H M H Sparton vice

[horses50]

Has anybody bought one of these recently? the reason i am asking is because when i asked niche if they stocked them i got an email today saying "that they do not stock H M H vices any longer because of the quality of the product" i hope it aint true i ordered one from sportfish before i got the email from niche.

[splashtestdummy]

They are OK, I borrowed one for a week or so but liked the Anvil Atlas better, although I am still using a borrowed Atlas as I'm still not sure what I'd buy; I also now have a Marco Polo kit ... vice is ok but not perfect and not as good as using the Atlas, still does the job fine and easier to cart to tying nights out ... no point in getting too worried, as they all have plusses and minuses, all down to personal choice.

[casts_by_fly]

I have one that is ~10 years old now. The quality then wasn't that great either. They are sturdy, but the cam mechanism isn't that great and the jaws are soft. I keep mine as a backup or for when I have a second tyer in the house.

Thanks
Rick

[fredaevans]

I've used a HMH (which actually stands for "His Messy House," no kidding there is a 'back-story' to that) for years and nary a problem. Are there 'better' vises out there at similar or higher price? Without question. But a very straight forward bit of kit.

fae

[splashtestdummy]

I think if I'd started tying on it I'd have been fine with it ... found the cam adjustment and jaws alignment a bit odd but probably due to starting on the Atlas and getting used to it first.

Switching to the Sparten was like landing in a European airport and picking up a hire car that drives back to front. After a while you get used to it but driving on the left is 'normal' .

Engineering wise the HMH is robust and better quality than the Atlas (the old style one I use anyway); technically not quite my cup of tea but I think you could learn to love it and it will last for yonks.

[horses50]

Thanks for the replies i will let you know how i get on with it i would really like a LAW vice but that will have to wait untill i win the lotto lol

[mancfly]

Been trying to decide between a Sparton and an Atlas with Atlas in the lead. Thanks guys, this thread helps a lot!

[fredaevans]

The Best Vises | Experts evaluate the pros and cons of modern fly-tying vises in different price ranges| 1

Personally, the Dynakings (sp?) are the best I've every had in front of me.

fae

[vaucluse]

Originally Posted by horses50

Has anybody bought one of these recently? the reason i am asking is because when i asked niche if they stocked them i got an email today saying "that they do not stock H M H vices any longer because of the quality of the product" i hope it aint true i ordered one from sportfish before i got the email from niche.

I bought one of these vices back in May this year and I too had a conversation with the man from Niche who at that time told me much the same but when pressed couldn't be specific as to his gripes about the supposed quality issues to which he was alluding.

I have found the vice to be of superb quality, very functional, no nonsense and built like a brick s**thouse. For around £135 you'd be hard pushed to find better IMHO.

I can only assume, given the tone in the mans voice, that his issues may have more to do with his lack of ability to supply the vices perhaps?

According to HMH in the USA, the only authorised suppliers in the UK are Flytek and Sportfish.

Don't worry about that stupid email and enjoy your new vice!

Mark

[arkle]

Another emphatic vote for Dyna-King's here, have used 1 for nearly 20 years & then it was s/h. as good today as the day it was made & I couldn't guess how many flies I've tied on it. Have tried most of the others on the market including the LAW & just don't get on with them for one reason or another, or maybe even several.