which vice? vice advice?

[kenster]

Hi, i have done a search on here just to see past threads and hope this isn't a very repetative theme
I have been tying fairly regularly for a few years now and feel like i am fairly proficent?
In my mind a vices main job is to simply secure the hook and not to much else? (please enlighten me if you view otherwise?, don't want to sound ignorant).
I currently use a basic lever vice, i was looking to up grade to something fully rotatable recommendations please?
Also clamp or pedestal? what are the main advantages/advantages of either?
Budget is a consideration and some of the considered are

Snowbee - flymate
Regent - traditional (clamp or pedestal)
Veniard Deluxe - no 1

I have also seen one on ebay looking very similar to the snowbee but including a bobbin craddle for half the price?

Thanks in advance jon

[fortbhoy]

i use the anvil apex. it costs £99 and has both clamp and pedastal.
i have used it for a year now with no problems. i've tied large pike flies down to small dry's with no problems.

[arkle]

For a very comprehensive over-view of vices, go to The Streamer List - Streamers & Bucktails: The Big Fish Flies there is a whole section devoted to them, none of the ones you mention are there however but it might widen your choice a bit.

Personally I'd go for a clamp version unless the table you're using has an "apron" & prevents it. I'd give serious consideration to Dyna-King's "Kingfisher" which isn't a rotary, but is a superb vice for the money.

Unless you're tying virtually nothing but sea flies, I don't really see the point of rotaries. I've tied semi-pro & pro for over 42 years & never had the need of one. I've tried several, & was not really that impressed with any of them.

[kenster]

Thanks guys, i will look into your suggestions later, unfortunataly my b udget won't strecth to £100.
I was thinking rotatable for to help tying flies such as diawl bach etc where the hackle (probably not called that but the feather that points to the point suggesting legs/wing bud?)needs to be cental?

[arkle]

For "false hackling" assumedly if you're right handed, prepare the fibres & hold them between pads of right thumb/forefinger. Position them onto the fly & then simply hold them in place with your left hand thumb/ffr. Pinch & loop the 1st turn, then reinforce with more turns. Job done.

[brownsville]

I was at the same point a few months ago Jon, and settled for a Lureflash rotating Regent. Apart from a few hook-hold issues with larger hooks and spinning deer hair it was £20 well spent.

Let me know when you're at the inlaws next.

[kenster]

Will do some more research in a mo while the kids sleep! Thanks mike, i was going to give you a shout up in bristol next couple of weeks looking to do a evening or hopefully day or even better both
i will be in touch cheers jon

[jetta1967]

Hi,
I was in the same situation having started fishing/tying after a 15 year absense and out of the 3 vices you have looked at, I thought about 2 of them. I also saw the 1 on EBay you mention, but the old saying that if its to good to be true, it probably is, niggled at me and I ended up buying a Snowbee Flymate clamp, non ball model from Atkins Angling for £35 and free p&p. Next day delivery as well.
I have tied a few flies on it now and I really like it. It holds the hook very securely and I like the 360 degree rotation feature. I would recommend it to someone on a budget like myself.
John.

[kieranbowe]

Hi
I use the rotatable regent vice
available here for £20 Tackle Discounts - Rotatable Regent, Lever, Spring, Eagle Fly Tying Vice

or the vice with a nine piece kit for £27 Tackle Discounts - Rotable Regent Vice For Fly Tying plus 9 pcs tool kit

[kenster]

thanks kieran the vice you mention is actually on the bay for £14.99 incl delivery!!!!!