best travel fly tying vise

The 7 Best Fly Tying Vises in 2024 – Buyers Guide

• Written By: Ben Kepka
• Last Updated: December 13, 2023

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After years of tying my own flies and late-night debates with the team, we agree all agree that the best fly tying vise is the Renzetti Traveler . This is what I use to tie all of my trout flies . It’s a durable, rotary fly tying vise that allows you to see your flies from all angles.

Over the past decade, I have reviewed just over 10 different fly tying vises, thanks in large part to my job as a fly fishing writer. Some we have been sent by companies to test but the majority were purchased by myself.

Here are our unbias and honest recommendations for the best fly tying vises in each category:

Detailed Fly Tying Vise Reviews

We’ve covered everything from budget models (that still work well!) to premium rotary vises that will take your hobby to the next level. Plus, you can discover exactly what you should be looking for in our Buyer’s Guide down the bottom.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the right fly tying vise is out there!

Renzetti Traveler

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• Very lightweight
• Compact and easily portable
• Corrosion-resistant
• Features a bobbin cradle
• Not as sturdy as a steel vise

The Renzetti Traveler is a high-quality, compact vise that is ideal for taking out with you. It’s made from durable aluminum that is fully anodized so that it can withstand the elements. This makes it corrosion-resistant, even if it comes into contact with saltwater.

Another benefit of the Renzetti is that it’s a rotary fly tying vise, allowing you to see and tie your flies from every angle. This makes it easier to be as precise as you need to, without contorting into awkward positions.

The Traveler 2304 has a sturdy 6×6 inch base that provides plenty of stem support, making this model strong and sturdy. And when it comes to versatility, you won’t be disappointed. This vise can hold hooks from size 28 right up to 4/0, allowing you to work on everything from small to large flies.

This model has all the features you need, from the fly tying bobbin cradle to the materials clip and rotary tension screw. The cam jaws are hard and sharp.

While the Renzetti Traveler 2304 comes with a premium price, this vise is well worth the money. It’s hardwearing, precise, and versatile, offering everything you need to tie flies of all sorts and sizes. We love that it’s easily portable, allowing you to tie flies wherever you are!

Peak With Pedestal Base

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• Great value for money
• Sturdy base with handy ‘pockets’
• Compact and lightweight vise
• Excellent US-made construction
• Generous lifetime warranty
• Suitable for any hook from 23 to 2/0
• plastic screws are lower quality than the rest of the vise

If you’ve got your heart set on a rotary vise but you’re on a tight budget, check out the Peak Fishing Vise. It’s robust and compact, with a pedestal base that allows you to take it anywhere. It also comes in a C-clamp model, if you prefer a stationary vise for your home fly tying station.

But most importantly, it’s as affordable as rotary vises come. This vise will set you back around $155-170, depending on where you buy it. That’s very reasonable for a vise of this quality!

The Peak vise has a streamlined yet efficient design, specifically for fly tying. It’s constructed from a combination of aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel, and brass. This vise can withstand frequent use with no signs of wearing out. And what’s more, it comes with a fantastic lifetime warranty.

The steel jaws specially hardened to give them a more secure grip on your hooks. The jaws can handle a wide range of hook sizes from 24 to 2/0.

The stainless steel pedestal base is very sturdy, with handy pockets to hold the materials you’re working on. Plus, it’s easy to find the right hook or piece against the matte white base.

In conclusion, this rotary fly tying vise offers excellent value for money. It’s hard-wearing and provides all the features you need for a beginner/intermediate fly tier. The only drawback is that the plastic screws don’t seem to be made to the same quality and may wear out over time. But that’s a minor thing to note in a vise that is otherwise impressive!

Regal Travel

• Handy, compact size
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Tie any hook size from 22 to 1/0
• Jaws have a firm grip
• Smaller base can tip occasionally
• Best suited to tying smaller flies
• It’s not a rotary vise

If you’re looking for a smaller vise that you can take anywhere, the Regal Travel vise fits the bill. It’s compact while also being well made with a sturdy construction. This makes it perfect for taking on the road, so you can tie flies wherever you are, according to the situation. It’s also lightweight for easy transport.

Regal is well known for creating top-quality products for anglers, and this vise is no different. It may be small, but it lacks nothing when it comes to the build and materials used. The Regal Travel vise is built to last, with a robust jaw mechanism and aluminum base. It’s kitted out with the Regal Regular Jaw Head, which is suitable for any hook from size 22 to 1/0.

You’ll have no trouble holding hooks firmly in the jaws, which have an excellent grip. The articulating head also allows you to get the perfect angle to tie intricate knots.

However, as the Regal Travel vise is on the small side, you may struggle to tie larger hook sizes with it. But were this vise excels is in allowing you to tie small to medium flies, no matter where you are.

Griffin Odyssey Spider

• Comes with a lifetime guarantee
• Very versatile
• Rotary vise offers a full 360-degree range of motion
• Affordable price
• Not portable
• Plastic nuts are low in quality and can come loose

The Griffin Odyssey Spider is a low-cost rotary vise that offers you everything you need to tie some excellent flies! Without breaking the bank, this entry-level model has the most important features we look for in a vise, including a bobbin holder and full 360-degree motion.

You can attach the Odyssey Spider to any table or desk in minutes, and it will hold securely. Then, you’re all set to get started tying your flies! While it’s not portable, it’s a fantastic rotary vise on a budget.

If you want to create a fly tying spot in your house, this is the best affordable vise around. It offers superb control over your work, while the fully-rotating head makes it easy to manipulate your materials for a neat finish.

The Griffin Odyssey Spider is also versatile enough to handle all sorts of hooks, so there are no limits to what you can create. You can take your pick from the Spider with cam or without, according to your needs.

And if you’re still not sure, it comes with a lifetime guarantee. So, there’s no need to worry about damage or breakages over time. This vise will be with you for years!

Griffin Montana Mongoose

• Includes a lifetime guarantee
• Suitable for a wide range of hook sizes
• Full 360-degree rotary fly tying vise
• Strong steel jaws
• High-quality, US-made construction
• One of the more expensive fly tying vises on the market
• The instructions lack detail and are quite confusing

As with all Griffin products, the Montana Mongoose was designed with us fly fishing enthusiasts in mind. The Montana Mongoose costs more than the Spider, but it’s well worth the investment if you can spare some more cash.

Its refreshed design is more efficient than ever, with an all-new rotation lock screw and fine tension screw. These additions give you greater control over the rotation, so you can get as precise as you like with your flies.

You’ll be comfortable even on long tying sessions due to the smart design of the Mongoose rotary base. When in use, it’s very stable – perfect for adding tiny details to your flies. It comes with both a pedestal base and a C-clamp for optimal versatility, allowing you to set this beauty up at home or take it with you.

The Montana Mongoose also comes with a convenient hackle gauge, a bobbin cradle, a ceramic bobbin, and a material grip. You can pack it all away in the included carry case for safe storage or transport. We love that you can choose between the pedestal or clamp base, as this makes it suitable for all conditions. This vise will truly meet all your needs in one handy model.

Regal Medallion with Pocket base

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The Regal Medallion is an iconic fly tying vise that looks as good as it performs. This workhorse vise is suitable for anyone from beginners to pros and will meet your needs effortlessly.

With a lightweight bronze pedestal base, you can easily take this vise on your fly fishing trips. It’s compact. yet hardwearing and practical. It even has useful pockets on the base to hold your materials while you work.

The jaws are made from high-quality materials that ensure a firm grip. The Medallion’s jaws can handle any hook from a size 22 right through to a 1/0 hook, making it ideal for tying all sorts of flies,

The Medallion series includes a range of different models, such as the Big Game vise and the stainless steel model for saltwater. That means there’s the perfect Medallion vise for everyone!

• Compact size
• Handy pockets on the base
• Strong jaws have a firm grip
• This rotary fly tying vise has a full 360-degree range
• Not the cheapest vise on the market

Dyna-King Barracuda Deluxe

• Excellent craftsmanship
• Quality materials
• These vises have a sturdy base
• Choice of pedestal or clamp base
• Hardened steel jaws grip hooks – no slipping with this vise!
• You’ll need to buy midge jaws if you want to tie tiny flies
• It also can’t handle very large streamers

If you’re willing to spend a considerable chunk of money on a vise, then check out the Barracuda Deluxe from Dyna-King. It’s a stylish, full rotary fly tying vise that is a joy to use. The bearings are super smooth, and the sturdy base prevents tipping, no matter how heavy-handed you are.

This premium vise is made in the US and constructed with careful attention to detail. The Barracuda Deluxe has hardened stainless steel jaws and brass appointments. It comes fully equipped with a bobbin hanger and an adjustment forcing cone and can handle hook size of 8/0 to 22.

Superb workmanship and smart design set the Barracuda Deluxe apart. If you’re looking to invest in a rotary vise that will last a lifetime, this is one of the best vises around!

How to Buy the Best Fly Tying Vises For You

Here’s everything you need to know to find the best fly tying vise for you!

Rotary or Non-Rotary?

Rotary vises allow you to see your fly from every direction and turn it 360 degrees. This makes it easy to get the best angle for fly tying so that you can tie very precise, neat flies.

However, rotary vises tend to be much more expensive than a non-rotary model. So, you’ll need to consider your budget when deciding which is the best fly tying vise for you!

If you’re just starting out, you might want to go for a cheaper non-rotary model. But if you take your fly tying seriously and spend a lot of time at the vise, then splashing out on a rotary model will make a huge difference.

Clamp or Pedestal?

The two main types of fly tying vises are the C-clamp vise or the pedestal base vise. Clamp vises are handy because you can attach them sturdily to any table or fly tying bench to create a dedicated fly tying space.

Where pedestal bases have the advantage is that they’re portable, allowing you to tie flies on the go. Vises with a pedestal base tend to be lightweight and compact, so you can take them with you wherever you go.

Construction

You want a fly tying vise that is well-made and durable, so it will last you for years. The best fly tying vises tend to have an all-metal construction – plastic parts tend to wear out or break more quickly.

Aluminum and steel are the most common materials used for fly tying vises. While aluminum tends to be more lightweight and corrosion-resistant, steel vises are stronger.

Versatility

Before you buy, make sure to double-check what size of hook the vise can hold. This is especially important if you like to tie large streamers or tiny midge flies. Some vises have a wider range, or you may need to buy specific jaws instead.

When looking at different models, you’ll find that a fly tying vise will either have interchangeable jaws or fixed jaws. If you can, go for a vise that has interchangeable jaws as this feature will give you greater versatility. It allows you to tie big saltwater flies and fiddly little flies with the same vise.

Just bear in mind that vises with interchangeable jaws tend to cost more. But you could save money in the long run if you invest in one model that can handle all sorts of flies, so you don’t need to buy more than one vise.

Some premium vises come with a warranty that can range from 1 year to a lifetime guarantee. Having this warranty can bring greater peace of mind because you’ll know that you’ve got a product you can rely on! If anything does happen to your vise, the manufacturer will repair or replace it for you (although you may need to pay a nominal processing fee.)

Bobbin Cradle

If you like to take your time when fly tying, a bobbin cradle is an essential feature to look out for. The bobbin cradle lets you rest between tying, without messing up your work so far. You’ll find it comes in handy when you’re in the middle of a long fly tying session and need to take a short break!

Who makes the best fly tying vise?

There are some reputable companies that specialize in making fly tying vises. You’ll get the best quality if you buy from one of these dedicated companies, such as Griffin and Regal.

Why tie your own flies?

Tying your own flies a great way to extend your fly fishing hobby off the water. It’s fun to experiment with different tying techniques, and there’s nothing like the achievement you get when you hook a fish with one of your own flies.

You’ll also save money you would otherwise spend on commercial flies (so you’ll have more money in the pot for other fly gear!). But most importantly, you can learn a lot about the fish and their behavior, which will pay off when you’re back on the river!

The Wrap Up

So there you have the ultimate guide to fly tying vises. We’ve reviewed the best products on the market, with something for every budget and need! Personally I’d go for the Peak With Pedestal Base , because it’s a great value for money. But what vise will you go for? Let us know in the comments below!

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Best fly tying vise: top 8 – 2024 buyer’s guide.

Last updated on January 18th, 2024.

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In this fly tying vise guide we want to provide you with all the info you need on the best fly tying vises on the market.

Disclaimer:  All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process  here .

There is little more exciting in fly fishing than seducing a fish to take a fly you tied yourself. To get started with tying is easier than you might think. Your flies won’t be perfect from the get go but simple patterns can be learned quickly.

In order to tie your own flies you need a tying vise, often also called tying vice. We give you an overview of the best fly tying vises on the market no matter whether you’re a beginner, advanced fly tier or expert.

Our Top Picks:

• Dyna-King Professional

Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise

• Peak Rotary Vise
• Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Renzetti Traveller 2200 Cam

• Regal Medallion

Wolff Industries Apex Rotary

• Renzetti Clouser Cam Saltwater Traveler

Table of contents:

Best Fly Tying Vises on the Market

Best Fly Tying Lamps

Fly Tying Knowledge

Rotary Fly Tying Vise vs Fixed Jaw

How much should you Spend?

Best Fly Tying Vise Reviews

We picked vices for all levels of fly tying to make sure you choose the right product no matter your level of fly tying. At the end of the article we will also explain what to pay attention to when choosing your vise. You might think: do I need a rotary vice or can I do with a tying vise with fixed jaws? Don’t worry, we got you covered here. Let’s go!

Dyna-King Professional Vise

Key features:

– Four positive locking angle adjustments for stable tying

– Fully machined with high quality stainless steel and aluminum for extra durability

– Made in the USA. Dyna King Inc. has been in the business for almost 40 years

Why we picked it:

The Dyna King Professional is everything you are looking for in a high-end fly vice. The fully rotating vise comes with a sophisticated quick clamping system. It can be precisely adjusted to hold hook sizes from #10/0 all the way to #32. The clamping jaws have two notches of different sizes, which are designed for medium and very large hooks. The Dyna-King Professional can be brought into a horizontal position as well.

• Excellent build quality – made in the USA
• Highly versatile
• Needs a bit of knowledge to take full advantage of

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– 100% made in the USA.

– 360-degree rotation

– Jaw capacity of 28 to 4/0

The Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise is probably the best fly tying vise for the money if you are just getting started. It has everything you ask for in a fly tying vice : a bobbin holder which is a prerequisite for a rotary vice (360 degree rotation). The advantage of a rotary fly tying vise is it’s versatility. The rotation enables you to tie more advanced flies more easily. The only disadvantage we found in the Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise is the fact that you have to clamp it to a table, it cannot stand on its own.

• Lifelong guarantee
• Fully rotating
• C-clamp limits versatility

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Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise

– Tempered tool steel jaws securely hold hooks from size 2/0 to the smallest hooks around

– The pedestal base is heavy and stable and holds the vice in place safely

The Peak Rotary Vise is another great fly vise for the money. At around $150 it is a great choice for fly tiers who are a little more advanced already. You can get the Peak Rotary with a C-clamp or a pedestal base. The Peak Rotary Vise features a minimum design to focus on what’s essential. It is made from super stable materials including stainless steel and aircraft aluminum.

• Pedestal base and C-clamp available
• Wide variety of hooks usable
• No lifetime warranty

Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vice

– All stainless steel construction made in the USA

– Very sturdy setup. C-clamp holds tightly and base is very heavy

The Atlas Rotary Vise is an excellent choice for intermediate fly tiers. Built like a tank the full rotary vise features a rock solid pedestal and a C-clamp. A material clip is included as well but no bobbin cradle. Holds hooks in all sizes from 2/0 all the way down to 18. Downside: The plastic screw that holds the main arm can be a little weak at times.

• Great overall vise if you are looking to spend less than $200
• All stainless steel
• Main arm fixation can be a bit tedious

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The Renzetti Traveler 2200 has the following features:

– All parts of the traveler are anodized for extreme durability

– Renzetti claims the strongest hook holding power in the industry

With the Renzetti Traveler 2200 you enter the territory of professional fly tiers. First introduced in 1988 the Traveler Rotary Vise has been extremely popular ever since. The Renzetti Traveler 2200 comes in two versions: pedestal or C-clamp which makes it even lighter, ideal for travelling as the name suggests.

• Handcrafted in the USA
• Great for travelling
• Not quite as sturdy due to lightweight construction

Regal Medallion Fly Tying Vise, Traditional base

– Revolves 360 degrees and articulates 220 degrees up and down

– Ultimate hook holding power

The Regal Medallion is one of the best products on the market. Yes, you have to invest a bit of money but if you are a serious fly tier you won’t regret spending your money on a Regal vise. Regal’s flagship product can be used to tie any fly ranging from small dries and nymphs all the way up to big streamers for large predators. The Regal Medallion is fully rotating and articulates up and down by 220 degrees.

• Ultimate versatility thanks to incredible rotation options
• Plenty of options to customize your Regal – great as a gift
• Minimalist style is great but you need some experience fly tying

– 360 degrees rotation

– Excellent hook holding capabilities

The Wolff Industries Apex Rotary is another hugely popular vise amongst fly tiers. It comes with a lifetime warranty that gives you peace of mind in case something does not work as planned. The rotary vise enables a 360 degree jaw rotation. Stainless steel, extra tough around the jaws, ensures a long lasting quality product. Grooves in the jaws ensure a secure fit of the hook when tying with the Wolff Industries Apex Rotary. A clamp on the pedestal allows for a vertical or angled operation. You can switch the solid pedestal for a C-clamp if you prefer to attach your vise to your tying desk.

• Lifetime warranty
• Highly versatile with pedestal and C-clamp
• Not quite as sturdy as the Regal

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Renzetti Clouser Cam Saltwater Traveler Series

– Built to tie the largest flies for saltwater species

– C-clamp and pedestal available

If you are into saltwater fishing and want to tie your own patterns to catch bonefish, stripers and co., make sure to check out the Renzetti Clouser Cam Saltwater Traveler Series. Named after one of the game’s most famous people, Bob Clouser, this vise allows to tie larger saltwater flies such as the Clouser Minnow. Just like its brother, the Renzetti Traveler 2200, the Renzetti Clouser Cam Saltwater comes in a pedestal and c-clamp version. However, the saltwater series can hold larger and stronger hooks which are essential when hunting strong saltwater species.

• Unmatched when it comes to tying big streamers
• Excellent grip even on big hooks
• Not ideal if you also want to tie tiny flies

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Best Fly Tying Vise Lamps

Now that you have a good overview of the best fly tying vises out there on the market, we want to focus on one of the most essential gadgets when it comes to tying your own flies: the fly tying vise light. If you have a bright desk lamp you might as well use that one but if you are new to tying you can consider getting a fly tying light together with a vise. Here are a few good options for you to consider.

Brightech LightView Pro Fly Vise Light

For a little over $30, the Brightech LightView Pro Fly Vise Light offers a great entry level fly vise light. It features an integrated 1:1.75 magnifying glass surrounded by a bright LED light. If your eyes are a little weak or if your tying room is not perfectly lit, the Brightech LightView Pro will offer you everything you need to tie your flies with precision. There is even a version with a 1:2.25 magnification.

The Brightech LightView Pro comes with a heavy base and a clip, so you can choose how you want to use it at your tying desk. The gooseneck is highly flexible and you can easily bring it into the position you desire. The fly vise magnifiers and lights of the Brightech LightView Pro are very reliable and will last you a long time.

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Carson MagniFly

The Carson MagniFly is another solid option if you are looking for a fly vise light . In contrast to the Brightech LightView Pro it only comes with a C-clamp which means you can attach it to your tying desk but it doesn’t feature a base that enables it to stand on a desk.

The Carson MagniFly features a 2x magnification and the LED comes with 3 very bright LED bulbs. It can either be run on power with an 4.5v AC/DC adapter or on batteries (which you will have to get separately). Comes with a limited lifetime guarantee.

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Alert FTL130 LED Fly Tie Light

With 220 Lumen, the Alert FTL130 LED Fly Tie Light offers maximum brightness. Thanks to separate LED lights and magnifiers you can use them individually. The overall magnification is 2x but the Alert FTL130 LED Fly Tie Light offers up to 10x spot magnification which makes it an excellent choice for the ones whose eyes have gotten a bit weaker over the years.

The Alert FTL130 LED Fly Tie Light comes with a solid base and a C-clamp so you have the choice in attaching it to your fly tying desk. The base even features a small built-in storage tray and magnet.

Best Fly Tying Vise Knowledge

In this section we want to give you more information on what to be aware of when choosing your tying vise. We will cover why it makes sense to tie your own flies, which product is good for you and what features in a vise are important.

Why you should Consider Tying your own Flies

Some fly fishermen tie their own flies, others don’t. While there is no need to tie your own flies we want to give you advice on why we think it’s a good idea.

First and foremost: we think you’ll become a better fly fisher if you start tying your own flies. The reason behind this is the fact that you will become more knowledgeable about insects and their artificial counterparts that tiers try to imitate.

If you are on a fly fishing trip for example and bring along your vise (look for a travel model) you can quickly adapt to the conditions and tie a few flies at night that might make a difference the next day.

Especially nymphs can be tied easily and quickly. Techniques such as euro nymphing have become increasingly popular in recent years – most of all because they are so successful.

Last but not least catching fish with your own creations is incredibly fun and satisfying.

What type of vise do I need?

In order to purchase the right product you should ask yourself the following questions before getting one.

How much time are you spending tying flies?

If you only tying flies every once in a while it probably doesn’t make sense for you to invest hundreds of dollars in the most sophisticated vise. The same holds true if you are only getting started.

What types of flies are you tying?

If you are mainly tying flies for trout any of the vises we reviewed above will work just fine for you. If you consider tying saltwater flies you might want to consider getting a vise that can hold large saltwater hooks: recommendable models are the Renzetti Saltwater Traveler or the Regal Big Game Head and Travel Base .

Clamp or Pedestal Vise

The question whether you prefer a clamp or pedestal vise can only be answered by yourself. Here are the advantages of the respective versions.

A vise with a clamp can be attached to any table and is hence very versatile. It is easier for travelling because the pedestal is often very heavy and sturdy to ensure a stable setting on a table. Several of the models we reviewed above come in both version for you to choose from.

Rotary Fly Tying Vise vs Fixed Jaw Vise

A fixed jaw vise has no option to rotate. It comes in one position that is not changeable. Most modern day vises are rotary vises.

What is a Rotary Fly Vise?

In a rotary fly tying vise the head can rotate. When you are tying more advanced flies a rotary vise makes adding materials to your creations easier. When tying a fly you can hold the material steady and simply rotate the head which can increase precision and result it better tied flies.

Do you need a Rotary Vise?

Of course you could argue that a rotary vise is not necessary. It won’t help you become a better tier. You will have to learn the fundamentals no matter what type of vise you use. If you are just starting out your first vise might not have to be a rotary vice. Once you’re sure you will stick with tying and have learned the basics a rotary vice can make your tying life easier.

How much should you Spend on Fly Tying Vises?

Since everybody has their own budget it is difficult to give a simple answer here. You can definitely start tying flies with a vise such as the Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise which will cost you less than $100. If you are looking for something a little more advanced medium-priced vises between $150 and $200 are a good choice, for example the Atlas Rotary Vise or the Renzetti Traveler 2200 Vise . If fly tying becomes your passion you can invest more than $350 to get some of the best fly tying vises on the market such as a Dyna King Professional or a Regal Revolution .

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Our Expertise

Why you should trust us : Leonard Schoenberger and his team have tried and tested hundreds of rods, reels and other fly fishing gear over the years. We always express our honest opinions about a product to help you make a solid purchase decision. We never get paid for reviews and are proud of keeping our editorial independence. Our focus is on bringing you the latest in gear so you can have a great time at the water. Thanks for being a reader of The Wading List .

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Fly Tying Vise

What is a fly tying vise?

A fly tying vise is a tool used in fly fishing to hold the hook of the fly securely while materials are added to create the final fly. It’s an essential tool for any angler who ties their own flies.

What should I look for in a fly tying vise?

When choosing a fly tying vise, consider its holding power, adjustability, size, and material. A good vise should hold a wide range of hook sizes securely and allow for easy adjustments. The size should fit comfortably in your workspace, and it should be made from durable materials to withstand frequent use.

What are some of the best brands for fly tying vises?

Some of the top brands for fly tying vises include Griffin, Renzetti, Regal, and Peak Fishing. These brands are highly regarded in the fly fishing community for their quality and performance.

Is a rotary vise necessary for fly tying?

While a rotary vise is not strictly necessary, many fly tiers find them extremely useful. A rotary vise allows you to rotate the hook in place, providing easier access to all sides of the fly. This can make tying more efficient and enjoyable.

What’s the difference between a pedestal base and a clamp base in a fly tying vise?

A pedestal base vise is heavy and stable, designed to sit on a table or desk. A clamp base vise, on the other hand, is designed to attach to the edge of a table or bench. Both have their merits, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and workspace setup.

How do I maintain my fly tying vise?

To maintain your fly tying vise, clean it regularly to remove any dirt or fly-tying materials. Lubricate any moving parts as needed, but be sure to use a non-greasy lubricant that won’t interfere with your fly tying materials.

What’s the typical cost of a good fly tying vise?

The cost of a fly tying vise can range widely depending on the brand, materials, and features. You can find budget-friendly vises for around $50, while high-end vises from premium brands can cost several hundred dollars.

Additional Resources

If you are looking for additional resources make sure to check our other stories in “ Fly Tying “.

Here are some how to’s for a number of different flies:

CARP FLIES: A TASTY BREAD PATTERN

FLY FISHING NYMPHS: A NEON UNDERWATER SHOCKER

SAND EEL FLY: A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE PATTERN

PIKE FLIES: EFFECTIVE PATTERNS FOR PREDATORS

A SLIM SHRIMP SEA TROUT FLY

Notice: The Wading List is reader-supported. We take part in so called affiliate programs such as amazon associates or avantlink. If you click on one of the links in this article and end up purchasing a product we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you! All images courtesy of amazon.

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The Best Fly Tying Vises Reviewed: Choosing Your Next (or First) Fly-Tying Vise

Tying your own flies is a fantastic idea.

Not only can you customize your flies and adjust the weight of nymphs perfectly, but you’ll also come to know the special satisfaction of catching fish on flies you’ve crafted yourself.

Tying flies takes a lot of practice, and the true masters have worked for years - even decades - to perfect their technique, material choice, and patterns. And from wooly buggers to streamers, emergers to nymphs, as you learn to tie the various patterns, you’ll discover a deeper understanding of entomology that will change your presentation and fly choice.

Ask a fly-tying expert, and they’ll tell you that the single most essential tool for learning to tie flies is a good vise. That’s where you start, and the quality of the vise will absolutely impact the performance of your flies.

If you’re looking for a fly-tying vise, you've come to the right place. Below, you’ll find reviews of some of our favorites as well as a complete buying guide to help you know what to look for.

Quick glance at the best fly tying vises:

Renzetti Traveler 2300 - Best Fly-Tying Vise

Griffin odyssey spider - best entry-level fly-tying vise, dyna-king ultimate indexer, stonfo elite, peak rotary, wolff industries apex rotary.

Table of Contents (clickable)

• 1.1 Renzetti Traveler 2300 - Best Fly-Tying Vise
• 1.2 Griffin Odyssey Spider - Best Entry-Level Fly-Tying Vise
• 1.3 Dyna-King Ultimate Indexer
• 1.4 Stonfo Elite
• 1.5 Peak Rotary
• 1.6 Wolff Industries Apex Rotary
• 2.1 Security and base style
• 2.3 True rotary action
• 2.4 Adjustability
• 3 Our Picks: the Renzetti Traveler 2300 and the Griffin Odyssey Spider!

Related: 

• Best Fly Tying Bobbin
• Best Fly Tying Light
• Best Fly Fishing Nippers

Best Fly Tying Vises Reviewed

Check Price

Renzetti’s Traveler is an established legend and easily the most popular fly-tying vise sold in America. Essentially an upgraded version of the original rotary ice produced by Renzetti in 1988, the 2300 is very hard to beat at any price.

The 2300 is a true rotary vise, meaning that turning the hook through 360 degrees does not affect its angle. That allows you to wrap flies accurately, maintaining proper proportion and presentation from all angles. In short, if you want your flies to look even and perfect, fooling keen-eyed trout time and time again, the Traveler 2300 is going to deliver.

This vise sports a 5-inch square base with a seven-inch stem but can also be attached via a powder-coated C-clamp with an 8-inch stem. Of course, you’ll find a shaft-mounted, highly adjustable bobbin cradle, a necessary tool for tying flies with precision.

And the jaws on this vise are powerful, keeping your hooks in position as you tie tight loops or fast knots. Adjustable through a wide range of angles, these jaws can accommodate hooks ranging in size from tiny #28s all the way up to big 4/0, so fresh or saltwater, the Renzetti has you covered for all your fly-tying needs.

I would say that the Renzetti is easier to tie with small flies than the Dyna-King - and just as good with large flies - though the difference isn’t going to make or break your final product.

Overall, there’s simply nothing not to like about the Renzetti Traveler 2300, and for the price, it’s a bargain.

• Quality manufacture and excellent fit and finish
• A true rotary vise
• Base or C-clamp mounting
• Bobbin cradle
• Powerful cam vise grip

Griffin’s Odyssey Spider is an excellent entry-level vise, and if you want to experiment with fly tying but aren’t convinced that you want to invest hundreds of dollars upfront, this may be a great choice for you.

The Odyssey Spider is a true rotary vise that allows you to rotate your fly through 360 degrees without changing its orientation. If you’re a novice, that makes it considerably easier to craft precise flies than trying to keep everything even and proportional as the fly changes its aspect eerie time you turn it.

Griffin offers this vice with a C-clamp, and that’s a good choice for beginners as it allows them to install and remove their vise as needed. You probably won’t have a dedicated fly-tying bench, and getting your vise out of the way once you’ve finished working on a fly is going to be a reality.

Despite its very reasonable price tag, the Odyssey Spider holds fast and tight, and it’s not wobbly at all.

The vise head can accommodate tiny #28 hooks as well as big 4/0s for saltwater, and it grips them all tightly.

As you’d expect, there’s a bobbin holder that’s adjustable for height but nothing else.

While Griffin’s Odyssey Spider is pretty basic, it’s well crafted. Anglers new to fly tying will find it easy to use and certainly more functional than the Apex Rotary or cheap, shoddy beginner’s vises that just can’t hold a hook still.

And while this vise isn’t going to provide the performance of the Renzetti, if you’re in the market for an excellent first fly-tying vise, Griffin’s Odyssey Spider deserves a close look.

• Excellent price 
• Very stable
• Powerful vise grip that won’t let go

In my opinion, the only fly-tying vise company that can truly compete with Renzetti is Dyna-King. And Dyna-King’s Ultimate Indexer is pretty amazing, as its legions of fans can attest.

The UI is available with either a C-clamp or pedestal base, and both provide sufficient security for tying even the largest flies. It’s jaws are designed to grip hooks as small as #22, while still opening to hold massive 8/0 hooks just as well.

The Ultimate Indexer is, as you would expect, a true rotary vice with an added feature. In addition to the standard, smooth rotation through 360 degrees without affecting a fly’s orientation, it offers eight pre-set positions that are perfect for tying and inspecting your work from all angles.

Some tying enthusiasts don’t care for that extra function, and it’s worth noting that it can be disabled.

The bobbin holder is extremely adjustable, tilting up or down and swinging out of your way when needed. I really like this feature, and there’s simply no question that the Dyna-King is an exceptional vise.

The craftsmanship and fit and finish of the Ultimate Indexer is flawless, but for more than twice the price, I’m not sure you get anywhere near twice the value of the Renzetti Traveler 2300.

• A true rotary vise with a useful indexing feature
• Highly adjustable bobbin cradle

Stonfo’s Elite is another contender for the overall best fly-tying vise currently available, and there are many, many tying enthusiasts who love the Elite.

The Elite is a true rotary vise that pivots smoothly through 360 degrees. The ease with which the vise moves is adjustable, allowing you to set your desired tension. That’s something I love about this vise, and I’ll bet it’s something you’ll quickly come to appreciate, too.

The jaws grip very securely and can accommodate a pretty incredible range of hook sizes. They tighten with the typical lever, and from very, very small hooks up to big saltwater options, the vise itself is so versatile that I can't imagine why you’d need the Transformer.

Stonfo supplies the elite with a stable pedestal that provides enough security to tie big flies without wobbling.

The Elite’s bobbin holder is mounted very near the jaws themselves, rather than on the shaft as are most other designs.

Overall, this is a well-designed, well-made product. That said, it’s still remarkably more expensive than the Renzetti, and unless there’s something you really love about the Stonfo, the Traveler 2300 is the better buy.

• Solid pedestal
• Powerful vise that grips well across an incredible range of hook sizes

Peak’s Rotary vise is a solid investment, but overall, it falls short of the Renzetti while coming very close in price.

That’s a damning statement, but I think the details bare-out that conclusion.

Peak’s vise is available with your choice of bases, and both options are very secure. The pedestal option is one of the heavier bases on the market, and that makes it a great choice for tying very large flies.

The vise itself is a true rotary design that spins smoothly and maintains your fly’s orientation. 

The jaws grip pretty well, and from #24s to 2/0 hooks, you can expect the Peak to hold tight.

So far, so good, right?

The trouble sets in on two fronts. The shaft is fixed, meaning that your back and neck do the adjustments necessary to get the right distance from the vise. That gets old fast unless the factory height is a good fit for you.

The other problem is that the Peak uses a fixed arm between the shaft and the vice head. There’s no way to adjust their relationship, which can make tying awkward, especially with small hooks.

The fit and finish offered by Peak is workmanlike, no better and no worse than what’s necessary for performance.

These issues don’t make the Peak a bad vise by any means, and plenty of anglers love what the Peak has to offer. But in my opinion, unless you’re exclusively tying big flies, you’ll prefer the Renzetti overall.

• Solid, very heavy pedestal
• Fixed shaft
• Fixed arm connecting the shaft to the vise
• OK materials and fit and finish

Wolff Industries’ Apex Rotary has a slightly misleading name in that it’s not a true rotary vise at all. And while it does allow you to rotate your fly to see its other sides, overall, it’s not a vise I’d recommend.

The reasons are pretty clear.

A true rotary vise will allow you to rotate your flies while maintaining their orientation. The Apex Rotary, by contrast, will absolutely alter the angle of your fly as you work around it, and though you can achieve good results, it takes more skill and finesse than it should. Simply put, a true rotary vise is much easier to learn on and significantly more user-friendly as your skills advance.

The Apex Rotary is available with either a pedestal or C-clamp base, and both work well to hold the vise steady. The issue is that the Allen screws that are used in its construction tend to back out a bit as you tie, and every few minutes, you may need to stop what you’re doing and tighten them down.

The vise head is acceptable, but not what you’d really want. And while it can accommodate hooks as small as #20 and as large as a 5/0 (or even larger), it struggles to hold larger sizes securely, as they tend to shift a bit as you tug on them. With very small hooks, the Apex tends to chip almost immediately, and it's clear that the jaws need a quality upgrade to compete head-to-head with its rivals.

We could forgive these flaws in a true entry-level vise, but for the price you’ll pay for the Apex Rotary, we’d give it a pass.

• The vise head can accommodate large hooks
• Not a true rotary vise
• The vice head doesn’t grip large hooks very well
• The vice head tends to chip more or less immediately with small hooks
• The Allen screws tend to loosen and back out quickly

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Fly-Tying Vise

Fly-tying vises are designed around allowing you to perform tiny, precise, detailed work. To make this easier, a good vise will offer steadfast security, excellent grip, true rotary action, and accommodate a wide range of hook sizes.

Security and base style

Whether you need a pedestal base of a C-clamp, a good fly-tying vise will hold fast as you tug on your thread, warp flies, and tie knots. And while it may not sound like a problem to have just the slightest wobble, any motion at all will affect your ability to tie a neat, precise fly.

Sloppy flies may occasionally attract a bite, but trout are among the most keen-eyed, wary fish you’ll ever chase, next to grayling. And to trick them into taking your fly, it needs to be every bit as proportionate and precise as the ones Mother Nature turns out herself.

Pedestal bases are ideal for creating a fly-tying station, and they allow you to place your vise wherever you need it. But they’re heavy, and spouses tend not to like them as a centerpiece on the dining room table.

But if you’re lucky enough to have a designated fly-tying area, a pedestal is the way to go.

If you need a vise to tie flies while traveling, or you need to set up and take down your fly-tying station, a C-clamp will be superior to a pedestal. Lighter, and just as secure as a pedestal, they’re easy to attach and remove as needed.

Whichever option suits your needs, it should be rock solid.

A good fly-tying vise needs to hold a hook immovably while you tug, wrap, and tie your flies.

It should also hold fast with small, dry fly hooks, as well as big streamers and saltwater options. And depending on the jaw design and shape, getting at those flies can be more or less challenging.

The best vises on our list - the Renzetti, Dyna-King, and Stonfo - really excel in their vise design.

True rotary action

As you tie your fly, you’ll need to rotate it through 360 degrees to assemble it precisely and maintain proportion. A true rotary vise allows this motion while maintaining your fly’s orientation.

What that means is that the fly will remain straight and level no matter how it’s rotated, and that makes it much, much easier to tie your flies accurately.

Adjustability

You need to be comfortable to work on the precise details of fly tying, and a stiff neck and aching back won’t do you any favors when it comes to the final product of your hard work.

Ideally, a fly-tying vice has an adjustable shaft, plenty of options for positioning the vise head, and a bobbin holder that can be placed right where you need it.

These degrees of customizability don’t come cheap, however, and one of the first things that manufacturers do to cut costs is reduce the adjustability of their vises.

Our Picks: the Renzetti Traveler 2300 and the Griffin Odyssey Spider !

Renzetti still seems to be the name to beat in the fly-tying world, and the Traveler 2300 is among the very best vises you’ll find at any price.

Offering an adjustable shaft, vise head, and bobbin holder, you’ll have plenty of options to dial in your perfect positions. And whether you choose the C-clamp or pedestal, the Traveler 2300 is rock solid. The jaws grip a wide range of hook sizes, allowing you to craft tiny nymphs as well as massive streamers.

For novice fly-tying enthusiasts, the Odyssey Spider is a great entry-level option that won’t make the learning cure any steeper than it already is. A true rotary vise wearing a very reasonable price tag, the OS delivers performance that you can rely on. 

As always, we’re here to answer any questions you might have. 

Please leave a comment below.

Best Fly Tying Vises in 2023 [Complete Guide]

A great fly-tying vise is not necessary to great incredible flies but they help tremendously. And a great fly-tying vise does not have to break the bank.

We review the best of the best fly-tying vises below.

Table of Contents

What is fly tying?

Fly tying is when you attach feathers and fur to a hook with thread to fool a hungry fish when fly fishing. 

What is a fly-tying vise?

A fly-tying vise is crucial for fly-tying. The vise’s main job is to hold the hook still when you are attaching the material to it. The types and styles of fly-tying vises vary. We’ll dig into what you want to look for when shopping for a fly-tying vise and discuss our favorites.

Why tie your own flies?

Yes, you can purchase flies online and at a fly shop. However, if you’re like us you are fishing on a budget. Fly tying allows you to have boxes full of flies at a fraction of the cost.

You can spend $20 on hooks and fly-tying material to create 100 flies versus purchasing 5-10 flies for the same $20.

There is also a unique joy that you get by fooling a fish into eating a fly that you tied.

Let’s dig into our favorite fly vises.

Renzetti Traveler 2304 Cam Fly Tying Vise

The Renzetti Traveler vise series may be one of the most popular fly-tying vises out there. The vise series started in 1988. It’s a quality vise that comes on a pedestal. The vise holds hook sizes 28 to 4/0. It includes a 360-degree rotary and a material clip. The material clip is a small addition but makes a big difference when dealing with unwieldy hackles. 

Regal Travel Fly Tying Vise

One of the most popular vises out there. It’s unique in its spring-loaded jaws that require no tweaking or adjustment. Simply compress the spring to open the jaws and load a hook. The vise often comes in a pedestal mount and offers a 360-degree rotary. 

The Regal Travel vise is limited on its hook capacity at only accepting sizes from 22 to 1/0.

Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise

A moderate price vise. A great all-around vise and perfect as a starter vise. The vise is versatile. The jaws can hold hooks as large as 2/0 and small as your eyes can see.

It’s a great vise for those of you who fish mountain stream trout in the winter and largemouth bass in the summer. You can recreate all of their food sources with this vise.

It comes mounted as a pedestal but can be removed if you have a clamp mount lying around. I personally prefer a pedestal mount anyways.

Colorado Anglers 2001 EZ Rotary Vise

A good starter fly-tying vise. The vise comes with a C-clamp mount. The vise stand likely will fit in most bases as they are typically the same diameter or you can tighten down the screw to hold it in place.

The hook size the vise accommodates is unknown. A customer shared the tie flies ranging from size 16 to a 2. This is not a huge range but covers most of your needs if you’re a warm water fly fisherman/woman.

The vise does include a 360-degree rotary to make wrapping material quick and easy.

The Colorado Anglers 2001 EZ Rotary Vise lacks many of the bells and whistles of the other vises on this list. But it’s an excellent starter vise and a higher quality than most of the fly-tying kits you’ll find at a Bass Pro Shop.

Dioche Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Dioche Rotary Fly Tying Vise is a good starter vise on a budget similar to the Super AA Chrome vise. 

The vise can spin the hook to make wrapping the material easier. It’s not a true 360 rotary as the hook does not stay in line. But for the price it works well. 

Dioche claims the fise can hold all hook sizes. This is exciting for the price. It should easily handle hook sizes to support tying your tiny trout flies all the way up to big striper flies. 

Maxcatch Rotary Fly Tying Vise Alloy Travel Vise

The Maxcatch Rotary Fly Tying Vise Alloy Travel Vise is great for fly tyers on the road. The price is not bad as well especially as vises get roughed up and occasionally lost while traveling. 

I always opt to bring this kind of vise when I’m on the road.

The Maxcatch offers a 360 rotary which is essential when typing a high volume of flies. The jaws are strong and can hold hook sizes ranging from a tiny 28 all the way up to a 1/0.

It’s sold with a clamp which is never my favorite. Especially when traveling as it’s quite difficult to find a table suited for a clamp. Like I mentioned above, the vise can fit in a pedestal base. A pedestal base can be purchased separately (here’s one from Riverruns and one from Griffin )) or built from a block of wood. 

Dyna-King Kingfisher Fly Tying Vise

Dyna-King vises are known for their quality and strength. They are some of the tightest and strongest holds in my opinion.

The Dyna-King Kingfisher Fly Tying Vise is no expectation. It’s a beautiful vise without any bells and whistles. The vise is sold with a pedestal base which is my favorite. There is no bobbin holder but there is a hackle spring to hold the material back while tying. It does offer a 360-degree rotary for wrapping material.

Like most Dyna-King’s its jaws can hold hooks ranging in sizes from 22 to 8/0.

Dyna-King Trekker Rotary Vise

The Dyna-King Trekker Rotary Vise is a level above the Dyna-King Kingfisher and Dyna-King Squire. It’s also sold with a pedestal base and supports hook sizes running from a 22 to 8/0.

The vise offers a 360-degree rotary with a handle which makes wrapping hackle even easier. You can spin it with a finger, no griping is required.

Danica Danvise 

A short, compact vise. It comes with a clamp mount. The vise offers a 360-rotary and a thread bobbin. The vise accommodates hook sizes 22 to 7/0. It’s a relatively inexpensive vise perfect for new fly tyers. Since the vise is compact, it makes for a great traveling vise as long as you are close to a table. You likely could find a pedestal for the vise to make traveling fly tying easier.

Dyna-King Barracuda Deluxe Fly Tying Vise

Dyna-King makes fantastic vises. They are big, heavy, and feel like a quality vise. The Dyna-King supports hook sizes 8/0 to 22 which makes it a favorite among many saltwater fly fishing guides and tyers. The vise comes with a pedestal or clamp and offers a 360-degree rotation.

Griffin Montana Mongoose Fly Tying Vise

A beefier vise from Griffin when compared to the Odyssey Spider. The Montana Mongoose can hold hook sizes from 4/0 to 28. This vise also feels sturdier and a more quality vise. The vise comes with a pedestal and a clamp. And of course, it offers 360-degree rotation.

Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise

An affordably priced vise. Great for new fly tyers and pros. The Griffin Odyssey Spider holds hook sizes 28 to 4/0. The vise offers a full 360-rotary and a bobbin cradle – perfect for wrapping hackles on a wooly bugger.

It comes in a clamp mount that can attach to most tables and desks. It makes for a great travel vise if you’re near a table or have a separate pedestal mount.

A relatively inexpensive vise especially from Orvis. It’s a great starter vise to get a new fly tyers feet wet. It comes with a clamp and pedestal mount. It includes a 360-rotary. 

Nor-Vise Fly Tying System

The Nor-Vise is a unique vise. It’s a great vise for tiers that spin hackle and chenille constantly. It has its own learning curve as it’s not the normal rotary functionality. The Nor-Vise comes with its own bobbin that compliments the Nor-Vise spinning functionality. 

It’s a fun vise to tie flies with. It’s a great vise for commercial tiers and those that tie the same flies repeatedly. The vise offers a 360-degree rotary, mount, bobbin holder, and special bobbin. 

Stonfo Transformer

Stonfo is a fishing manufacturer based in Italy. As with many Italian goods, quality is important. The Stonfo Transformer is no different. The Stonfo Transformer comes with a pedestal and 360-degree rotation. 

This vise also includes a 45-degree locking shaft that allows tiers to adjust the shaft angle for a tighter 360-degree rotation in reaction to hook sizes.

Super AA Chrome Fly Tying Vise

The Super AA Chrome Fly Tying Vise is a decent starter vise. The vise is inexpensive and a great starter vise. It’s worth the price. And while you can find a vise of relative price range at a thrift store, you’ll sacrifice wear and tear. You can guarantee the Super AA Chrome Fly Tying Vise is brand new out of the box.

While I do not like clamp vises, you likely can mount this vise in a pedestal base (check out this one from Riverruns and this one from Griffin ). Or even build your own using a block of wood. 

The vise also has a 360-degree rotary to make wrapping material a breeze. The vise lacks a bobbin holder and material clamp. This is not a big deal with the price out the door.

The vise’s jaws are impressively adaptable. They can hold a hook ranging from a tiny size 20 all the way up to a 3/0.

Wolff Industries Apex

The Apex by Wolff Industries comes with a pedestal and clamp mount. The vise holds hooks ranging in sizes from 7/0 to 32.

The Apex also has a 360-degree rotation on a straight arm for an in-line rotary. 

The vise is smaller which makes it perfect for travel, especially with the varying forms of attachment (pedestal vs clamp).  

Atlas Fly Tying Vise

#Best Fly Tying Vise Under $200

A sturdy vise that comes with a pedestal and clamp. It’s right in the middle as far as pricing in the fly-tying vise market. It offers a 360-degree rotary and accommodates hook sizes 7/0 to 32.

Byron Rotary Fly Tying Vise

The Byron Rotary fly tying vise includes the essentials any novice or expert fly tyer needs. The full 360-degree rotary paired with a bobbin holder and material clip make wrapping hackle and chenille a breeze.

The Byron vise accommodates hooks from a tiny size 28 all the way up to a jumbo 4/0. It’s a must-have for the fly fisherman/woman who matches the hatch for trout and chucks baitfish patterns to busting stripers.

The Bryon team also includes a custom travel case to make transporting the vise a breeze. And the pedestal base allows you to tie anywhere, no clamp is needed. Definitely my preferred way of tying.

Best Rotary Fly-Tying Vises

A rotary fly-tying vise makes wrapping material on the hook a breeze. While it’s not required, it does save your wrist some movements which adds up over time. I’ll never go back to a non-rotary vise after using mine for more than 10 years.

Fly Tying on a Budget

We don’t believe fly-tying needs to break the bank. You do not need a top-of-the-line fly-tying vise to tie a fly that catches fish. It’s best to start with something you can easily afford. So we’ve collected the best fly-tying vises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fly-tying vises.

There are many fly-tying vises on the market. The best fly-tying vise depends on the beholder and their values. It’s not always the most expensive.

One of our favorite vises is the Regal vise because it’s fast. You can swap out hooks in miro-seconds. It’s a great starter vise if you are willing to spend the money.

What should I look for in a fly-tying vise?

A true rotary fly-tying vise is a must. It greatly simplifies your fly-tying effort especially once you get the hang of it.

You need to make a decision whether you need the fly-tying vise to come with a mount or if you can attach it to the side of a table. Many vises can use any stand but not always.

Not every vise can accommodate all hook sizes. Think about which fish and how big their food is before you purchase a fly-tying vise. 

What is a true rotary fly-tying vise?

A true rotary fly-tying vise allows the fly-tying jaw where the hook is clamped to rotate a full 360-degrees. And the hook will remain on the same flat horizontal axis making wrapping material on the hook a breeze. True rotary fly-tying vises include an arm to make spinning the vise a breeze.

What’s the easiest fly to tie?

The easiest fly patterns to tie require the least amount of fly-tying material and can be tied within minutes. 

Based on our experience, the easiest fly to tie is greenie weenies (inchworms), Zebra nymphs, and black foam beetles. 

Wrapping It Up

Fly tying is a huge money saver. It’s hard to express how much fun it is to catch a fish on a fly pattern you tied. The feathers you tied on a hook fooled a fish into thinking it’s alive and is food.

You don’t have to buy everything at once. Start slow with a vise, black thread, and an easy pattern like a wooly bugger. As you learn more techniques, purchase more specialized materials. 

Did we miss a fly-tying vise? Let us know which one and why we should include it on our list here .

Contributed by

Travis learned how to fly fish in early 2000 from his dad. Since then he's been obsessed. From fly fishing to fly tying, Travis is enamored. He started Fishing with a Fly to share his passion and what he's learned with others.

Selecting the Best Fly Tying Vise: Complete Buyers Guide

If you’ve found this page, your about to embark on journey that might open up a new chapter in your fly fishing book. Understanding entomology (bugs) and learning to how to tie the flies that imitate what fish are eating is a next level step in becoming a better fly fisher..

Let’s clamp down and get into the details of an essential fly tying tool. – a good vise.

TLDR; My personal testing and review of more than 8 quality fly tying vises that should be on your short list. I looked at the most important functional aspects; clamping, fit and finish, rotary function and ease of use. Recommended – Peak Rotary . Budget Vise – Colorado 102 .

At one time I stated you could get a really good fly tying vise for right around $200 bucks, unfortunately inflation has affected the price of everything lately including fly tying vises. Many of the vises I’ve listed as the best are made right here in the USA.

The great thing? Getting a decent vise might be a once in a lifetime purchase, my old Renzetti Traveler is nearly 35 years old now and still going strong.

Best All Around

1. peak rotary.

A value packed vise. Built with quality materials, a heavy base and an effective clamp. A vise that will last for years and thousands of flies.

Read the review 👉 Here

2. Regal Travel

If you’re a fast tier and will be switching out flies quickly, the Regal Travel is for you. A quick clamp and high quality fit and finish.

Proven Performance

3. renzetti traveler.

My Traveler has 35 years of use and 1000’s of flies through the vise. Sold as the 2200 series. The OG of rotary vises, used by thousands.

1. Peak Rotary – Best All Around

Both beginners and experts recognize the importance of a high-quality tying vise. The primary role is to securely hold the hook for tying materials. In this function, the Peak Rotary shines, the good sized lever for locking the jaw adds leverage and the quality machining and materials increase a fly tiers output.

The heavy base and overall USA made quality is an added bonus. I’ve rated this vise best overall for a combination of all the features I’ll describe farther down in this article.

What vise came out on top in my review and what vise do I recommend ? 👉 Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Peak Rotary Vise

I liked the Peak vise the moment I opened the box. Well packaged with clear instructions for assembly. The heavy base and large lever for locking the clamp worked perfect. It was comfortable to work with. The machining is excellent and the included table clamp is nice. Below is my scoring. With 10 being highest

• Ease of Use = 8
• Vise Clamp = 10
• Weight = 4lbs, 13oz
• Assembly score = 9
• Fit and Finish = 8

Read my full review of the Peak Rotary 👉 Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise Review and if you’re more into watching YouTube watch my video with this link 👉 https://youtu.be/BrI-H4GksjA

2. Regal Travel – Best Clamp

The Regal Traveler vise is another highly recommended fly tying vise I’ve had a chance to test. The quick clamping feature holds extremely well and the fit and finish are top notch. The clamp is located a little bit beyond the base, which in combination with the lighter base weight makes the vise a little tippy.

Highly recommended and a super solid choice if you tie fast. Read more and check the prices with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Regal Traveler Fly Tying Vise

Regal Travel Vise

It’s important to note that all the vises I reviewed are fundamentally good. The Regal Travel is a great vise. The clamp function on the Regal is the fastest most functional out of all tested. The only cons of this vise are the base weight and the rotary function. The vise does come in a standard version (for more $$) with a heavy base. The Regal did not come with any “extra” items. Below is my scoring. With 10 being highest

• Ease of Use = 9
• Weight = 1lbs, 8oz
• Fit and Finish = 9

Read the full review of the Regal Travel 👉 Regal Travel Fly Tying Vise Review or watch my video on YouTube 👉 https://youtu.be/s-XAWrpFggY

3. Renzetti Traveler – Proven Performance

The Renzetti brand, renowned in the USA for over fifty years, introduced the pioneering true rotary vise. Their Traveler vise stands out for its portability, signature rotary function, and exceptional hook-holding capability.

Renzetti Traveler

It’s important to note that all the vises I reviewed are fundamentally really good. My Renzetti Traveler is special to me. I bought back when I probably couldn’t afford it. This is a solid vise that will tie 100’s of dozens of flies. It shines when tying tiny flies. The simple design and good fit and finish make tying a pleasure. Below is my scoring. With 10 being highest

• Ease of Use = 7
• Weight = 2lbs, 12oz
• Assembly score = 8

Modern iterations, like the Traveler 2200 series, feature an eye-catching anodized finish. Users can choose between a standard pedestal base or an additional C-clamp for securing. Its design emphasizes the importance of securely holding the hook without any slippage, ensuring quality and precision in fly tying.

I’ve been tying with a Renzetti for over 35 years. I can recommend it with confidence check the prices and reviews on Amazon 👉 Renzetti Traveler 2200

Read the full review of the Regal Travel 👉 Renzetti Traveler Fly Tying Vise Review

4. Wolff Atlas

Looking at the Wolff Atlas at first glance the fit and finish is flawless, all the corners are smooth, quality materials like ball bearings and brass knobs. The only downside is that I found that hooks had a tendency to slip in the clamp.

Its impressive machined finish and substantial weight make it both visually appealing and functional. With a smooth rotary function and a well-balanced design, the Atlas vise offers both aesthetics and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for fly tiers.

Wolff Atlas Rotary

The Atlas is a pretty nice vise. The machining is exceptional, the only downside is the vise clamping strength. I really wanted this vise to come out on top. The base was one of the heaviest, which I appreciate. Below is my scoring. With 10 being highest

• Vise Clamp = 5
• Weight = 4lbs, 1oz
• Assembly score =8

I’ve got a full written review of the this vise 👉 Wolff Atlas Fly Tying Vise and if you’re more into watching YouTube watch my video with this link 👉 https://youtu.be/owoOwDlB0ok

Riverruns Colorado Full Rotary Tying Vise: Next Level for the Beginner

Renzetti Traveler Fly Tying Vise Review

Regal Traveler Fly Tying Vise Review

Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise Review

Wolff Apex Fly Tying Vise Review

5. griffin mongoose.

Next up is the Griffin Mongoose. Opening the box the “complete package” was impressive. A nice carry case with many of the tools needed to get into tying.

Actually tying with the vise was a little more awkward compared to other vises that I looked at. Two things stood out, the area under the clamp was crowded causing me to move my hands in different ways to what I’m use too. The clamp was offset to the centerline of the vise. Now I’m not sure if this would affect my tying but it just seemed “off”.

Other than these things the vise is solid. With so many tools included like a c-clamp, carrying case and nearly every tools needed to get going the Mongoose is a deal.

Griffin Mongoose

It’s important to note that all the vises I reviewed are fundamentally good. The Griffin Mongoose seemed unnecessarily complex to me. The clamp works well but was difficult to use compared to the others. I’m not saying Mongoose is bad, just I’d recommend others in this price range. Lots of extras came with the vise which was nice. Below is my scoring. With 10 being highest

• Ease of Use = 5
• Weight = 3lbs, 8oz
• Assembly score = 6
• Fit and Finish = 7

I’ve got a full written review of the this vise 👉 Griffin Mongoose Fly Tying Vise and if you’re more into watching YouTube watch my video with this link 👉 https://youtu.be/No8YC7-dqO8

6. Wolff Apex

Something that jumps out with the Wolff vises I looked at is the manufacturing quality. Absolutely top notch materials and coatings. Someone who has tied flies has been part of the design and finishing of this vise.

The vise offers a smooth rotary function, through the vise head, It isn’t a true rotary but with a little hand manipulation during athe fly wrapping you can doa good job. The clamp has a cam style clamp the suffered a little in my hook bending test.

Overall, the Wolff Apex is a solid choice for a tying vise with a nicely weighted base, an included c-clamp and the outstanding fit and finish.

It’s important to note that all the vises I reviewed are fundamentally good. The below ratings are not saying it’s bad, just I’d recommend others in this price range. The machining is excellent and the included table clamp is nice. Below is my scoring. With 10 being highest

• Weight = 2lbs, 6oz

I’ve got a full written review of the this vise 👉 Wolff Apex Fly Tying Vise and if you’re more into watching YouTube watch my video with this link 👉 https://youtu.be/5m-K8pZULJE

7. Colorado 102 – Recommended Budget Vise

Years ago, I got the Colorado Anglers 102 Supreme. I’ve since gifted it to my TU club to use at fly tying events with youth. Before giving it away I used the heck out of it for nearly 9 years.

What struck me with my old 102 is that it just worked – forever. With a mostly steel construction and intuitive adjustments, I think I just lucked out by buying one of these so many years ago. While not a true rotary it doe sallow for turning the hook for inspection. One stand out feature is that I could adjust everything with a single hand.

The toggle arm for tightening the clamp always work great and even improved with age. I applied a little bit of grease to it and it functioned even better thanes after years of use.

If I had to recommend an inexpensive beginner vise that boasts durability and user friendly features, that could last a lifetime it would be the 102 Supreme.

Check the price and what other folks are saying about the Colorado Anglers 102 Supreme Fly Tying Vise with this shortcut link 👉 Colorado Angler 102 Supreme

8. Griffin Spider – Budget Rotary Option

The Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise comes in two versions, with and without the cam lock for the clamp. I’m going to be talking about the more budget friendly version using a thumb knob for tightening the hook clamp.

Like the bigger brother, the Mongoose, it felt like the Spider is more complicated than it needs to be. Thumb bolts all over the vise to adjust the rotary arm position, tension, tightening the clamp and adjusting the clamp opening.

This is an affordable option for getting a true rotary vise that a beginner can start out with. The Spider boasts a c-clamp, bobbin cradle with a hook size capacity from size 28 to 4/0.

The package comes complete with instructions, an allen wrench, and an extra rubber o-ring, making it a valuable addition to any fly tying setup, especially given its price point under $100. Check current prices of the Spyder on Amazon 👉 Griffin Spyder Vise

Guide Pro Tip: When starting out tying flies, getting good quality materials can make tying flies so much easier. feathers breaking or synthetics take don’t tie in well can make sitting down in front of your vise torture. Take a look at the Hareline Kit – I’ve got a video 👉 https://youtu.be/Nry8_73XF0s?si=kdT3oiB5FGNlrRxw

Special Consideration – Renzetti Presentation

If you’re seriously considering selling your feather creations or jumping into selling flies the Renzetti Presentation Series should be on your shopping list. This vise isn’t just an accessory; it’s an investment into what could be that side income you’ve thought about.

Made entirely of aluminum, steel and brass its durability is unmatched, and the true rotary function is a game-changer (Renzetti invented this functionality) It shares the same jaws as the Renzetti Traveler, accommodating a wide range of hook sizes, but its taller stem and anodized finish truly set it apart.

Boasts a ratchet feature for fly positioning, I find the torsion screw on the barrel more useful, allowing me to adjust tension as needed. Any initial play in the vise was quickly fixed with an Allen key. I also added the material clip, which I highly recommend for serious tiers. If you’re looking to elevate your fly tying, whether as a guide or to sell your creations, the Presentation Series is the way to go.

It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a commitment to excellence.

My Video Reviewing Stand-Out Fly Tying Vises

Going along with the criteria above, I purchased and tested a bunch of vises and videoed the results.

Choosing the Right Fly Tying Vise

When evaluating these vises I keyed in on 8 factors. Each factor received a score based upon a comparison to the competition or whether if the vise had the attribute or not.

Rotary Function

This one is pretty simple either the vise had a “true rotary” with the rotation around the hook shank along with the quality of the rotation adjustment. The Peak and Wolff Atlas were at the top of my ratings.

Ease of Clamp Use

Fiddling with the vise clamp is a pain in the behind. An out-stand vise for clamping is the Regal . Squeeze the arm and it LOCKS the hook into place. While the Griffith Mongoose was more difficult compared to the others.

Hook Bending Test

A fly tying vise should hold a hook well enough to allow you to bend the hook before coming loose. Okay – I’ll make an exception for huge saltwater hooks. If you’ve ever tried to spin deer hair with super strong gel-spun thread and had the hook slip, you’ll understand why a clamp shouldn’t slip.

Fit and Finish

Smooth corners, quality materials like brass bushings/knobs and a nice finish coating is a sign of a manufacture taking the time to add the finishing touches to a quality manufacture fly tying vise. Knocking your knuckles on your vise is going to happen, you don’t want your knuckles to bleed after doing so. The Regal and Wolff Atlas are stand outs for fit and finish.

Guide Pro Tip: Download the score sheet with all of the Vises and Scores 👉 Fly Tying Vise Comparison Chart with Scores

Pedestal Base Weight

I prefer pedestal bases over table clamps. I like adjusting the distance between myself and the vise for the size fly I’m tying. Big flies like streamers are farther away, tiny dry flies and midges are closer. (old eyes)

Ease of Assembly

A fly tying vise shouldn’t be tough to assembly. Honestly if a vise has a lot of pieces it is going to most likely have more failure points. All of the vises were pretty good at this, the Griffin Mongoose has a lot going on and took a couple minutes longer than the others.

The budget models listed did take a couple extra minutes, but I think that’s a trade-off when getting a vise that might cost $100 less than the higher rated vises I looked at.

The cost of all the vises I reviewed were between $250 and $100. This is removing the budget models and a professional grade fly tying vise.

Review Rating by Others

I originally thought I would “weight” this factor given the opinion of others should be a super important factor. What I found is that because I reviewed “the best of the best” all the independent ratings were 4.5 stars and up.

Fly Tying Vises 101

Having tied 1,000’s of flies and creating a How to Tie Flies Class on this website, I’m hoping I can share some bits of wisdom related to fly tying vises.

Types of Fly Tying Vises: Stationary, Rotary and Turning

Stationary Vise

As the name implies, holds the hook in a stationary position – No turning. I recommend getting a rotary vise, but rotaries have only been around for 30 years or so. Millions of flies were tied on a stationary fly tying vises. I still have one that I use for pictures and some quick tying. I built a nice heavy custom base for it to hold things steady.

Rotary Fly Tying Vise

This vice lets the hook turn using a lever or just twisting the vise jaw. Having the hook/jaw turn will speed up tying, particularly when applying hackle. I define a rotary vise this way because other tying vises turn but don’t turn in a way that helps apply hackle and other wraps. Additionally, the hook shank is usually centered on the spindle of the vise head rotation.

Turning Vise

Many production tiers don’t like the rotary function and just want to turn the fly for inspection. Production tiers have developed the skills of applying even pressure all the way around the hook.

Regal tying vises are the perfect example. The fly is held via a spring clamp and the clamp/fly will turn, but this turning is mostly to inspect the fly. The benefit of the spring clamp on the Regal is super- fast hook changes.

Guide Pro Tip: I recommend a rotary vise. In the beginning, start with the spindle locked to develop your skills, later speed up your tying using the rotary function. If you plan to tie small size 14 to 26 dry flies a rotary is practically required.

Considerations When Selecting a Fly Tying Vise

Think about how much you’re going to use the vise. For me, I tie +6 dozen flies a year and I call these my meat and potatoes flies. I use them up like I’m eating them (mostly loosing them..). I don’t like fighting to tie a small dry fly like size 20 and smaller, so I buy them (my eyes are getting old).

I don’t like buying piles of materials so I stick to about 10 different flies and stock only the materials and hooks to tie them. I wrote a mega article about fly tying tools and my tying strategy HERE .

My Experience and Things to Think About:

Fly tying has a natural progression, we play around with tying a fly at a show or the club. Then decide to get a cheap kit, sometimes that vise and the materials with the kit plain suck, which will frustrate you. But if you see a glimmer of hope you buy more materials and upgrade to a better vise.

Notice I recommend spending a little bit of cash to get something decent. Even tying 2 dozen flies a year can be a pain in the rear if the vise is fighting you. Plus, I find tying flies helps me stay connected with the sport during those snowy or rainy days.

How to Select a Fly Tying Vise – Things to Look For

Fly tying vises come in two versions: c-clamp and pedestal bases., c-clamp – base versions clamp to the table top. this is great if you think you’ll travel with your vise to a fishing destination..

As a note: High volume production tyers will also get c-clamps vises. Usually a production tyer will have a dedicated station and it’s important to have the vise in the most ergonomic position to spin out thousands of flies. The C-Clamp versions allow for a low comfortable position.

Be a little cautious clamping your vise onto the family dinner table, the clamps can mar the surface pretty bad.

Pedestal – Bases are what they sound like the shaft mounts to a base.

Look for a heavy machine steel or cast base. Regal, Renzetti, PEAK and Wolff all understand that pedestal bases must have some heft. Nice gummy rubber feet under the pedestal also helps the vise stay put.

Better vises will have the option to switch between base and pedestal types. Again, proven models from PEAK, Wolff or Renzetti will offer this option.

The Heart of a Fly Tying Vise – THE CLAMP

It seems obvious but the first and foremost function of the tying vise is to securely hold the hook. The vise should also hold the hook WITHOUT severely cranking down on the jaw clamping mechanism. From personal experience, I can say don’t get a cheap vise because you’ll struggle with this.

Years ago, I found a deal on a rotary vise sold by a supplier in China. I bought a sample and it looked ok. So, I bought 50 of them and sold half a dozen at a fly-tying show. One of the tiers saw the price and bought a dozen of them for teaching classes. Three weeks later, I refunded him all his money and got a dozen used broken vises that couldn’t hold hooks.

Moral of the story buy a proven vise from a respectable manufacture. A crappy quality vise will hold a tier back.

Look for the jaws advertised as having HARDENED JAWS . Hooks have a high hardness- it’s what allows the point to stay sharp. The jaws of the tying vise need to be harder so they will clamp onto the hook.

Replaceable Jaws : Look for a vise that sells replacement jaws. As you progress you may lean towards tying big deer hair poppers on size 1/0 hooks. Most standard tying vises won’t hold this large of a hook. The same is true with tiny hooks -24 and down.

Guide Pro Tip: You can break a vise jaw by leaving a hook clamped under tension for extended periods of time.

Ease of Adjustment : Normal tiers will sit down a tie 3-4 – size 14 elk hair caddis, then switch to a size 6 streamer to tie up some woolly buggers. The vise needs to easily adjust between different hook sizes. The spring clamp style like the Regal excels at this – no adjustments needed.

Hook Size Range: A proven manufacture will publish this. Normally a tying vise will hold size #20 to 2/0 hooks. If the hook size isn’t published proceed with caution.

Shaft Diameter : I know this isn’t a manufacturing standard but ALL fly tying vises should have a 3/8 inch stem size. Further down in this article, I’ll talk about accessories, if you’re vise stem isn’t 3/8″ then most of those gadgets won’t fit.

Should I get a Rotary Tying Vise?

Simple answer – YES.✔

I would advise all beginners to get a rotary vise and LOCK it in position for a while to learn how to apply even pressure while wrapping. This skill above most others will help make durable, well-proportioned flies. Once you get the hang of using the rotary feature you’ll hackle and cross wrap like a pro.

If you own a stationary vise after a couple dozen flies you’ll wish you had a rotary. Tying streamers and dry flies just gets easier with a rotary.

Check out this video of Kelly Gallop and watch how he explains fly tying vises and if the vise makes a better fly.

Are Fly Tying Vises Handed?

Better tying vises are designed to be “handed” Most right handed folks will have their bobbin/scissors in their right hand. This leaves the left hand available to pick up materials or adjust the vise.

If the vise adjustments are facing you as a right hander, as a lefthander you’ll be have to reach over the vise to adjust things. The Dyna King Indexer is sold in both versions.

PRO TIP: Even from the beginning, try to learn to tie flies with the scissors ALWAYS in your hand. Setting down your bobbin to pick up scissors is a huge waste of time.

How Much Does a Good Fly Tying Vise Cost

If you’re simply shopping for the cheapest you may want to get out of fly fishing. Starting to tie flies can be a downward spiral into a fanatical feather fetish which might cost hundreds and hundreds.

For a decent fly tying vise – what I would recommend, is going to cost $150 to $250 usd. I’d look at getting a vise from a domestic manufacture that understands fly fishing. I have called the folks a PEAK Fishing and a person picks up the phone.

Two important things were in that statement

• I could find a phone number
• An actual person answered and HELPED me.

Fit, Finish and Quality of a Fly-Tying Vise

Image sitting with a cup of coffee in one hand and resting your other hand on your vise… You want the edges smooth, brass and polished stainless steel feel better. The jaw rotates on ball bearings. Each of these things takes a little bit of time during the manufacturing process to make, but the result is quality.

Avoid plastic: if you spill head cement on the vise, (which happens) you’ll NEVER clean it off of plastic. Remember, those 12 vises I sold for a tying class? Yup.. they had a little thumb screw made of plastic. Half were broken when returned.

Avoid Stamped metal: I liked lots of things about my first tying vise, but the one thing I hated is the stamped metal jaw lever. It’s rough to operate, which required me to adjust it excessively to clamp the hook.

Signs of Quality in a Tying Vise

Machined components : particularly the jaws, levers and vise body. Machining a hunk of metal is the starting point for precision. A quality vise in the $150 to $200 dollar range will have machined components so bearing and attaching parts align.

Brass, Bronze and Bearings: Thumb screws that adjust tension should be made from a durable material like brass or bronze. The brass and bronze have a lubricating property so the screw points won’t mar the shafts or contacting surfaces.

Polishing and Softened Corners for Finger Friendly Tying

It costs just a bit more to polish a stem or soften the corners on the vise head. These are those outward signs that a person “in the know” understands how a fly tier will use the vise. Look for a vise to be smooth and polished like the Renzetti, Wolff and Peak .

Fly Tying Vise Accessories that Actually Help

Bobbin Holders : are a standard item on many tying vises. It’s a wire that holds the bobbin while wrapping on another material. A great example is wrapping wire onto a brassie fly, the hold supports the bobbin and thread in alignment with the center line of the fly while using the rotary to wrap brass wire.

Get a good LED light : I used an incandescent light for years, it was hot and I was always moving it because of the heat. Looking back on it now, I must have looked silly. I couldn’t see what I was doing so I’d move the light closer. Then the light would get hot so I’d move it away.

Material Clips , usually made from a spring wrapped around the spindle of the vise. The clip holds material out of the way while tying other sections of the fly. Most vises over $75 will have this standard.

Magnifiers : I have one on my light. I don’t use it much mostly because I avoid tying small flies. I could see a use if tying little midges were my thing.

Profile Plates : provide a light-colored non-glare background to help see the fly details. A nice item if your eyes are getting old.

Tool Trays : many of which attach to the shaft of the vise. I haven’t used one that attaches to the shaft myself, but I do recommend some type of holder for the head cement. It’s super easy to knock over those little jars spilling glue all over and in turn gluing fur and hair to your table.

Tube Fly Attachments : are adapters that clamp into the jaws of the vise. The adapter will position a needle in alignment with the vise spindle. Look at a model that has different size needle diameters.

Waste Catcher : You’ll create a pile of fur, feathers and cut-offs tying flies. If you start playing with deer hair, mountains of hair will go everywhere without a waste catcher. If you get one, look for something that is low profile so it doesn’t get in the way of your hands.

Fly Tying Vise Manufactures and Warranty

PEAK FISHING is a division of PEAK Engineering and Automation. They’ve been in business since 1994 and started selling fly tying vises in 2001. Located in Loveland, Colorado PEAK makes all of their fly tying vises in the USA. All PEAK vises have a limited lifetime warranty.

REGAL VISE : A family owned business located in Orange Massachusetts USA. Marketed as the highest quality fly tying vise in the world. The vise sports a cast base and a spring clamp for holding the fly. Every Regal Vise has a Lifetime Warranty. Read about the company LINK to Regal https://regalvise.com/

Griffin Enterprises, Inc vices have a Lifetime Warranty and are made in the USA. Located Kalispell, MT these folks live in the heart of fly fishing country and understand what’s needed in the fly tying vise. Read more about the company HERE .

Renzetti Fly Tying Vises come with a Lifetime Warranty. Renzetti was the first company to market and sell a true rotary fly tying vise back in 1977. Still family owned with the family engineering and manufacturing fly tying vises in Titusville, FL. https://www.renzetti.com/

Colorado Angler Supply is one of the largest wholesalers of fly tying tools and accessories in North America. Located in Aurora, Colorado. The warranty information is vague compared to other fly tying vises. They sell a great product, but closely inspecting upon receipt of the vise. I’d suggest getting your vise from AMAZON (here’s link to the tying vise ) because of the great return policies.

12 Easy Flies to Tie (Video, Materials, and More)

Fly Tying Materials

Biots and Flies – My Fly Tying Experience

Complete Guide to Fishing and Tying the Brassie Nymph

The Best Upcoming Fly Tying Kit For 2023

15 Best Fly-Tying Books (with Favorite Patterns)

Will you catch the fly tying bug.

All kidding aside, sitting down on a raining day dreaming about fishing and tying up some flies is fun. With a good tying vise and a handful of hooks, thread and feathers, you can get your mind off everyday stresses and almost be on the water from your kitchen table.

Hi David Humphries Owner of Guide Recommended. I love everything to do with fly fishing. Casting, Tying, YouTube , writing about it and even teaching. I’ve got a FREE video workshop teaching how to dry fly fish at this link How to Fly Fish

The Best Fly Tying Vise In 2024: Top 5 Tested & Reviewed

Last Update:

• The Rundown

Best Overall: Peak Rotary Vise (click to see) “Peak Rotary is durable since it’s composed of stainless steel brass, tool steel, and aircraft aluminum. If you tie several flies at once, you’ll like its integrated hook and two accessory post mounting holes.”

Best Beginner Vise : Griffin Spider Vise (click to see) “Griffin Spider is excellent if you are new to fly tying and are looking for great-quality vise at an affordable price. Purchase with confidence as this comes with a lifetime warranty.”

Most Versatile : Griffin Montana Mongoose Vise (click to see) “The Montana Mongoose has 360-degree rotational capabilities that allow you to turn it at any angle. It has a series of locking and fine tension screws that rotate the vise precisely.”

For the avid fly fishermen, there are few things as enjoyable as tying your flies. Doing so allows you to customize each fly to your liking, which typically bolsters an angler’s confidence.

There is something truly magical about boating a trout that has been caught on a hand-tied fly. However, a certain amount of gear is necessary to begin tying your flies, including a fly vise.

Premium fly tying vises feature only the most durable components and are highly adjustable, allowing an angler to arrange every facet of their fly tying effort as they see fit.

• Best Fly Tying Vise For The Money

Our Top 5 Picks

Best Overall

Peak Rotary Vise

Best Overall Fly Tying Vise

• Broad footprint pedestal base for increased stability
• Rugged construction for enhanced durability

Best Beginner

Griffin Spider Vise

Best Fly Tying Vise For Beginners

• Rotary design for ease of access

Excellent quality at a more than reasonable price

Most Versatile

Griffin Montana Mongoose Vise

Most Versatile Fly Tying Vise

• Comes with pedestal and C-clamp mounts for unparalleled durability
• 360-degree rotation for ease of access

Best High End

Wolff Indiana Atlas Vise

Best High-End Fly Tying Vise

• Numerous micro-adjustments for added efficiency and comfort
• Stainless steel construction for ultimate durability

Best Budget

Colorado Anglers 2001 EZ Rotary Vise

Best Budget   Fly Tying Vise

• Low-profile jaws for precise retention
• Lightweight design for ease of portability

Table of Contents

C-Clamp vs Pedestal

Fixed jaw vs rotary, how to use a fly fishing vise, is fly tying worth it, best fly tying vises 2024.

Here’s the top 5 fly tying vises that can help you customize your next fly:

• Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vise

Best Overall: A durable vise that offers every feature one could ask for

KEY FEATURES

• hook/bead pocket and accessory holes for greater efficiency

If you are currently in the market for a premium pedestal base mount vise that is packed full of helpful features, then the Peak Rotary Vise should be on your radar. This vise features a broad mount base for increased stability, powder-coated to improve its overall longevity.

CLICK TO SEE MORE

The Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise also features an integrated hook/bead pocket and two accessory post mounting holes. This promotes greater efficiency during the tying process and should be a favorite feature of those who regularly tie a significant number of flies at any one given time. 

Many anglers should also find immense favor in the Peak Rotary Vise’s ultra-durable construction. This vise is composed of stainless steel, brass, tool steel, and Aircraft Aluminum, all of which are likely to stand the test of time.

Best Beginner Vise: Excellent quality at a more than reasonable price

• Hearty design for increased durability
• Lifetime warranty for peace of mind

If you are currently new to fly tying and looking for a quality vise at an entry-level price, it would be difficult to go wrong with the Griffin Odyssey Spider. This C-clamp style vise is constructed from a premium-grade material and features a 28 to 4/0 jaw capacity, making it inherently versatile.

The Griffin Odyssey Spider is a rotary fly tying vise, which allows for full 360-degree rotation on the fly. Beginners should highly appreciate this feature as they start to tie more intricate flies when ample accessibility is a must. This range of rotation should also make it easier to inspect your work to become ever more consistent in your endeavors.

Many anglers are also likely to be fond of the Griffin Odyssey Spider’s lifetime warranty. Although no such issues are anticipated, you can return this fly tying vise for replacement should any material or craftsmanship defects become evident. Again, this allows anglers to purchase with confidence, knowing that they are covered no matter what.

Most Versatile : A vise that can be used virtually anywhere

• Locking and fine tension screws for precise adjustability

The Griffin Montana Mongoose Vise should be the perfect choice for any angler who is looking for a highly versatile vise that can be used in virtually any setting that one might imagine. Additionally, this vice comes with two different mounts, of both a pedestal and C-clamp style. This allows an angler to tie just as efficiently when traveling to a remote fishing destination as when sitting in the comfort of their own home.

Many anglers should also find favor in the Griffin Montana Mongoose’s 360-degree rotational capabilities. This vise can be turned to any desired angle, thereby eliminating the need to work in a cumbersome position. As a result, most anglers will find that the use of these fly tying vises is ideal when attempting to tie more intricate flies.

The Griffin Montana Mongoose also features a series of locking screws and fine tension screws, which should allow one to rotate this vise in a way that promotes a high degree of precision. This feature is likely to come in handy when attempting to iron out fine details during the tying process.

Best High-End Vise : Designed with user comfort in mind

• Wide range of compatible hook sizes for increased versatility

The Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vise provides anglers with numerous adjustments to ensure that they can work in the utmost comfort, even during prolonged periods of use. This should be perfect for those that tie a substantial number of flies regularly. The Atlas Rotary Fly Tying Vise features a separate tying friction and spindle lock, long-throw cam action lock up, and extended finger pin with ball end for easy wrapping.

One is also likely to be fond of the Atlas Rotary Vise’s rather sizable hook size range. This vise can grip and retain hooks of 7/0 to 32 hook range in size, adding further to its versatility.

These fly tying vises are composed of stainless steel, which is robust and should be proved for years of use, with little or no structural issues. This is a fact that is likely to be appreciated by avid fly tiers, who spend hours a week tying flies.

Best Budget Vise : A vise that can be purchased at any budget

• 360-degree rotation for enhanced accessibility

If you are looking for a quality fly tying vise, yet are operating on a fairly restrictive budget, then the Colorado Anglers 2001 EZ Rotary Vise should be exactly what you need. This vise features a C-clamp style mount and a low profile jaw, which is likely to be ideal when working with smaller hooks yet carries a retail price that costs less than what many anglers spend on a tank of fuel for their vehicles.

The Colorado Anglers 2001 vise is also engineered to provide a full 360 degree of rotation, which should be appreciated by anglers who routinely tie rather complex flies. This feature offers a greater degree of accessibility, making it possible to work without finding yourself in an awkward angle.

These fly tying vises are also relatively subdued in heft and weigh only 14.4 ounces in total. This characteristic is likely to be appreciated by those who travel to remote destinations to experience new fishing adventures.

Buyers Guide: What You Need to Know

Fly tying vises come in two main types of mounting configurations; C-Clamp and Pedestal. Each of these two styles carries its merit, as well as disadvantages. Therefore, to select the option which best suits your needs, it is essential to understand the nuances of each configuration. 

A C-clamp style fly tying vise clamps to a table or desktop, serving as its mount point. This vise style is relatively easy to set up and is easy to store away for the season when your fly tying duties are complete. C-Clamp Style vises are also lightweight by design, making them relatively simple to maneuver and anchor in place.

A pedestal-style fly tying vise features a flat base, which you can place upon any smooth, level surface. This means that you can use a pedestal vise on a table, counter, or even a boat seat. This can be pretty handy, especially when traveling for the fishing trip of your dreams. Pedestal vises also tend to be easy to carry, making them ideal for use on the road.

In the vast majority of cases, the task of selecting which style of vise to purchase comes down to a matter of personal preference. While some anglers quickly flock to pedestal-style vises, others remain very fond of C-Clamp vises and feel that they offer a superior range of adjustment.

Another important consideration when selecting fly tying vises for purchase is choosing a fixed jaw or rotary model. While many anglers automatically assume the rotary fly tying vise is superior to its fixed jaw counterpart, 360-degree rotation is not always necessary to tie a quality fly. In any event, every angler should understand the differences between each style of the vise.

As its name would suggest, the fixed jaw vise is completely stationary and offers no degree of rotation. Therefore, when set in place, an angler must work around the vise itself, rather than simply rotating their vise to achieve the exact work angle, which is preferred. While a rotary fly tying vise is undoubtedly more efficient in access, quality flys can indeed be tied on a fixed jaw vice with a bit of practice.

A rotary-style fly tying vice allows an angler to manipulate the angle at which their fly sits. This provides a greater amount of access when attempting to arrange each fly as intended. While a rotary vise will not make you better at fly tying, it will allow you to be more efficient in your endeavors and possibly save you a little time along the way.

Questions & Answers

A fly vise is used to support the hook of a fly, thereby allowing an angler to work around this hook as they see fit. To get started tying flies, you must first set up a vise. To do this, begin by adjusting the height of your vise. Ideally, the vise needs to be set at a comfortable level when tying is in progress, whether from a standing or sitting position. Using the swivel, adjust the holding jaws to a level that is only a short distance above the desktop clamp.

Next, you will open the jaws of your vise using the unit’s rotary shaft. Place your hook in line with the jaws of your vise, and tighten it in place, again using the rotary shaft to facilitate these adjustments. Before beginning work, it is crucial to verify that you are happy with the positioning of your vise. If anything appears as if it would impede progress, make any minor adjustment tweaks now.

Also worth mentioning is that your vise can be repositioned at any time during the fly tying process to achieve better results.

In the world of fly fishing , the debate continues as to whether or not fly tying is a worthwhile venture. While proponents state that tying flies is an excellent way to save money, others claim that you can save no true money over purchasing flies outright at a local retailer. So naturally, this begs the question, is fly tying worth it?

Purely from a financial standpoint, tying flies makes sense in an angler who fishes quite frequently. This is because one must expend a certain amount of money to procure all needed when jumping into the world of fly tying. Therefore, an angler who fishes regularly and typically goes through many flies in a given year will offset the purchase price of these materials far quicker than someone who only fishes 1-2 times a year.

However, the actual value of fly tying goes far beyond cost savings. There is little that brings as much excitement to a fly fisher as watching a rainbow trout strike a fly that they tied. This provides anglers with a sense of pride at a job well done and leaves one feeling even more determined to soldier on in their fly tying endeavors.

Perfect Captain aims to be the #1 community for anglers, by providing on-point advice and recommendations so you can better up your fishing and have fun!

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The Top 5 Best Fly-Tying Vises

Having a great vise is the key to getting the most out of fly-tying. While there are plenty of fly-tying vises on the market, many are cheaply built or have significant problems. It might seem like a good idea to try to save money at first, but you’ll end up spending more in the long run.

Luckily, there are also some excellent options out there, many of which are great values. From budget-minded vises to the cream of the crop, read on to find out the best options for you. But first, let’s go over how to choose the best fly-tying vise for your needs and budget.

Table of Contents

How To Choose A Fly-Tying Vise

Getting a Traditional vs Rotary Fly-Tying Vise

Overall, the choice is one of personal preference. Generally speaking, rotary vises open up a lot more options and allow for much more precise wrapping. If you’re tying very small flies, a rotary vise will be very helpful. It also makes using a wide variety of materials easier, opening up more possibilities for your fly-tying.

All of that flexibility comes at a cost, though. There are a lot more moving parts on a rotary vise. There’s more complexity, too, something that can get overwhelming for a beginner. If you’re looking to tie more basic patterns, a rotary vise might be overkill. Some people also like the tactile control of the traditional vise, and say that they get better results using one. Finally, traditional vises are usually less expensive than similar rotary vises, although there are options for both in every budget.

Get a traditional fly-tying vise if…

• You like to keep things simple
• You will mostly be tying basic patterns
• You will mostly be tying medium to larger flies
• You want to save some money on the vise

Get a rotary fly-tying vise if…

• You will be tying small flies
• You will be tying complex patterns that require a lot of precision
• You prefer flexibility and complexity over simplicity

Pedestal Base vs C-Clamp

The base of your fly-tying vise is extremely important. Any kind of movement can seriously mess up your tying, so getting a sturdy base is crucial. There are two basic types of base: the C-clamp, which (you guessed it) clamps onto the side of your table, and the pedestal base, which sits on top. Many fly-tying vises include both in the same package. Others require you to choose one or the other before buying.

There’s a bit of a paradox when it comes to which one to pick. The idea of “portability” has a few different meanings in this debate. A C-clamp is great for a dedicated workspace. You can tighten it down, and a good C-clamp won’t budge, period. C-clamps are also usually lighter and more compact than a heavy, sturdy pedestal base, making them perfect for fly-tying while traveling.

The pedestal base, on the other hand, is a great compromise of portability and utility. A good one is heavy and not necessarily portable. But unlike a C-clamp, you don’t need a suitable table edge in order to use it. Also, lot of people don’t like having their vise sitting on the edge of the table, for comfort and for ease of use. You can use a pedestal base on pretty much any kind of flat surface, from tables to counters to the floor.

Use a pedestal base if…

• You don’t have a dedicated fly-tying space
• You don’t have a suitable clamping site
• You don’t like being at the edge of the table

Use a C-clamp if…

• You have a dedicated fly-tying space
• You want a travel-ready setup

Accessories

Many fly-tying vises come with accessories. These range from requirements to “nice-to-haves” to downright useless add-ons. It’s important to realize that most accessories are relatively inexpensive. If your vise doesn’t come with something you want/need, you can usually buy one for $10-20 extra. Therefore, don’t buy your vise based on the accessories. Some people get swayed by some little add-on that the company puts in, disregarding the fact that the vise itself might not be up to snuff. I won’t spend much time on accessories in these reviews, unless they’re particularly notable.

Two important and common accessories are the material clip and the bobbin. The material clip helps hold back feathers and other materials, keeping them out of the way as you’re tying. The bobbin holds your thread as you tie. Again, while both are important and possibly necessary, neither are very expensive. It’s nice to get a good one included, but you can always buy another if need be.

And now, the Top 5 Best Fly-Tying Vises…

Griffin montana mongoose vise.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Griffin Montana Mongoose is that it’s heavy-duty. Unlike a lot of vises, it has all-metal construction that is sure to last a long time. A lot of people start on cheaper plastic vises that end up breaking or having parts come loose. The Griffin Montana Mongoose is definitely a great upgrade from those cheap beginner vises, and would suit anyone from a newcomer to an expert fly-tyer.

One of the best features of the Griffin Montana Mongoose is how customizable it can be. You have very fine control over almost every feature on the vise. It comes with both a pedestal base and a c-clamp, and everything from the jaw to the rotation can be tweaked fairly easily. This does mean that the Montana Mongoose can take a little longer to set up than other vises. However, the trade-off is worth it when you have a vise that works exactly the way you want it to work.

Here’s a great video walking you through the set-up and some of the features of the Griffin Montana Mongoose:

As you can see in the video, the Montana Mongoose comes with a bobbin and material clip, which are fairly standard in its price range. However, both are of very high quality, especially the material clip. It’s fully adjustable and handles a wide variety of materials with ease. Between that and the fine-tunable jaw, there are very few hook sizes or fly tying materials you won’t be able to use on this vise.

• Highly adjustable and customizable
• All-metal construction is very sturdy
• Takes a little longer than usual to set up initially

Look up the price and more reviews of the Griffin Montana Mongoose fly-tying vise on Amazon.com

Wolff Industries Atlas Rotary Vise

Wolff Industries makes all of their vises in Indiana, USA, and has a reputation for great build quality and good customer service. The Atlas is their rotary vise (as opposed to their Apex vise, reviewed a little farther down), and has the classic Wolff stainless steel construction that will last decades.

The Atlas comes with both a C-clamp and a pedestal base. The pedestal base in particular is incredibly sturdy. The C-clamp also holds the vise very well, so it’s a matter of personal preference as to which to use.

The jaw on the Atlas is easy to adjust, and can hold even the smallest hooks. If you’re like me, you’ll have problems with your own grip on #28 and smaller hooks before the vise will. In fact, if anything, the jaw makes it a little harder to hold large hooks, although this is only really a problem for 0-range hooks that many fly-tyers don’t end up using much.

One thing about those adjustment knobs: they look like plastic. That’s because they’re coated in a black plastic to make them feel easier on the hands. However, the knobs themselves are mode out of stainless steel, just like the rest of the vise. This attention to detail shows Wolff’s commitment to making a quality product that will both last and be easy to use. If you want a rotary fly-tying vise that could survive the apocalypse, the Atlas will do the job!

One user posted a great unboxing and review, then revisited it a year later. Here’s the original video with his initial impressions:

And here’s his more in-depth review after using the Atlas vise for a year:

• Solid stainless steel build
• Easily handles small hooks
• Doesn’t hold very large hooks as easily as other vises

Look up the price and more reviews of the Atlas Rotary fly-tying vise on Amazon.com

Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise

The Griffin Odyssey Spider vise is a remarkable value for a true rotary vise. It has a similar tough construction as its big brother, the Montana Mongoose, and will last a long time. It’s also very customizable, again like the Montana mongoose. While it doesn’t have some of the same bells-and-whistles, its low price point more than makes up for that. If you’re looking for a first rotary vise on a budget, the Griffin Odyssey Spider is the one for you.

The Griffin Odyssey Spider comes with a C-clamp. It works very well, giving you a sturdy base for your fly-tying. While a pedestal base is not included with the vise, you can purchase one separately if you prefer.

The jaws of the vise work great for a wide variety of hook sizes. While it may have some trouble holding onto smaller hooks below about #28, it does very well with medium and larger hooks. For most people, especially beginners, this will cover the vast majority of fly-tying applications

Like the Montana Mongoose, the Odyssey Spider vise can take a while to set up. There are a lot of moving parts and options to fiddle with. But once you get your preferences dialed in, you have a truly personalized fly-tying vise. For less than half of what a lot of other rotary fly-tying vises cost, that’s a great bargain!

• Great value
• Very customizable
• Won’t hold very small (<#28) hooks easily

Look up the price and more reviews of the Griffin Odyssey Spider fly-tying vise on Amazon.com

Wolff Industries Apex Vise

Like its brother the Atlas, the Apex is made in Indiana, USA out of stainless steel, and is quite a hefty vise. This is not going to fall apart or break easily! The Apex is Wolff’s traditional fly-tying vise, as opposed to the rotary style of the Atlas.

One big difference between it and its brother is the Apex’s size. As a traditional vise, it’s a good bit more compact than the rotary Atlas. That makes it a great vise for fly-tying on the go, whether it’s traveling to your favorite area to fish or wanting something to bide the time on a business trip. Like the Atlas, the Apex comes with both a C-clamp and a pedestal base. Both are solid and very stable.

Where the Apex really shines (and even outshines its brother) is its jaw. It’s particularly well-suited to small hooks, and can easily accommodate even a #32. Plus, the lever that controls the jaw is long and simple to use. It sounds like a small point, but you’ll be clamping and un-clamping a lot during the course of your fly-tying. Making it easy is key to avoiding fatigue and keeping everything as simple as possible.

While it’s not a rotary vise, the Apex does have some rotary-like functions. The barrel can rotate in a way that will let you examine your fly from all angles, which is useful. However, the hook will not be kept in the exact same position like in a true rotary vise. This makes it limited if you’re used to a rotary vise, but does offer utility beyond a normal traditional-style vise.

• Sturdy stainless teel construction
• Some rotary function

Look up the price and more reviews of the Wolf Industries Apex fly-tying vise on Amazon.com

Regal Medallion Vise

Before we begin, here’s a great comparison between the Medallion and one of our other top vises, the Griffin Montana Mongoose:

The Medallion is one of Regal’s traditional fly-tying vises. Like a lot of traditional-style vises nowadays, it does have the ability to rotate. You won’t be able to use it like a true rotary vise, because it won’t keep the shaft of the hook on the same axis. Still, it’s very useful to be able to view your hook from all possible angles.

One of Regal’s most popular features is the way its jaws work. Most vises have a system that screws down to match the size of the hook, then a lever to clamp it into place. It’s effective, but takes some fiddling to get it right.

Regal, on the other hand, has a one-tension-fits-all solution. Setting a hook up is as simple as grabbing onto a little spring-loaded lever, putting the hook into the jaws, and letting go. From big to small, the hook is always firmly held for easy tying.

This has obvious appeal, and is one reason why Regal vises have become popular. Some people prefer the greater control over how tight the jaws clamp down. However, it should be said that very few people actually complain about how well the Regal holds hooks. In fact, it’s got one of the strongest grips around. So maybe this is a case where one-size-fits-all really is the best solution!

Overall, the Medallion is a great example of simplicity in action. It’s quite compact when taken apart, and is very easy to operate. It combines some of the best features of both rotary and traditional styles into one vise. And even though it lacks the customizability of vises like the Griffin Montana Mongoose, you can see how much easier it is to set up:

• Easy-to-use jaw with a strong grip
• Simple and compact
• Not a lot of room to customize your own preferences

Look up the price and more reviews of the Regal Medallion fly-tying vise on Amazon.com

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The Best Fly Tying Vise for You

October 23, 2022 By: Spencer Durrant

Regal Medallion

My dad and grandfather both tied flies, and I grew up surrounded by tinsel, feathers, hooks, and thread that I was under strict orders to never touch. I remember sitting for hours watching my dad tie streamers and dry flies (he never tied nymphs because he didn’t fish nymphs), entranced by the whole process. I begged and begged to learn, but it wasn’t until I was 10 or so that my dad finally relented.

All these years later I have my own vise, a pile of hackle I inherited from grandpa, and a messier tying desk than my dad ever kept. At times, I’ve only ever tied out of necessity, but I’ve grown to love fly tying for its relaxing nature. Unless I’m tying size 28 parachute midges. That’s an exercise in frustration.

Today, we’ll dive into the different features you’ll find on tying vises and recommend a few products that should fit your needs.

Rotary vs Stationary

Vises differ in many ways, but the feature that many folks pay attention to is whether a vise has a rotary function.

A rotary vise gives tiers the option to rotate the vise jaws a full 360 degrees. From spinning dubbing onto streamers, to evening spun deer hair, a rotary vise allows tiers to see all sides of the fly. The rotary function is great for evening out UV resins, too, especially with resins growing in popularity.

While rotary functions are great, you don’t  need  a rotary vise to start tying. I bought my first rotary vise just a few years ago, and tied untold dozens of flies on an old stationary vise.

Often a stationary vise is cheaper than a rotary one. So if you have a smaller budget you’ll want to look into stationary vises.

Pedestal vs C-clamp

You can attach your fly tying vise to your desk with either a pedestal or C-clamp. Pedestal bases are increasingly becoming the most popular option, because it’s easier to adjust the location of your vise if it doesn’t have to attach to the edge of a desk. If you’re planning on tying a lot of flies, you’ll want a pedestal base. Placing the vise in the middle of your desk is often a more ergonomic setup.

C-clamp bases are a good option if you want to take your vise on trips, and they generally take up less space than pedestal vises.

Extra Jaws, Material Holders

Some vises have the option to add extra jaws, often for tying very large or very small flies. Midge jaws are a popular addition as are jaws for saltwater fly tying.

Generally, most vises have jaws that are sized to tackle hooks from size 4 to 20. That covers the vast majority of the flies us anglers tie, and you can usually get away with tying even smaller flies in a standard vise. For years, I tied size 24, 26, and 28 flies on a standard vise. I’ve since had the chance to use midge jaws, and they’re wonderful. But they’re not a necessity, especially if you’re just starting out with tying.

Extra-large jaws, for tying saltwater flies or big streamers, are a must if you’re consistently tying big bugs.

Vise makers are constantly tweaking their material holders. I grew up tying on vises that never had a bobbin, thread, or material holder or clamp. Bobbin holders have become a game-changer for me, especially when dubbing bodies on dry flies, or wrapping wire on nymphs. That said, you can easily tie without them, so don’t let the lack of material holders dissuade you from an otherwise great deal on a vise.

So with all these features in mind, let’s dive into some recommendations for vises.

• Full rotary function
• Extremely stable vise jaws
• Legendary quality

The Regal Medallion is one of the most popular vises on the market. It’s solidly built and engineered with jaws that are known for being stable and tight. The Medallion has a full rotary function in addition to the vise head pivoting up and down, too. Regal offers this vise with both a C-clamp and pedestal base. For the money, it’s hard to beat the ease of use and quality craftsmanship the Medallion boasts. This vise is compatible with all other vise jaws and bases that Regal builds, too.

Renzetti Traveler 2200

• Affordable for Renzetti
• Unique jaw and head design
• Small and portable

The Renzetti Traveler is arguably the most popular vise on the market and has been for some time. Renzetti introduced the unique jaw and head design that allows for easier access to smaller hooks. This vise boasts a full 360 degree rotary function and a solid base included for a pretty reasonable price, for a Renzetti. The integrated material holder is a great feature, too.

Dyna King Supreme

• Classic design
• Pedestal or C-clamp option
• Integrated material holder

If you want a vise that looks and feels like a classic tying tool, then the Dyna King Supreme should be on your list. This vise is offered with either a pedestal or C-clamp base and doesn’t have a rotary function. The jaws are closed with a classic lever system that allows you dial pressure on hooks up or down. The integrated material holder behind the vise jaws is great for keeping hackle, wire, flashabou, and other materials out of the way until they’re needed.

Peak Rotary Vise C-1

• Made in USA
• Reversible jaws
• Extremely stable vise

The Peak Rotary Vise C-1 is a great option if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles on a vise. It has the integrated materials holder, is built right here in the USA, and sports an extremely solid base. The big draw to the Peak, though, is its reversible vise jaws. The jaws are rabbeted to accept hooks in varying sizes. You can reverse the jaws to accept larger or smaller hooks, depending on what you’re tying eliminating the need for extra jaws entirely.

Griffin Odyssey Spider Vise

• Extremely affordable
• Wide range of hook sizes
• True rotary function

If you’re on a budget but want a rotary vise then the Griffin Odyssey Spider vise deserves your attention. This is Griffin’s entry-level vise, but it has a true rotary function. On top of that, the jaws on this vise accept hooks from size 4/0 to 28. That’s an enormous range, so you don’t need an extra set of jaws to accommodate tying for your saltwater trip. For $120, it’s hard to beat what Griffin offers here.

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, picking the right tying vise comes down to deciding what features you can’t live without and then finding a vise that meets those needs within your budget. You can spend almost $1,000 on a vise if you want, but you certainly don’t need to. Most folks tying today probably got their start on old, stationary vises, and they tied plenty of flies on that gear.

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Fly-Tying Vises

How Do You Use a Fly-Tying Vise?

Use your fly-tying vise by clamping the fishing hook bend into the jaw. The clamp secures the hook so you can tie your materials onto the hook shank to create the fly you want.

What Are the Best Fly-Tying Vises?

The best fly-tying vises come from trusted makers like Regal and Renzetti. We offer easy-to-use, budget-friendly options for beginners and top-of-the-line rotary vises for veterans of the art.

What Is a Rotary Fly Vise?

A rotary fly vise can rotate the hook shank 360 degrees, making it easier to apply materials with precision and accuracy. Spinning the hook instead of working around a stationary hook allows you to wind bodies, hackles, and ribbing efficiently and apply head cement that doesn’t sag. We offer rotary vises from Regal and Renzetti.

What Is a Material Clip for a Fly Tying Vise?

The material clip is a small spring coil you attach to the spindle, a handy accessory crucial to working on a rotary vice. The coils hold your thread or filament as you work, keeping them close but out of the way. Fly tyers refer to the material clip as their “third hand,” since it holds the material steady as they work around the hook shank.

The Best Vises for Fly Tying

A fly-tying vise is a basic clamp tool to hold your hook still while you apply materials to create the fly. We offer the best options for every hobbyist from the novice tyer to the seasoned pro. If you’re looking for performance and simplicity, the Regal Vise delivers both. This vise makes it easy to tie a dozen flies in no time. If you need a convenient all-in-one option, consider the budget-friendly Griffin Montana Pro or Pro II Pedestal Vise. And if you want to take your rotary fly-tying skills to a new level, choose the Regal Revolution Vise. We suggest the features of Renzetti’s anodized aluminum Apprentise Pedestal Vise for the novice fly tyer. With its rotary tension screw, hinged stem, and hardened steel jaws, it's perfect for the beginner, delivering high-end performance at an affordable price. Our collection also includes travel-friendly options for the angler who prefers to tie favorite patterns on the go. Browse our carefully selected fly-tying vises and kits to find exactly what you need to complement your tying style and budget.

The Best Fly Tying Vises, Accessories, & Tools

Written By Jack Shirk

I am revisiting this article almost three years after originally publishing to make some updates to my thoughts and opinions. Since I originally wrote this, I have switched my vise to the Renzetti Master from the Regal Revolution. Both are incredible vises and their respective brands’ top-end options. That said, I do believe the Renzetti Master is the better all-around vise. Its ability to go from a #24 midge to a giant 10/0 saltwater hook without having to change out the jaws is truly unmatched. I have tied everything from large bucktail changers to permit crabs and anything else you can imagine. With that said, If you’re looking for a single vise to last the rest of your tying career, this is the one I would recommend. Please find the rest of the article below, where I cover all the vises I have owned in a bit more detail. I have also added a few more tools and accessories that have really improved the workflow at my bench. Cheers! & as always, feel free to reach out via Instagram or email if you have any questions.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links for Trident Fly Fishing , meaning if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports my family and allows me to continue providing valuable content. My reviews remain unbiased and based on my experiences. If you find this guide helpful, consider supporting us by using the provided links. Thank you!

A Guide To Purchasing The Right Fly Tying Vise

If you’re serious about tying flies or getting more into tying flies, then you may be at the point where you’re wondering what tools are necessary for upping your game. There is no doubt about it. A good tying vise is crucial to producing flies you can be proud of. After all, the last thing you want is your hook sliding out of a low-quality tying vise, launching across the room, hitting you in the eye, or finding it later in the bottom of your foot.

How To Select The Best Fly Tying Vise For You, This Is Important

A question I get asked often regarding tying flies is what vise do I like the most or recommend? It’s a difficult question to answer for many reasons, but mostly because it depends on you, your fly-tying style, the flies you’re tying, and what you’re trying to achieve with fishing.

For example, if you tie a lot of tiny tailwater flies, a vise with an option for midge jaws is going to be critical. On the other hand, maybe you tie giant streamers on 2/0 hooks for the White River, and something with a lot of gripping power is what you need. As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider, but at the end of the day, you need the right vise for YOU.

What Type Of Fly Tier Are You & What Type of Fly Tying Vises Fit Your Style?

I think the best way to purchase your next vise is first to consider what type of fly tier you are. Are you a beginner or a seasoned pro? Or maybe somewhere between? Do you like to tie streamers or small midges? How much do you want to spend? These are all questions you will need to answer if you want to make your next vise purchase a successful one.

Features to Consider When Purchasing Your Vise.

Here are some features you will want to consider when making your next vise purchase:

Choosing Your Fly Tying Vise Jaw & Vise Head

Depending on what type of flies you like to tie, different vise heads & jaws may or may not accommodate the different hook sizes you like to work with. Choosing a vise with a midge jaw option will be critical if you like to tie tailwater bugs. The same goes with large streamers and jaws with a lot of hook-holding power. As mentioned above, holding hooks securely is not only a concern for your flies, but a safety concern for you!

Rotary Fly Tying Vise

A lot of the newer vises on the market have a rotary function. A rotary tying vise is great for many reasons, but especially when you’re trying to get a good look at your fly from all angles, utilize a lot of dubbing loops, or palmer a lot of materials. If you don’t think this is something you would use, it’s probably not worth spending the extra money on. Quite honestly, when tieing smaller bugs, I generally don’t use the rotary function on my vises. However, when tying streamers and reverse tying a lot of materials like craft fur and bucktail or putting materials in dubbing loops, I use it quite often.

Vise Hook Holding Power

How well does the vise grip the hook while you’re tying? Is it built for the hooks you most frequently use? The last thing you want is hooks being shot across the room like BBs because your vise can’t hold onto that tiny #24 dry fly hook.

Fly Tying Vise Prices

Of course, price is always a factor when making any purchase, especially with fly-tying vises. A good vise can run you as little as $200 and up to $1,000. Like anything, you get what you pay for. That’s not to say you can’t tie banging flies on a $175 Peak Rotary Vise.

Fly Tying Vise Portability

Are you someone who ties flies on the go? If so, you’ll want to consider a vise that is easily portable and doesn’t weigh much.

Fly Tying Vise Durability

Is the vise made from high-quality materials that will last a long time, even with heavy use? Does it include a lifetime warranty? Most quality American vises made these days do. You’ll want to get one of those.

C Clamp Fly Tying Vise vs. Pedestal Base Fly Tying Vise

Depending on what type of flies you tie, you may need to upgrade your fly-tying vise base. There are different types of bases, like pedestal bases and C-Clamps, which are outlined below.

C Clamp Fly Tying Vises

C clamp fly tying vise pros:.

• It can be attached to any table or flat surface.
• It takes up less space on your tying bench.
• Easier to transport
• It can be more sturdy as it plays off the weight of whatever you attach it to

C Clamp Fly Tying Vise Cons

• Lack of mobility while tying
• At the mercy of the table or desk height

Pedestal Base Fly Tying Vises

Pedestal base fly tying vises pros.

• Can be elevated to your preferred tying height
• More mobile on the bench
• Can store things on the pedestal, like beads and hooks

Pedestal Base Fly Tying Vises Cons

• Heavier and bulkier to transport
• It takes up more space on your bench.

The Best Fly Tying Vices, In My Opinion

Now that we’ve covered what you need to be looking for in a vise that will suit your tying style let’s dive into some of the best vises on the market. I will only highlight vises I have personally owned and tied on. The three brands I will touch on are Renzetti, Peak, and Regal. These are just a few of the major players in the vise game. There are certainly other great brands like Norvise and HMH, among others. Just do your research and consider the above factors when making your purchase.

Best Fly Tying Vises For The Money

If you’re like most tiers, you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a vise. If you’d rather save money and put it towards more materials and hooks, more power to ya. That being said, some great options are still in the under $250 price range.

Renzetti Traveler Fly Tying Vise

This is an excellent all-around vise that will accommodate hooks from size 24 all the way up to streamer hooks. It’s very lightweight and portable, making it perfect for those who like to tie on the go or don’t have a lot of room on their tying bench. The jaws are made from stainless steel and can be swapped out depending on what type of flies you tie. Like all Renzetti products, it’s high quality and will last forever, pending a few jaw changes along the way.

Peak Rotary Fly Tying Vise

The Peak Rotary is in my current lineup for a good reason. It’s a great all-around vise that will accommodate hooks from size 24 up to 4/0 streamer hooks. The jaws are made from stainless steel, and midge jaws are also available. Ironically enough, I actually use the Peak midge jaws to tie all my flies that use a shank platform like Gamechangers, among others.

The Best of The Best

Regal revolution fly tying vise.

Now, if you want the best and are willing to spend a little extra money, I highly recommend the Regal Revolution. This vise is built like a tank and will accommodate hooks from size 24 up to 12/0 streamer hooks, depending on which vise heads you have. I use this vise for almost all applications utilizing the stainless steel head and the big game head. With that said, the rotary function is buttery smooth, and it has a ton of biting power for those who like to really crank down on their materials like myself. Not to mention, it’s absolutely beautiful to look at.

Renzetti Master Fly Tying Vise

I’ve never owned a Renzetti Master but recently tied on good friends. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best fly-tying vises on the market because of its superior design and construction. The vise is made from cast aluminum and stainless steel for durability and has a smooth rotary that allows easy access to all fly parts. If you’re looking for a vise that’s both functional and good-looking, the Renzetti Master definitely fits the bill. So if you’re in the market for a new fly-tying vise and willing to spend the coin, be sure to check out the Renzetti Master. You won’t be disappointed.

So there ya have it. These are just a few of the better vise options on the market. Be sure to do your research and consider what features are important to you and your style of tying before making a purchase. Nothing is worse than dumping a wad of cash on a new vise to find out you like your old one better.

My Must-Have Fly Tying Vise Accessories & Tools

While no “accessories” and tools are technically necessary, a few will definitely up your fly-tying game!

Accessories

Fly tying lamps.

A good fly-tying lamp is a must-have for any tyer. Not only will it help you see your materials better, but it will also prevent eye strain and help you achieve more accuracy with whatever you’re tying. I’ve tried a few different lamps over the years, and my current favorite is the JKSWT LED Lamp I found on Amazon. I was searching for a while but settled on this one because it has five different light levels and five different color modes, making it great for any environment. The head and neck also swivel, allowing you to hit your bugs with light from any angle necessary. Overall, It’s super bright, has a flexible neck, and doesn’t generate a ton of heat like some other lamps on the market.

Fly Tying Bench or Fly Tying Desk

If you don’t have a lot of space or like to tie on the go, then a portable fly-tying bench is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re like me, you have a whole space dedicated to fly tying in your home and more flexibility when choosing a tying station. I personally found an old refurbished executive desk on Facebook Marketplace for $150, and it ended up being better than ever imagined. It even has slide out trays that work great for material prep. Regardless of what you go with, something to consider with your tying station are as follows:

• Portability
• Comfortability

Fly Tying Bobbin Cradle

A fly-tying bobbin cradle is one of those fly-tying accessories that you didn’t know you needed until you had one. I always use mine when dubbing loop bodies or working with hackles. It’s just a smallholder that allows your bobbin to sit upright while you’re tying. This keeps your thread from getting tangled and makes it much easier to work with. You can find them online or at most fly shops for around $15-$20.

Hackle GUAGE

If you’re serious about tying dry flies, a good hackle gauge is going to be a must. I prefer the Tiemco twin hackle gauge for a few reasons. It mounts directly to your vise’s stem, ensuring it’s always there when you need it. It also has a gauge for parachute and palmer hackle and is based on the market’s most popular dry fly hooks.

Fly Tying Tools

I’m going to do a quick run-through of some of my favorite tools below. Most of these are rather specific to the type of flies I like to tie but can certainly be applied to almost any fly-tying application!

Loon Ergo Comb

This is the comb of all combs. I use it for underfur, coming out of natural materials, synthetics, and literally everything that needs to be combed. Undoubtedly, you can use a plastic comb and achieve the same results, but this comb is well-built and will certainly last a lifetime. I think the staggered prongs on this comb help it grab underfur especially well compared to that of a plastic comb.

Fiskars Micro Tip Scissors

These are the best-value in scissors, no question. I’ve tied with expensive fly-tying scissors from Renomed, Dr. Slick, and Tiemco, and these still take the cake. You’ll find them at Walmart or any hobby store near the yarn and fabric section. The best part? They’re $9.98 and last forever. I go through about two pairs a year and tie a lot.

Loon Plasma Light

I got tired of churning through Amazon UV lights, so I decided to go all in on the Loon Plasma light. Based on the price, I was a little nervous that the value would not be there. I was wrong. This light is so strong you can instantly feel the heat coming off of it if you place it on your skin. I truly believe it has cut my resin curing time to 1/10th of what it was, and I’m not exaggerating. Even huge resin heads on craft fur game changers. It cures in just a few seconds and leaves no tack at all.

CDC Swiss Clamp

This tool comes in handy a lot. Obviously, it’s great with CDC and making wet hackle flies, but I use it a lot for grabbing onto brushes before I trim them, and then I also use it to grab onto materials before sticking them in a dubbing loop.

Oasis Dubbing Brush Table

This may be the next great option if you’re into tying streamers and looking to go further down the rabbit hole. Making your own brushes is definitely not efficient, but it is a lot of fun and quite rewarding. I’ve been able to make some incredible flies with a swimming action that I would have never been able to achieve with store-bought brushes.

So there ya have it! A few fly-tying must-have accessories & tools that will help take your game to the next level.

Wrapping It Up

Picking the right fly tying vise and tools is a big step in your fly tying journey. It’s not just about buying stuff; it’s about making every moment you spend tying flies even better. I’ve talked about some of the best vises and tools out there, ones that I trust and use myself.

Remember, the best vise or tool is the one that works best for you. It’s about what you’re tying and what feels right in your hands. If any of the gear I mentioned today sounds like it fits your needs, and you decide to buy through the links here, I really appreciate it. It helps keep this blog running and supports my family too.

Fly tying is an amazing part of fishing. It connects us to the water and the fish in a special way. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for years, here’s to the flies you’ll tie and the fish you’ll catch with them.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to tight lines and good times ahead!

Hi I’m looking for a 💸 tieing vise that I can take anywhere and tie fishing 🎣 fly’s

I’ve gotten on to fly fishing 🎣 a few years ago and love tieing fishing fly’s it’s very relaxing it’s very enjoyable hobbie that I started doing and going to be doing a lot more of it as soon as I retire

Nice! The renzetti traveler is a great vise to take on trips and get some flies tied anywhere! Hope retirement is coming soon for you!

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Fly Tying Vises: Which Vise Fits You Best?

Cover Image Courtesy of Svenddiesel .

Whether just getting started or a seasoned veteran, watching your homemade fly be slurped under the surface by a persnickety wild trout or sight casting your homemade velcro crab fly to a school of feisty bonefish creates a gratifying sense of satisfaction. No matter the species, the time and energy spent at the vise is well worth it when fish hit the net. Depending on the fly, certain details may be more challenging than others and may require additional equipment. We as fly fishermen are fortunate to have such a vast variety of vises to select from for our specific needs. Below, we at Flylords break down the top fly tying vises for all fly fishermen in today’s market.

Beginner Level Vises

Scientific anglers deluxe fly tying kit and vise – $74.95.

Kicking things off, we have the Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit and Vise. If you are a beginner when it comes to tying flies, this is the kit for you! This kit offers a plethora of very useful items for beginning tiers looking to load up their fly box. 

Kit Includes:

• A Hard Back Travel Case
• An Instructional DVD with Fly Tying Tutorials from Greg Vinci
• 16 Gunnison River Hooks ranging in size (8,12,14)

Tools Include:

• A Super AA Fly Tying Vise with a C-Clamp Table Lock
• Hackle Pliers
• Hair Stacker
• A Bobbin Threader
• A Rotating Whip Finish Tool

Fly Tying Materials Include: 

• Olive and Gray Rabbit Dubbing
• Medium Chenille
• Olive Marabou Feathers
• Grizzly and Brown Hackle
• Peacock Herl 
• Pheasant Tail
• Black Thread, White Poly Yarn
• Fine Copper and Lead Wire
• A Jar of Head Cement

The Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit and Vise will provide beginner and intermediate level anglers with the perfect set up to experiment with new fly patterns. Looking to start tying your own flies and don’t know where to begin? Look no further as this kit will give anglers a hands-on learning experience to a very addictive hobby.

Buy the kit!

Griffin Odyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise – $98.99

Rotary fly tying vises offer a whole new world for avid fly tiers. While fixed angle vises get the job done, the 360-degree rotation allows anglers to add more intricate details leading to more realistic fish candy. The Griffin Odyssey Spider is the perfect vise for beginners looking for the rotary function.

Features Include:

• Lifetime Guarantee and 100% made in the USA
• Jaw Capacity of 28 to 4/0
• True 360-degree rotating vise
• Comes with C-Clamp attachment security
• Bobbin Cradle
• Entry Level price point
• Made from quality materials and made to last

The Griffin Odyssey Spider is the perfect entry-level vise that surely will not break the bank. The only minor drawback is versatility as this vise must be clamped to a tabletop. If you are looking for a quality rotary vise at an optimum price point, this is the vise for you. Grab your materials, pump out some flies, and hit the water!

Intermediate Level Fly Tying Vises

Peak rotary fly tying vise – $154.95.

For anglers who are a little further along in their tying capabilities, PEAK offers a sleek vise design that packs a punch. Designed for optimum tying efficiency, this vise offers a minimal design a consumer-friendly price point. 

• Materials include stainless steel, brass, tool steel, and aircraft aluminum
• Hardened and tempered tool steel jaws hold hooks securely ranging in size from 2/0 to the smallest hooks available
• Large stable pedestal base holds the vise no matter where it is placed
• Surfaces are protected with non-marking feet 
• The steel base is powder coated white for a nice backdrop to view materials easier
• The base includes hook and bead pockets for ease of removal
• Contains two accessory mounting holes (accessories not included)

Made of very high-quality materials and security, the PEAK Rotary vise is the perfect fit for any avid angler. Let’s be honest here, we all desire longevity in our equipment. PEAK eliminates that worry by giving anglers the opportunity to bugs and baitfish for a lifetime. In the market for a high-quality rotary vise? PEAK provides an excellent option for anglers looking to make their time behind the vise more productive.

Renzetti Traveler 2304 Cam Vise – $269.99

Maybe you consider yourself as more of an advanced fly tier and are looking for the vise to suit your needs. The Renzetti Traveler 2304 Cam Vise provides the ease and comfort of an intermediate/advanced fly tying vise. Built to last, this vise will elevate your tying capabilities leading to more success on the water.

Features include:

• The jaws securely hold flies from size #28 to size 4/0
• Anodized aluminum for optimum durability
• A 6×6 base providing more stability and stem support
• Features an adjustable bobbin cradle, case hardened cam jaws, rotary tension screw, and a new and improved materials clip

Looking for durability and ease of use? The Renzetti Traveler Cam 2304 Vise is the choice for you. Now it’s time to grab your hooks, thread, and dubbing and put this vise to the test!

Advanced Level Fly Tying Vises

Regal revolution rotary fly tying vise – $425.00.

Advanced anglers enjoy spinning their thread with reliable products and Regal has provided that with the Revolution series. Captured by an unorthodox silhouette, the Regal Revolution can be characterized as the pinnacle of vise technology. Higher quality and detail leads to higher price points. This vise was meant for anglers who seek to tie detailed and advance patterns. This is the perfect vise for those who have a few more years of tying under the belt.

• The famous Regal clamp head design is known for ultimate hook holding power
• Capable of being rotated to wind materials on hooks
• Revolve around a 360-degree axis
• Articulate 220 degrees vertically
• A heavily weighted pocket base to holding materials

The Revolution series is know for its various styles and colors and is recommended for advanced tiers. Needless to say, anglers will never be disappointed with the quality and kindness to detail molded in each vise.

Norvise Standard Rotary Tying Vise – $395.00

Experienced fly tiers around the world are fixated on rotary functions in tying vises, some find this feature a necessity. Norvise has taken this function to the next level with the production of its revolutionary design. At first glance, you may question this vise but rest assured, it will pack a punch. 

• With a perfect rotational centerline, the hook shanks are always aligned to center, eliminating hand wrapping
• Precision ball bearing technology and brass hubs provide a spinning wheel feel of fluidity
• Much faster and easier tying capabilities
• Anglers can work thread to form more uniform fly bodies
• Various configurations including standard inline jaws, large jaws, fine point jaws, and the tube fly system
• Comes standard with a thread post, mounting bolts, a hex wrench, and an instructional video

This highly sought after fly tying vise will optimize your time at the tying bench with a glimpse of impressive technological advancements. The never before seen spinning technology will leave anglers fully satisfied with their choice in tying vises. If you are an experienced fly tier looking for impressive design and feel, Norvise is the vise for you. Lock in your hook and spin your heart out, you won’t be disappointed!

In a Pinch?

Let’s be honest here, we can all recall a time where we could have used our fly tying vise out on the river. Who needs a fancy rotary vise to get the job done anyway? The world-famous Lefty Kreh took this mindset to heart, using a classic pair of vise grips attached to a post and platform! His frustration with traditional vises led him to this simple yet ingenious creation. The proof is in the pudding, a pair of vise-grips double as the perfect streamside emergency back up plan. So, do not hesitate to throw this handy tool in the trunk before your next fly fishing expedition.

No matter your experience level, today’s fly fishing industry provides a plethora of vise options for everyone. Now it’s time to find the vise that fits your comfort level, pump out some flies, and hit the water!

Written by Content Team Member Grant Michaels. Check out what he is up to here: @gemichaels.

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Regal Travel Vise

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Regal's Travel Fly Tying Vise is lightweight and easy to take with you and also allows you to tie from many different angles.

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Regal Travel Fly Tying Vise is light weight and perfect for traveling or taking to your favorite fishing hole to try to match the hatch.  The REGAL Travel Fly Tying vise allows you to tye flies from many different angles.

The truly amazing thing about purchasing a REGAL VISE is that you can get the exact vise that will match your style of fly tying. Simply choose the REGAL HEAD based on the range of hooks you normally tye on. Match the HEAD with the BASE or C-Clamp you would like and you have the perfect

Best Fly Tying Kits | Top 6 Reviewed (Buyers Guide, 2023)

Page Contents

To Kit Or Not to Kit, That is the Question

Beginner fly tying kits are not advocated by all. 

The argument from fly tyers who are opposed to kits is that the quality of materials and tools are not worth the money. This is true in some, but certainly not all cases.

What we feel these fly tyers need to realize is the immense value in:

• Having staple materials and tools chosen for you and sent to your door
• The convenience of getting everything you need quickly and all at once

With the myriad of products out there it can be super daunting to know where to start—for some, getting a kit can be the difference in learning to tie flies, or not.

This is a complete guide to the best fly tying kits in 2023.

In this new guide you’ll learn:

• Is a kit a smart way to get started?
• 3 questions to ask yourself before making your purchase
• What are the products we suggest and why? Plus, the pros and cons of each
• Vises singled out
• Tools singled out
• Materials singled out

If you are thinking about getting a fly tying kit we are confident this article will save you both time and money.

Let’s dive in!

Click to Explore Our New Selection of Fully Loaded Boxes

Free silicone fly box with every purchase

Asheville, North Carolina

Jump Right to the Reviews

Introduction.

In this article, we have taken the time to review the best fly tying kits .

Moreover, to provide you with the most comprehensive list of everything you need to get started –we do also take a look at fly tying vises , tools, and materials separately.   

One of the main features that make this guide unique is that we have created lists below for people that would rather ‘mix and match’ their tying kits.

Here we’ve outlined the best custom kits for quality, and affordability.

If you are new to fly tying altogether and wish to explore our Fly Tying for Beginners resource guide please do so now. This is a comprehensive guide for beginners and breaks down everything the beginner fly tyer needs to know.

Overview | Is A Kit Right For Me?

As stated above, some fly tyers will suggest not purchasing a kit. There are pros and cons to getting started via a kit. Read on to see if they are a good fit for you.

Many tyers who are opposed to kits feel that the quality of materials and tools is not worth the money. This is true in some, but certainly not all cases. What these tyers need to realize is the immense value in:

• The convenience of getting everything you need quickly and all at onceAs 

The myriad of tying products on the market can create buyers freeze. Being overcome by this is the difference between having the desire to learn and actually learning to tie flies.

Personal Experience

My personal experience in getting started with a kit:

I started off with a kit because I really wanted to get into tying but was overwhelmed with all the products and materials–hooks, beads, lights, feathers, and fluff I did not know where to start. I bought a kit, and got started immediately.

Yes, my vise was rough, but it worked… AND I had a good baseline of materials (albeit some of them were not the best quality). I tied a ton of flies, CAUGHT A TON OF FISH, learned a bunch AND when I was ready to upgrade I did, and I still use previous tools as back-ups and spares.

What do we mean by custom fly tying kit?

Goal: get the benefits of a kit and increase quality by purchasing your vise separate.

One of the main features that make this guide unique is that rather than simply reviewing out-of-the-box fly tying kits—we also offer curated kits for people that would rather ‘mix and match’ their tying kits materials, tools and vise.

Explore the 3 purchase options below. Numbers 1 & 2 below allow one to increase quality while saving money

1. here we’ve outlined the best custom online kits for quality, and affordability..

• Budget is under $250
• Budget is under $150

2. If you want to mix and match or source a vise, tools and materials separately (according to your preference and or budget) you can click the corresponding section below.

Fly Tying Tools

Fly Tying Materials

3. Typical fly tying starter kit with everything in one box — jump to this section to explore

Kit buyers guide, as a beginner fly tyer you should ask yourself these three questions..

• How much money do you want to spend to, “get started”?
• What species of fish are you targeting (what size hooks will you be using?)
• Do you have a good fly shop near you?

1) First of all, fly tying equipment can be expensive and it’s a fallacy that learning how to tie flies will save you money on buying your flies down at the shop. It’s important to look at your overall budget and find out what makes the most financial sense—as kits can range from $60 – $200 dollars.

2) The second question is helpful in looking at the type of fishing and fish you’re targeting. For example, if you mostly fish saltwater or spey fish for salmon and steelhead you’ll want a vise that supports larger hooks and materials commonly found in those flies. The fly tying kits we reviewed below are geared towards dry and wet fly trout fishing.  

3) The third question might be the most important.  Do you have a good fly shop near you? 

Many fly shops offer beginner tying classes and often provide the tools and materials. These classes can help gauge your interest level and desire in making fly tying your new hobby. Also, a good fly shop will give you advice on certain patterns and materials that will be most useful in your local waters.

If you are committed to learning or even advancing after a tying class you’ll need to invest in your own tools and materials.  For many, an all-inclusive tying kit is the best way to get started fast. These kits can sometimes be more affordable than buying everything separately. 

Another important feature of these all-inclusive kits is—they provide the new tyer with the instant gratification of getting all their tools and materials at once. They are also designed for tyers with virtually no experience and are able to hit the ground running.

Anchor Fly Custom Fly Tying Kits for Beginners

The best bang for your buck could be had by separating out vise, tools, and materials separately. We have pointed out two custom online mix & match kits below that we feel provide the best quality fly tying kits for two different budgets.

Is your budget around $250?

The vise, tools, and materials listed below are rock solid for under $250!

This Anchor Fly custom, mix & match fly tying kit comes with:

• The Colorado Anglers 2001 ez rotary fly tying vise.
• Loon Core fly tying tool kit.
• The Hareline fly tying materials kit.

The KING in the kit below is the Hareline fly tying material. Hareline offers plenty of high-quality materials—and having all this material upfront will keep you tying for a long time.

Plus! The high-quality rotary vise by Colorado Anglers and the Loon toolset is unmatched in quality for the price.

It does not come with an instructional DVD, but with all of the patterns easily found online, these instructions are not necessary. Besides, DVD players are pretty hard to come by these days.

Colorado Anglers 2001 ez rotary vice

View on Amazon.com →

Loon Core Fly Tying Tool Kit

View on Trident Fly Fishing →

Hareline fly tying materials kit

Note: You will need to purchase weight separately e.g. tungsten beads if you wish to tie nymphs.

Is your budget around $150?

The vise, tools, and materials listed below, we feel, without a doubt are your best option if your budget is around $150.

• The YZD rotary fly tying vise.
• The Phecda materials kit.

At this price point, the sacrifice is in the vise and the materials. However, if you are a beginner fly tyer you might not notice much difference in vices. One positive about this material kit is the plethora of materials you do receive. 

They may not be as high quality as Hareline; but you’re getting enough to keep you busy for a while tying tons of different flies. 

Again, this will not come with an instructional DVD, but again there are so many patterns online we feel that an instructional DVD is not necessary.

YZD rotary fly tying vise

Loon Core Fly Tying Tool KIt

View on Trident →

Phecda fly tying materials, starter kit

View on Amazon.c om →

Note : Depending on your purchase you may need to purchase hooks , thread & weight e.g. tungsten beads separately, for tying nymphs.

Want more fly tying tips and strategies? 

Check out our other educational articles:

• Fly Fishing For Bass | Behavior, Seasons, Flies & Gear
• Wooly Buggers | How To Fish & How To Tie–This Legendary Fly
• Best Fly Tying Desks & Organizers | Buyer’s Guide
• Best Streamers For Trout | Proven To Catch More Fish (Top 9)

Best Traditional fly tying kits currently on the market.

If you’re wanting an easier way to jump into fly tying check out our fly tying starter kits below!

1) Dr. Fish Fly Tying Kit

This is without a doubt one of the best fly tying kits listed and comes with materials and instructions, which enable the beginner fly tyer to tie a number of dry fly and nymph patterns.

The Dr. Fish fly tying starter kit comes with:

• 55 hooks (3 different sizes)
• 2 spools of thread
• 2 spools of wire
• and even 1 spool of lead

Amazon Pricing →

Tools included in this fly tying kit

• quality vise
• hackle pliers
• whip finish tool
• Plenty of materials 
• High quality of materials
• Unique patterns 
• Expensive 
• Only 3 different sizes of hooks
• Does not include any beads

2) Wapsi Deluxe Fly Tying starter kit

The Wapsi Deluxe Fly Tying Starter Kit is an expanded version of their popular Starter Kit. The kit includes all the tools and materials to tie 17 of today’s best fly patterns.

The kit comes with a DVD detailing the steps of each pattern.

Tools Included

• C-clamp vise
• Hackle pliers
• Head cement

Fly patterns the materials included can create

• Bead Head Caddis
• Foam Beetle
• Woolly Bugger
• Stretch Tubing Scud
• Poly Caddis
• San Juan Worm
• Poly Spinner
• All Purpose Nymph
• Cone Head Rabbit Streamer
• CDC Emerger
• Soft Hackle Wet
• Green Weenie
• Cone Head Leech
• Deer Hair Bug
• Clouser Minnow
• Easy to get started
• No instructional booklet, only DVD
• Minimal tools

3) Colorado Anglers Z798 Deluxe Tool Kit

This beginner fly tying kit by Colorado Anglers offers everything one needs to start tying dry flies, nymphs, and streamers right away.

• bobbin threader
• dubbing twister
• whip finisher
• hooks (sizes 8, 12, 14)
• various feathers
• and more…
• Nice carrying case
• Easy to get acquainted with the tools and materials.
• Good for someone who has never tied before
• Limited tools (no half hitch or whip finish, head cement, wax)
• Limited materials (only one color thread and 2 types of dubbing)
• Minimal patterns you can tie.

4) Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit

• Rotary vise
• Bobbin threader
• Hair stacker
• Whip finisher

Materials Included

• Grizzly & brown hackle
• Peacock herl
• Pheasant tail
• Black thread
• Copper wire
• Hooks, size 8, 12, 14
• Clear plastic box with multiple slots to hold thread, hooks, and beads
• Nice organizer and case
• Vice has rotary function (most beginner vices do not have a rotary function)
• Expensive for the quality of materials
• Limited amount of flies you can tie
• Poor quality vice

5) Hareline Fly Tying Kit with Premium Tools

Note: In the event you do not need fly tying tools—Hareline also makes just the material kit .

• Half hitch tool
• Whip finish
• Thread (multiple colors)
• Dubbing (several colors)
• Rabbit strips
• Hare’s mask
• Partridge feathers
• Chenille (multiple colors)
• Hooks (wet and dry fly in various sizes)
• High Quality materials
• Abundance of materials
• Easy to follow tutorial
• Minimal dry fly patterns

6) Wetfly Deluxe Fly Tying Kit

• Book and DVD
• Hooks, sizes 8, 12, 14
• Grey dubbing
• Olive dubbing
• Grizzly hackle
• Brown hackle
• Fine copper wire
• White poly yarn
• Limited tools
• Limited materials
• Lower quality materials

Anchor Fly Custom Fly Tying Kits | Mix & Match By Budget

Mix and Match fly tying kit components to get the “most bang for your buck.”

You have probably noticed that one commonality among all of these kits is they often feature economy tools OR a limited quantity of materials. 

We wanted to look at alternatives for the beginner fly tyer who wants to “mix and match” their kits to better suit their needs.

So, Anchor Fly has reviewed the best vices, tool sets, and material kits.  With these we have broken them down into two categories; best quality and best price.

Let’s first look at our picks to create the best quality  kit.

Best Fly Tying Vises Online (Top Tier)

1) renzetti traveler.

The Renzetti Traveler 2200 vice is one of the better vices on the market today.  Depending on your needs it comes in either a pedestal base or a sturdy C-clamp.

 The Renzetti is versatile enough to hold small hooks as small as size #28 and larger hooks as big as 4/0 with its cam jaws. This vice also comes equipped with a rotary function and bobbin cradle.  

Trident Fly Fishing Pricing →

2) Peak Fishing Vise

A classic and well-known vise, Peak holds a reputation for its durability and quality materials. It is made from steel, brass, and aluminum. The Peak is capable of holding hooks big as 2/0 and small enough for 24.

This vise is connected to a large heavy base that allows for easy adjustment of the shaft. In addition, the vise has a rotary function along with a bobbin cradle.

3) HMH Spartan Vise W/C-Clamp Base

This simple yet sleek design is one of the top vises out there. It is the most expensive vise we’re featuring but the value is incredible. It is made from high-quality steel and aluminum and offers a lifetime guarantee.

The HMH offers a very smooth rotary function, and an easy-grip locking cam lever—making for easy one-handed locking.  There are 3 interchangeable jaws that can fit hooks 2/0 – 20. Another great feature of this vise is it comes with both a base pedestal and C-clamp. 

Best Beginner Fly Tying Vices Online (Middle Tier)

Quality vises at affordable prices

1) Griffen Odyssey Spider Vise

This vise is moderately priced but comes with features that resemble a high end vise. It is geared towards the beginner tyer that wants a more durable vise to learn and practice on. It has a rotary function and bobbin cradle. 

The Griffen Odyssey features a smooth jaw grip but still holds hooks very well. It mounts to your desk or table with a C-clamp.

2) Colorado Angler EZ Vise

This is a basic rotary vise at an affordable price. The EZ vise is made from durable aluminum and steel. It comes in with a heavy base pedestal and easy adjustments. There is also a bobbin cradle and smooth jaw grip. This vise features a lot of advanced functions for an entry-level price.

3) YZD Rotary Vise

This is the best quality vise under 30 dollars. It offers a basic 360-degree rotary function. It does feature a hinged rotary offering more versatility. This would make a great vise for someone who wants a better quality vise than most kits but won’t break the bank.

Best Quality Fly Tying Tool Sets (Top Tier)

1) stonfo travel fly tying tool kit.

Stonfo is an Italian company that produces some of the best fly tying tools in the world. These tools are on the pricier side but you’re getting the highest quality of materials. This tool kit also features a couple of unique tools not found in other sets.

The tool kit features

• Sleek case with rubber interior
• Rotodubbing mini
• Pettine comb
• Small scissors
• Bobtec1 bobbin with adjustable thread tension
• Bodkin 
• Conical finisher

2) Dr. Slick Fly Tying Tool Set

This is a high quality tool set at a modest price.

The set includes

• Ceramic bobbin
• Pair of all-purpose 4″ scissors

And to ensure all the tools stay organized and in proper working condition, the set is neatly secured in a handy foam-lined storage box.

Most Affordable Fly Tying Tool Sets

1) loon outdoors core fly tying kit.

From a name like Loon Outdoors, you can expect some quality tools. The core fly tying kit is not as high-end as some of the other series toolsets, but still, a great beginner toolset.

Orvis offers 5 main tools (plus the organizer) needed to get started tying—at an incredible value.

Each kit contains

• Whip finish tool

2) AGOOL Fly Tying Set

SUPER ECONOMIC TOOLKIT

The AGOOL Fly Tying Tools Set suits for both beginners and intermediates. It includes the basic tools you will need for tying flies.

This kit comes with 3 bobbins so you can save time by keeping common thread colors on each bobbin—unique feature not found in many other tool kits; making for quick and convenient tying.

The Agool tool set offers the most valued tools at an economical price.

The tools all fit in a travel case for easy tying and organization while on the move.

Best Quality Material Kits

Hareline dubbing material kit.

Hareline is another trusted name in fly tying and offers great quality and quantity of materials. This kit tops our list and frankly, we like it so much we decided not to add any other material kits to the “best quality material kit section.” This is perfect for the beginner tyer who already has a vise and tool set.

The Hareline material kit features 48 different materials, including plenty of hooks and beads.

There is an instructional manual that comes with this kit, and gives directions for 20 common patterns. Everything comes in a large plastic case offering easy storage and transport.

Most Affordable Material Kit

Phecada sport fly tying material kit.

The Phecda tying material kit offers tons of materials at a very affordable price.

What’s unique about this kit is it offers several color variations for almost every material. It includes different colors of marabou, dubbing, crystal flash, and feathers. This creates variations in your patterns and lets you get creative in tying some distinctive flies.

The materials are not as high end as the Hareline kit, but still a great material pack.

This is a good, general list of recommended fly tying equipment for a beginner. We hope you found the article above relevant and helpful. Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

If you are new to fly tying altogether and wish to explore our Fly Tying for Beginners resource guide please do so now. This is a comprehensive guide for beginners and breaks down everything the novice fly tyer needs to know. Moreover, for a complete look at vises, please feel free to check out Best Fly Tying Vises .

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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