Vises

[Andy B]

I started out tying like a lot of other tyers on a Thompson Model A twelve years ago. It was a very good vise except I did not like the table clamp. My wife for Xmas 10 years ago bought me the Thompson Pro II vise that had a base. I love it. It served me well and my basic and advanced skills and speed was all developed on that vise. I kept this vise for sentimental reasons. four years ago I was already for my next vise. I really did'nt shop (Big Mistake), I looked at the Thompson web site and got interested in the Thompson 360 SLT vise. I then went to Effingers in Bound brook and looked at the vise. It is by looks a pretty vise. I got a case of tunnel vision and focused on this vise. I bought it along with the midge and large size jaws. I tied on it for two years and did not like it at all for my full time set up. I will tell you though that this vise turns out nice for when I tye on the stream or go camping. I will tell you that the Thompson 360 SLT base vise needs to be adjusted every 1/2 dozen fly's. I will tell you that the midge jaws and the large jaws has great hook holding power. It the standard jaws that really has poor hook holding power. So I finally shopped around and really looked at vises. Also Betzbugs showed me the Renzetti vise he has. I did like it but this time I had to shop around. I did look at Regal, DynaKing, Renzetti, and last but not least the patriot. I finally chosen the Renzetti 4000 Presentation vise with the cam locking jaws and saltwater base. What a really nice vise. It took me a little time to get use to the vise compared to what I was tying on. Now I sit down to my desk and tye on this vise like it was part of my life for years. Great vise, great craftmanship and I really feel comfterable with it. Now I spend my time what patterns and new creations can I make instead of thinking the vise needs to be adjusted or is not doing what I want or need. I highly reccomend to shop look and touch when going out shopping for that new vise

 

[JOE.T]

Andy I use the renzetti travelers cam series with a base.I really am comfortable with it and tie streamers from size 2 down to midges size 30. As you said great craftmanship.