Upgrading vice ?

[Englander]

Hi Guys

Ive been tying on a Lureflash regent rotatable, cheapy vice under £20 i think, "C" clamps onto work top.

I like it does the job, certainly with trout flys, but now im tying salt water flys and pike 6/0's im not really happy with it.

Any idea's what to upgrade to ??

[guest15]

scottie weaver! wish i had bought one years ago, a total joy to use

[Dovebob]

I had a type one Weaver for about 10 years. I tied all sorts (small dries (size 20) through to large salt water flies) on it.

It was a bit agricultural when compared with modern designs but it did the job effectively.

Eventually, after 1000's of flies, the jaws wore and it wasn't so good for small stuff. If I had had the skill and patience I could probably have re-cut the jaws with a needle file or something similar. Instead I replaced it with a Dyna King.

My experience is that you get what you pay for with vices and for the fifty quid or so that Weavers cost these days, they are very good value for money and a good buy.

Dovebob

[theseadog]

I use a Renzetti Masters Vise, ties from 24 midge to 8/0 billfish flies, and wouldn't use anything else.

[Haggisboy]

A cheaper alternative to the masters is the Traveller, it does from 28 to 4/0 with ease. Its a breeze to use and not mega pricey. That's what I use.

[Chris Reeves]

I have used Weaver vices, both the wheel and Scottie type as well as a lever action one and indeed started tying on these. I also have two Dynakings, a Squire and a Professional, a Regal and also a LAW vice. If you want good value for money then I'd go for the Dynaking but not the professional, I'd go for the mid range one as its substantially cheaper and the extra bits on the professional are not (for me) worth the extra pennies. Equally as good but a little less sophisticated is my Regal pedastal vice which , in the latest version is a good quality hard wearing workhorse of a vice.
The LAW vice...well if I could afford to I'd drive a Rolls Royce as well. Its an indulgance, perfect in every way but I could still tie flies of equal quality on the other vices.
Did I mention I got a Norvice too? But I haven't had time to work out how to use it yet.

Anorak..........me?

[Englander]

Thanks guys ....... i see im going to have to put a budget on this one

Lets say £100 MAX

[Dovebob]

For that sort of money I would suggest a second hand Dynaking. They come up on here from time to time and there have been some good value ones around recently.

All vices are susceptable to wear, mainly in the jaws, but you can easily get hold of a spare set for most types of DK vices from Celtic Flycraft or one of the other UK stockists.

If you buy from a well established member on here (as opposed to ebay or wherever) you will get an honest description of the condition of the vice. I bought by DK off here. It was virtually brand new and I've been delighted with it. Its hopefully the only vice I'll ever need.

Dovebob

[DaveMcC]

What do people think of the Snowbee Fly Mate?

Seen here http://www.atkinsangling.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1721

[horses50]

I have been tying for a few years,only for myself so did not want to spend that much on a new vice.Best £50 i have ever spent the Snowbee flymate and got it from the same company they might still have the free p and p offer on.I went with the ball version pedastal type and once you get it screwed up to how you want it you wont regret buying one i can see this lasting me for a good few years.