Vise -in the market...

[JACHARBO]

I am eyeballing a Dyna-king Professional - does anyone have any advice and/or experience to share on D-king vises before I take the (big) plunge??

John

[Smoked Trout]

I own a Dyna-King Barracuda Junior Trekker and I am very happy with it. It is made very well and functions beautifully. My only advice to you is, really consider buying a rotary vice. My first vice was a standard vice; it cost $100 and is a fine vice. I upgraded to a rotary vise one year later after the patterns I began to tie started to become more complicated. In my opinion the real beauty of a rotary vise is not the ability to turn your fly when applying material; it is the ability to view all sides of your fly as you construct it. I found this to be a great benefit to me and my tying. Just some thoughts, enjoy shopping.


Regards,

[Capt Bob]

I own the Barracuda and find it the best vise I ever owned. I have been fly tyin for 40 years, and instructing for almost 25 years, it allows me to tie both trout and saltwater patterns with ease. It's well worth the money.

[caddisfly]

Just what Smoked Trout said. Go with a rotary vise. You will thank yourself later.

[Flyone73]

I found the Dyna King to be a great vise. I had a Renzetti traveler which was a great vise also. Just a little too short. But either of these brand vises are well worth the money. If you go with the Dyna King make sure you get the midge jaws. The larger jaws are a little big for some of the Farmy flies.

[steve]

I also have the Dynaking Barracuda Jr. Trekker, and it is an excellent vise. After researching vises, I went to the shop intending to buy a Renzetti, which was a bit less expensive than the Dynaking, but the guy at the shop talked me into buying the Dynaking. He had me try adjusting the jaws on both vises for different hook sizes, and I just did not care for the Renzetti design, at least compared to the Dynaking (and I was looking at the cam operated Renzetti). Having used the Dynaking for a year now, I am happy I went with it. I tie flies down to size 22 on it, and it works fine. if you have to go smaller than 22, God bless you!

[Flyone73]

Steve, on the Farmington you have to tie flies smaller than 22 this time of year. Your trekker might have come with the midge jaws already on it. I know that the Dyna-Kings that Grady carries already have the midge jaws. I also like my Dyna -pro better than the Renzetti.

[Heckler]

I tie with a Peak Rotary vice it works like a dream. Great strong jaws and will hold a wide variety of flies.. just my 0.02, good luck in whatever you choose.

[JACHARBO]

Well then.........

went (finally) with the Dyna-King Professional and what a machine! Though not "true" rotary - it does rotate quite nicely allowing multiple-angle fly viewing as you go. Hook holding like I've never seen! I've tied flies down to #26 without issue, and without midge jaws! And adjusting holding power to avoid hook snapping is very easy - forget all that #%*& about breaking hooks with these vises - there is no reason for it since avoidance is a breeze. So far I am glad I spent the $$ (and it ain't cheap). However, judging from the quality, my son's sons will tie with this one well after I'm throwing flies on the other side...

If you're in the market, stop here!

Thanks all for your input - much appreciated.

John