Snowbee Flymate

[splashtestdummy]

I've managed to talk someone into buying me a new vice for Christmas early - budget £50; I think I'm just about to purchase a Snowbee Flymate, (the desktop one with the balljoint) ... anyone want to talk me down, or should I jump?

[BRUCE1]

personally i wouldnt have the ball joint ,a few people have said it went on them ,i have a fly mate pedastal non ball joint ,for the money they're good vices,ickypimp had a balljoint one on here and his broke on him .....

[Highlander]

It is a good vice for the money. I have used mine for some years now. Has a couple of niggling faults.
1. The ball joint can be a bit loose. The little piddling Allen key will not tighten it up enough. I just put up with it but a few comments on how do deal with it including "super glue" have been mentioned in the past but that is a bit drastic.
2 The rubber O ring on the jaws will perish after a while but easily remedied
with some spares from plumbing dept of B&Q
Other than these "niggling" things it is a nice cheap vice, holds the hook well & easy to work round. I use the C clamp as mine is in a fixed position at my tying station & is far better for that use than a pedestal, but as always buyers choice. I would recommend it as a "budget" vice without a doubt. One day I might well trade up but for now does not hinder my tying.
Tight Lines

[guest15]

Dont like them, too fiddly adjusting them for different hook sizes, o ring is a pain and the ball joint is ****, weaver scottie would be my choice every time, a little bit more expensive but a far better vice.

[splashtestdummy]

Cheers all, I've just read about the balljoint problem on other posts, looks like you've all discussed that one before at length - so that's a definite £10 and possible £20 pound saving to ponder so far on the Snowbee ... lots of extra materials to be had for that £20.

... then there's the other options to consider?

... I'm off to my second fly tying evening tomorrow night and I'll have a chat with the folks there as well - final decision WILL be made at 10pm - 12.11.09 (if I'm not too confused by then ).

[splashtestdummy]

... or rather no concluusion.

Yep, Weaver Scottie looks good, nice, simple, no messing.

... then someone lends me an Anvil Atlas ... purchase defered as now no need to rush ... the little brother of that one is circa £100 ... indecision abounds ! ! ! !