Ever tried tying a fly with a cheap, wobbly vise? Did the hook spin around, making you want to throw the whole thing out the window? Choosing the right fly tying vise can feel like that! It’s a critical tool for any fly tyer, from beginners to experts. Your vise holds the hook while you build your beautiful creations.
But the fly-tying world has many vises. Finding the right one can be tricky. There are different types, features, and price points. It’s easy to feel lost! A bad vise can cause frustration and ruin your flies. A good vise makes the whole process easier and more enjoyable. It will also help you tie great flies.
In this post, you’ll discover what to look for in a fly tying vise. We’ll cover the different types, features, and how to choose the best one for you. You will learn how to avoid the common mistakes that people make when buying a vise. Get ready to tie better flies and have more fun! Let’s dive in and find the perfect vise for you.
Our Top 5 Fly Tying Vises Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Fly Tying Vises Detailed Reviews
1. Colorado Anglers – Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit with Wooden Box & Book
Rating: 8.6/10
The Colorado Anglers Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit is a complete set for making your own fishing flies. It comes in a beautiful wooden box. Inside, you’ll find all the tools and materials you need. This kit includes a rotary vise, bobbins, scissors, and more. It is designed for both beginners and experienced fly tyers. It is a great way to start or improve your fly tying skills.
What We Like:
- A complete set with everything you need to start tying flies.
- The wooden box looks nice and keeps everything organized.
- The rotary vise is high quality and makes tying easier.
- Includes various materials like feathers and threads.
- A great gift for anyone who loves fly fishing.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more advanced materials.
This fly tying kit is a fantastic way to learn and enjoy fly fishing. It provides all the essentials in one convenient package. Get ready to craft your own flies and catch some fish!
2. Kingfisher Fly Fishing Clarkfork True Rotary Fly Tying Vise
Rating: 9.4/10
The Kingfisher Fly Fishing Clarkfork True Rotary Fly Tying Vise, Gold, is a top-notch tool for fly tyers. This vise is designed for smooth, balanced, and precise fly tying. It features a true rotary design with two ball bearing housings. The vise has a new, improved riser to prevent any wobble. It’s built to last, with hardened tool steel jaws and marine-grade aluminum parts.
What We Like:
- True rotary design spins smoothly.
- The vise has a new, improved riser.
- It uses two ball bearing housings for balance.
- Hardened tool steel jaws hold hooks from size 26 to 4/0.
- Made with hard anodized marine grade aluminum.
- Built by The Kingfisher Fly Shop, a trusted American company.
What Could Be Improved:
- We have no cons at this time.
This vise is a great investment for any fly tyer. The Kingfisher Fly Fishing Clarkfork True Rotary Fly Tying Vise, Gold, is a quality tool that will help you tie great flies for years to come.
3. Super AA Fly Tying Vise
Rating: 8.6/10
The Super AA Fly Tying Vise is a great tool for anyone who loves fly fishing. This all-purpose vise is easy to use. It is perfect for beginners and experienced fly tyers alike. It has a full 360-degree rotation. This allows you to see your fly from every angle while you are working. You can tie flies faster and more efficiently.
What We Like:
- Easy to operate.
- Great for all skill levels.
- Full 360-degree rotation.
- A versatile vise that can handle many fly tying tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description does not mention any cons.
The Super AA Fly Tying Vise is a good choice for anyone wanting to learn or improve their fly tying. It is a solid vise. It will help you tie beautiful and effective flies.
4. LURELINK Rotary-Fly-Tying-Vise-Fly-Tying-Tools Equipment Fly Fishing Vice Kit with Pedestal Base Clamps
Rating: 8.5/10
The LURELINK Rotary Fly Tying Vise is a must-have for fly fishing fans! It’s a tool that helps you make your own fishing flies. This vise holds your hooks tight and lets you spin them around easily. It’s built strong and can handle many different sizes of hooks. It also comes with extra parts, so it will last you a long time.
What We Like:
- Precision Hold: The vise holds hooks tight. They won’t slip! It works with tiny and big hooks.
- 360° Rotation: You can spin the hook all the way around. This makes tying flies faster and better.
- Custom Tension: You can change how tight the vise holds. It fits how you like to tie flies.
- Built to Last: This vise is strong! It can handle lots of use.
- Universal Design: The vise works with all kinds of flies, big or small. Spare parts are also included.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons were found for this product.
This LURELINK vise is a great tool for any fly tier. It’s strong, easy to use, and helps you make amazing flies. You will love it!
5. Rotary Fly Tying Vise – Peak Fishing Vise With Pedestal Base
Rating: 8.8/10
The Peak Rotary Vise with Pedestal Base is made for fly tyers. It’s built to help you tie flies quickly and easily. This vise is made with tough materials that will last a long time. You can adjust it to fit your needs. It holds hooks of different sizes tightly. The base keeps the vise steady on your table. It also has a handy pocket for small parts and holes for extra tools.
What We Like:
- The vise is made with strong materials like stainless steel and tool steel.
- The jaws hold hooks very securely, even tiny ones.
- The big base keeps the vise steady while you work.
- The white base is easy on your eyes and helps you see your materials.
- It has a hook/bead pocket to keep parts from rolling away.
- The vise is designed for easy adjustments.
What Could Be Improved:
- Accessory posts are not included.
This Peak Fishing Vise is a great tool for fly tyers. It is durable and easy to use. You can tie many flies with this vise.
Fly Tying Vise Buying Guide: Get Ready to Create!
Ready to tie your own amazing flies? You’ll need a good fly tying vise! This guide will help you pick the right one. Let’s dive in!
Q: What are the main Key Features?
A: A good vise holds your hook steady. This is super important! Look for these key features:
- Jaw Type: There are different jaw types. They all grip the hook. Some are fixed, some are rotating. A rotating jaw lets you see all sides of your fly.
- Jaw Opening: The jaw needs to open wide enough. It must fit all your hook sizes.
- Hook Holding Power: The vise must hold the hook tight. This stops it from slipping when you tie.
- Rotation: Some vises rotate. This helps you see the fly from all angles. It makes tying easier.
- Adjustability: Can you adjust the vise? You might need to change the angle or height.
Q: What are the Important Materials?
A: Vises are made from different materials. The materials affect the vise’s strength and price.
- Steel: Steel is strong. Vises made with steel last a long time.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter than steel. It’s also strong.
- Brass: Brass is often used for parts. It’s rust-resistant.
- Hardened Steel: Hardened steel is extra tough. It is often used in the jaws.
Q: What Factors Improve or Reduce Quality?
A: Several things make a vise good or bad.
- Build Quality: A well-made vise will last. Look for smooth movements and tight grips.
- Jaw Design: The jaws should hold hooks securely. They should be easy to use.
- Material Quality: Higher quality materials mean a better vise. It will work well for a long time.
- Ease of Use: Is the vise easy to set up? Is it easy to use? You don’t want to struggle with it!
- Price: You get what you pay for. More expensive vises are usually better. But, you can find good ones at different price points.
Q: What’s the user experience like?
A: Using a fly tying vise is fun! It helps you make beautiful flies. Here’s what to expect:
- Setting up: You will attach the hook to the vise. Then, you’ll start tying your fly.
- Tying: You’ll wrap thread and add materials to the hook. The vise holds it all steady.
- Rotating: Rotating vises let you see your fly from all sides. This is helpful for making complex patterns.
- Practice: It may take some practice to get used to using a vise. But, it’s a rewarding skill!
Q: What are the use cases?
A: Fly tying vises are used for one main thing: tying flies! You will use them to:
- Tie different types of flies: You can create dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, and streamers.
- Experiment: You can try different materials and patterns.
- Create custom flies: You can make flies to match the insects in your local waters.
- Relax and have fun: Fly tying is a great hobby. It is a good way to relax.
Q: What hook sizes can a vise hold?
A: Most vises can hold a wide range of hook sizes, from tiny to large. Check the vise’s specifications to be sure.
Q: Should I buy a rotating vise?
A: A rotating vise is a great choice. It makes tying easier. It lets you see all sides of the fly. This is especially helpful for more complex patterns.
Q: How do I clean my vise?
A: Clean your vise regularly. Use a soft cloth to wipe it down. Remove any glue or materials that get stuck. A little bit of oil can help keep it moving smoothly.
Q: What type of base should I get?
A: Vises come with different bases. There’s a clamp base (clamps to a table) and a pedestal base (stands on its own). Choose the one that works best for your workspace.
Q: Is it worth spending more money on a vise?
A: Yes, it often is. More expensive vises are usually made with better materials. They offer more features. They often last longer. You can get a good vise without spending a fortune. Think about how often you will use it.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!