Rotary Vice Recommendations

[Neil Davitt]

After many years of faithful service the jaws of my Regent Rotatable Vice are beginning to look a little worse for wear and its grip on smaller hooks has weakened allowing the hook to move when I am tying.

As a replacement, I recently purchased a Veniard No. 1 Rotary Vice (though I thought the price too good to be true). I was interested in trying a true rotary vice. Unfortunately, the hook hold on this vice is dire and it is a hindrance to tie with, leaving me very frustrated. However, I can see how the rotary function will be of benefit.

I have searched the various online shops and read as many reviews as possible but to be honest, I have become more confused rather than reaching a conclusion. It is amazing how the reviews of the same vice can go from 10/10 to 2/10! I suppose it is a case of horses for courses!

I have a budget of around £150 but am relatively flexible. I would prefer to spend more and have a reliable vice then be upgrading in a couple of years.

My only requirements of the vice are a true rotary action and strong jaws that will hold hooks from size 20 to 6/0. Im not concerned with bobbin holders etc. I find they only get in the way when tying and are not of any assistance to me.

So to assist me in reaching a decision, please let me know your vice recommendations from you own personal experiences and at the same time please advise of any vices which I should avoid.

[Neil Davitt]

Have been doing a little more research and came across the Anvil Atlas Vic. Curious for poeple's opinions on this vice. It looks like it could fit the bill.

[splashtestdummy]

Currently using a borrowed one.

I am no expert only been tying 6 months but I do tie regularly.

The Anvil is fine but I feel it is a bit faffy, the one I'm using is quite old but works perfectly well.

I will be purchasing a new vice very soon, I've been thinking Weaver Scottie, then Apex, was departed to the Danvise for a while and almost bought one ... Now thinking HMH Spartan.

A certain well known supplier also does the full HMH version for £190, which might be worth a stretch of budget.

My opinion, others will no doubt think differently.

[dyl]

I have just changed my very old ‘AA type vice’ which gave me many years service to an ‘Anvil Apex Fly Tying Vice’.

I have been very impressed with the ease of use of the vice, and in the month of ownership I’ve had plenty of experience as I’ve tide over 200 flies ready for this year.

The vice cost £99 and comes with a table top stand, and a table clamp. The head will apparently take hooks from size 6/0 to 32, but most of the flies I've tied are in the size 10 to 16 range.

It was worth every single penny and a lot cheaper than some vices out there.

Dyl

[Jackwow]

I can recommend the Dyna King Barracuda Junior Trekker, although it's closer to 200 quid than 150.

[little al]

Hi Neil iv been using a nor vise for all my tying for the last few months,excellent. i know its a bit expensive to buy but well worth the money have a look at the nor vise web site regards Alan

[Spider]

Go for the HMH Spartan - classic vice in my opinion. Simple, neat, funtional, rotary, fair price.

[scott123456]

Originally Posted by Neil Davitt

Have been doing a little more research and came across the Anvil Atlas Vic. Curious for poeple's opinions on this vice. It looks like it could fit the bill.

I use the Anvil, very good little vice, smooth rotation, good grip of the hook. I dont tie very large hooks with it but it has grooves in the head for hooks up to #6 (perhaps even bigger, will have a look at spec if you would like). Holds #16's no problem at all, will go smaller if you need it to. jaws are nice and small so you are not obstructed by them.

Very good vice for the price, but if I had the extra cash at the time of buying I would have bought the snowbee waldron.

[Neil Davitt]

Thanks for the replies all.

Scott have you ever used the HMH Spartan? Is so why did you choose the Anvil over it?

[scott123456]

Originally Posted by Neil Davitt

Thanks for the replies all.

Scott have you ever used the HMH Spartan? Is so why did you choose the Anvil over it?

No m8, havent used the spartan but considered buying it at the time. Chose the Anvil purely on looks. I think the Anvil is finished better. Probably not much in it performance wise though.