Tenkara Forum

[jd_smith]

So... I'm in the market for a new tying vice. I want a 360* true rotary design with solid hook holding power, US made and a lifetime warranty. I've set my sites on the Dyna-King, Barracuda Deluxe or the Ultimate Indexer...but I am curious about what others are using and why you like or dislike your vice. Others I've considered are a couple of the Renzetti Presentation the Anvil vices, Griffin (the brand I currently use) and a Regal Medallion (not true 360*) but a kick butt vice none the less. So...I look to my tenkara fraternity for help. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

jd

[goneflyfishing]

I have been using a Renzetti Traveller for about 10 years now. Does what I need it for.

[Anthony]

I have a peak rotary - I like it. I just have the standard jaws and tie flies from salmon flies to size 26 midges. Made in U.S., lifetime warranty, solidly built, cam action, reasonably priced ($150 or so with pedestal).

[chorpie]

i have a peak rotary as well, but i have yet to use it. it was recommended to me by TenkaraBum. TenkaraBum also sells an HMH SX vise on his website. That was another vise recommended to me.

[jayfisher]

jd,

A lot depends on what you value in the vise you get and how much you're willing to spend. You said you're considering the Dyna King Barracuda Deluxe, the Dyna King Indexer, or Regal Medallion. I don't see how you could go wrong, since these vises some of the best ever made. I use a Barracuda Junior since it's smaller for travel and also have a Regal non-rotary and these vises are really solid for quality and function.

FWIW it's just my opinion, but if I was making the choice among the vises you mentioned, I'd go for the Indexer. In the Indexer, you get all the features of the Barracuda Deluxe plus the rotating Index for only a few dollars more. The Regal is a super vise, but I feel we're paying a lot extra for the its "regal" look and feel (and the Regal *does* look and feel good!).

Anyway, like I said, these are just opinions - take them for what they're worth. Like I said, these are all top of the line and I think it's hard for you to go wrong with your choice. Have fun with whichever you choose!

-Jack

[Paul Arnold]

I have had my Regal Medallion (with traditional brass base) for almost 25 years and have never been dissatisfied with it.

[Paul Arnold]

Correction: my Regal is not a Medallion model. Its head is bronze color, not black and has no medallion like the Medallion series. ~Paul

[mossy]

Have used a Renzetti Traveller for probably 13 years without a single hiccup.

[redband]

I have had a Regal vise for about 25 years, my 3 sons have Regal vises also. (note: my regal vise is really the one I bought for my wife, she does not tie anymore so I got it). Never a hiccup or problem. When I was a Park Ranger at Yellowstone I took tying lessons from Jay Buchner at High Country Flies in Jackson Wyoming (around 1985 or so). He was using a Regal vise back then. Last photo I saw of Jay, he was still tying on a Regal vise. Now, you may not have had the pleasure of knowing Jay, but he has been tying since he was a kid. He started High Country Flies in Jackson back in 1974 (about 5 years after I started fly fishing). High Country Flies and Jack Dennis' shop were the best.

Now you may be familiar with West Yellowstone's Blue Ribbon Flies' Craig Matthews. He has only been around 30 or so years in the fly fishing business. Big time Tenkara fisherman. Next time in his shop, look at his fly tying desk. Yep, a Regal. A while back he noted in a news letter that Jackie bought him a new set of stainless steel jaws for his Regal vise. The new jaws replaced the old style jaws that were over 30 years old!

The two people I hold in the highest esteem for tying flies use the Regal vise.

However I must confess I also own an older Renzetti Traveler vise. I don't use it much anymore. A pain to adjust it to hold the hook firmly. But for certain flies, I still use it for the rotary function.

My suggestion to you is to get the Regal. But, the best idea is to go to your local fly shops and see if you can borrow the various vises you are interested in. If they won't let you borrow them, try using them in the shop or at a fly tying class to determine your preference.

Good luck on your search.

redband in montana

[Anthony]

For anybody looking for a vice here's a good rundown for vices in the up to $150 range

http://flyfishohio.com/Vise%20Review%201/Fly_Tying_Vise_Shoot-Out.htm