
• It has plenty of moving parts which may be too complicated for some

Wolff Industries Apex Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Lifetime Warranty
• Full in line rotary
• Computer machined stainless steel construction; Hardened steel jaws
• Pedestal base

It comes with a full inline rotary, stainless steel construction, a C-clamp and pedestal base, steel jaws, and a lifetime warranty. The Wolff Industries Apex vise offers excellent value for beginner and intermediate users looking to upgrade their vise by combining simple design, great functionality, good durability, and ease of use.

It features solid construction with a stainless steel body and hardened steel jaws, making it feel quite premium to the touch. It also comes with a pedestal and a C-clamp base with a big enough gap to fit even thick surfaces.

The jaws are exceptionally made and can hold a variety of flies in terms of size without wiggling. The only minor drawback it has is that the stem on the vise is a bit short, which can make it difficult for tall users.

If you are a beginner who wants to upgrade your vise to a better option but doesn’t want to pay upwards of $200, then this one might be perfect for you.

Pros

• You get good adjustability with minimum effort
• Full inline rotary is very helpful to see the fly from different angles
• The jaws are built to last
• Outstanding value for money

Cons

• It’s not very portable
• It’s not ideal for tall people

Wolff Industries, Inc. Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vise (Base Only)

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Does not include bobbin Cradle

It comes with a full in-line rotary, stainless steel body, spindle lock, Delrin sleeve bearings, and knurled end knob for adjusting tying friction. In terms of a fly tying vise that is ideal for beginners and intermediate users to become experts, this one pretty much takes the cake.

The construction is rock solid, thanks to the stainless steel body. Once you hold it, you know that it was built to last an entire lifetime. The design, in particular, is beautiful to look at as it not only looks sleek but also exudes elegance.

The jaw capacity is excellent, too, as you can use both big and small sizes flies with ease. The extra heavy base, in particular, helps to get a hassle-free experience when tying flies.

The most exciting aspect of this vise is that it is simple to use and offers a unique learning curve for beginners and intermediate users to up their tying game. So if you want to upgrade your tying level to the next level but don’t want to spend too much, this one can be a game-changer for you.

Pros

• Fantastic durability and build quality
• It features a beautiful and elegant design
• The C-clamp base is very sturdy
• You can go all the way down to size 30

Cons

• The rotary handle might need some blue Loctite for better sealing

Regal Travel Fly Tying Vise

Last update on 2023-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Regal Aluminum Base Travel Vise – Fly Tying

It comes with​ 360 degrees rotation capability, jaw capacity of 22 to 1/0, good customization options, a lightweight body, and looks to die for. In an ocean of similar-looking vises, the Regal Medallion series provides a breath of fresh air when it comes to design.

Every single little detail on its body offers you enough evidence that a lot of thought has gone into its construction. It utilizes very high-quality materials even when it comes to the nuts and bolts, making it one of the sturdiest vises for its price range. You can also use it for peacock bass fishing.

Dressing a fly is an absolute dream with this one as you get a hassle-free fly tying experience. You can keep your tools in the handy little pockets on the base, making tying flies even more convenient.

This isn’t a proper complete rotary vise, but it sure is an excellent one. If you want to have custom colors on the head, you can contact the manufacturer, but it might cost you a bit extra. All in all, if you want a premium-looking fly tying vice with incredible durability, good portability, great value for money, and a design fit for a king, this one should do just fine.

Pros

• The design is amazing
• Excellent sturdiness
• Premium look and feel
• Great value for money
• Lightweight and portable
• Great quality construction

Cons

• It’s not as versatile as some of its competitors

Frequently asked questions

Should I Get a Rotary Tying Vise?

If you are a beginner, then it would be wiser to get a rotary vise. You can then position it as per your needs and learn how to tie flies properly. Once you get used to the rotary function, you’ll be able to cross wrap like a professional.

Are All Vises Made for Both Left and Right Handed People?

Sadly, no. Many vises in the market today are targeted towards right-handed users, but some options offer more versatility in this regard.

How Much Does A Fly Tying Vise Cost?

It purely depends on the quality of materials used, features, and brand value. Fly tying vices start from $50 and go up to $500 for high-end ones.

What Should I Look for In Terms Of Quality?

Avoid vises that use many plastic parts as they don’t last for a long time and sometimes interfere with your fly tying experience. A few plastic parts such as nuts and bolts might be okay but see if you can replace them with metal ones.

Conclusion

Using the best fly tying vise might sound like an uphill task, but it doesn’t have to be. In today’s digital age, everything is just a click away. With a little bit of research and some personal reflection on what you desire, you can easily find the right one that meets your needs and more.

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