I am new to tying and want to get good products instead of going to kit route. Could someone recommend a good vise that is reasonably priced, but quality?

Thanks!

Hard question to answer. People tend to be very loyal to the brand they personally own and use. So, here are some general comments.

The "last a lifetime" quality vises start about $200 with the Peak and Renzetti Traveler class of vises. You can go up from there and there are some popular models for less than this too.

My personal opinion is that I wouldn't start with a $200 or more vise. The features of different vises and brands vary and when you're starting out most of us don't know what we'll like or use. There are some perfectly serviceable vise in the $40 range that will get you started. I would avoid most of the sub-$40 vises. Many of the very low cost vises will just make your life miserable.

Based on your user name, you're in the DFW area. I recommend attending the IFFF Fly Fishing Expo in Grapevine Sept 9 and 10. There will be multiple fly tyers there. You would be able ask questions and compare different vises that people actually use on a regular basis.

Good luck! I think you'll find that other folk' s opinions about vises will vary from mine.

I started with a Cabelas kit. I thought it was a great, had everything i needed. Tied flies for about 6 months, decided I could see anymore. Sold it! Point is I wouldn't go over the top to start with until to make sure you want to stick with it. IMO!

I purchased an Apex rotary vise for $115 at Bass Pro shop a couple years ago and I have been very happy with it. American made, excellent value. I use it on the base and its very sturdy. Good choice not to go the kit route.

Thanks for the tips. What are some of these serviceable vises around $40?

Watch Craigslist and Ebay. You might be able to find a deal on a serviceable vise at that amount.

I used one similar to this one as my primary vise for about 15 years and I still use it for extra large hooks. Looks like Bass Pro wants $50 for their version now.

You can find this style of vise at a variety of prices, but the quality can vary too. I know several folks that have used them for years, but I also know folks that ended up with lower quality versions that hated them.

Take a good look at the vise before buying it. Vises are tools and if it looks or feels poorly made, keep looking for something else.

Good luck!

http://t.basspro.com/White-River-Fly-Shop-Crown-Spring-Tension-Vise/product/10220904/

Also, this is just one of many options available. I am not currently up to date with everything that is available right now in this price range.

Thanks

In 2001 I bought a "gorilla" vise for like $25 shipping included. It is basically a regal knock off made by the Chinese(or maybe in Taiwan) Anyway, I have tied on it for 15 years, tying almost everyday with no problems. You don't have to have an expensive vise to tie flies. I'm sure that the more they cost the better it feels to have one(like driving a mercedes instead of your dodge neon!!) but the knock off has served me well. I have 3 or 4 other vises, include some that are fairly expensive(that I picked up cheap) but I mainly use my gorilla-p-

Check out Barlow's Tackle they have a rotary vise that I just picked up the Terra Rotary and it works well... I was tying on a vise that came from a kit I got from Crazy Angler and it did me well for a long time, it finally started slipping on me so I decided to try out the one from Barlow's.

JZ

Come to Rendezvous on Nov 4-6th and you'll be able to "put hands on" the vises on a number of advanced tyers, as well as, inquire as to why they utilize their particular vises.

You'll also have the opportunity to tie with those same folks and learn a bunch about tying...

Bowfin47

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The Gulf Coast Council and the Texas Council of the IFFF, annually co-sponsor the "North Toledo Bend Rendezvous".

Held the first weekend of November at North Toledo Bend State Park near Zwolle, LA, this will be the 28th Rendezvous (since 1989) of this gathering of fly tyers representing Federation clubs from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and beyond.

With no planned activities, but plenty of fly tying, food, fly casting instruction and fly fishing, and with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals, the North Toledo Bend Rendezvous remains one of the top tying events held each year in the U.S.A.

http://pages.suddenlink.net/w/Rendez/indexR.html

If you have never attended the North Toledo Bend Rendezvous or haven't been in a while, your are hereby invited to attend... Hey, we haven't gathered on the shores of Toledo Bend and throwing this party for 28 years for nothing!!!

Rendezvous is your chance to sit down and tie flies with some of the very best tyers in the Deep South! No matter if you are a beginner to tying or a master of this craft, you will learn a lot (or at least have fun tying with your friends &/or teaching others). We always have a great time!

This is a wonderful event that is appropriate for your whole family... So bring your tying buddies, "significant other", as well as your kids/grandkids! And No you do not have to be a member of the IFFF or a club to attend, but if you attend Rendezvous just once, you'll want to come back each year!

See you there!

I'm interested in getting a good vise. I looked at a Peak but a review said maybe up to 1/0 hooks and not for tying poppers for bass (http://www.flyfishohio.com/Vise%20Review%201/peak_rotary_vise.htm).

I do have a trout rod and I'd like to get another one but most of my fishing will probably be with a 9' 8wt for bass, redfish, or specks. So I'm interested in something that I could tie bigger flies with.

My wife got me the Renzetti Traveler 2300 recently for my birthday. I haven't tied a ton on it yet, but I like it so far. I already have an easier time getting the hook secured on it versus my HMH vise.

I pretty much tie only flies for salty fish or an occasional woolly bugger. But the Renzetti holds the hook well with easy adjustments. Not a cheap vise, but American made.

At a $40 price-point that knocks a lot of vises out. I would think about Griffin. If you get hooked on tying, your demands will outpace an inexpensive vise in about a season. A vise can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. +1 on any fly tying supplies needed - AT BARLOW'S!