Regal Vise jaw size question...?

[Werloc]

OK, so I'm buying a Regal Medallion vise. Just not sure what "jaw" size to get. I'll be tying mostly nymphs and wooly buggers for trout, hook sizes #10 (maybe as big as #8 for bass) and smaller. A few told me to get the small "Midge" jaws, and others said get the Traditional size. Now I'm not sure what size jaw to get..lol I plan to order it this weekend or early next week.

Traditional jaws hold hooks from size 22 to 1/0

Midge jaws hold from size 32 to 6


I'm thinking maybe the Midge size jaws due to being smaller and less bulky for tying. It's within my hook size range.
Any thoughts...?

Thanks...

 

[Broadheadscreek]

Hi Werloc,
I have tied on both sets of jaws and would say unless you are tying down to a size 32, you would be fine with the standard ones . There is plenty of room to work and if you want to tie bigger fly you have the option .I would find a shop that has them set up and try them both out to see what you are comfortable tying on. Personally I like the stainless standard these jaws are awesome.

 

[Andy B]

Honestly both jaws will allow very good access to the flies. I would go with the standard jaws at first, I say this because you get the most versatility in hook sizes and you never know when you want a popper or bass bug in size 1 or 2. The last question that you really need to ask yourself, do you intend to tye flies smaller than a size 22. If yes them you might want to consider the midge jasws. If not, then the standard jaws would be the way to go.

 

[mvendon]

Hi Werloc,

I've just use the midge jaws since I bought the vise at least 7 or 8 years ago now. I tie size 2 streamers with it and it holds just fine. I tie spun hair flies on size 6 and smaller. On TMC 518 32's, you have to have the jaws tilted completely vertical. The jaws won't hold a Mustad Crystal 277 size 32, but they're not that common anymore anyway. For the range that you wrote, it's ideal. Some folks have the spit out problem with hooks, and I "believe" it's mostly associated with the larger jaws. It's never going to happen if you just pay attention when you insert the hook into the jaws. Make sure that you get the heavier base if your going with a pedestal model. The lighter one works, but the heavier one is way better and more stable, especially for spun hair patterns.

Regards,
Mark

 

[Werloc]

Andy,
Yeah, if anything I would most likely tye on larger hooks for like you said, bass poppers, etc. I think I'll get the standard size jaws...

Mark,
I planned to get the Bronze Traditional base. Is that the one your talking about, or is it the Bronze Pocket base..? It "looks" beefyer/heavier. If I ever have a problem with it, I could always use my old Thompson C-clamp for tying if needed. I just love that Traditional Bronze base....

Thanks everyone for your advice, or should I say, "ad-vise"....