I have been tying on a Peak vise for 10 years, and my plastic knobs still hold as good now as when they were new. They show no signs of wearing down, and I tie almost every day. Peak makes a great vise for the money and there's no question about it lasting 50 years, because it will.
From someone trying to get back in to fly fishing/tying after a 6 year hiatus and looking for info on rotary vises, this was an excellent review. Thank you!
Been watching your videos for a couple months now. Really enjoy your Appalachian Series as I am a transplant here from the Northwest after retiring. I use many of the same books you use. Keep doing what your doing.
Bruce- thanks so much for the positive comment and support. Starting this channel has been fun and I hope I can grow it to something bigger over the next few years. Cheers.
Good Afternoon !! I happen to be a long time Peak vise owner/tyer. I live in Ada, MI & I started tying on a non-rotary vise many years ago & it did not take long to decide I needed a rotary vise. I did a lot of research beforehand on vises & compared several manufacturers before settling on the Peak. My Peak does not have the nut adjustment to tighten the jaws as the one you displayed, mine has a knurled ring, which does not move around, or loosen up when I am tying. I'm glad you took the time to give the pros & cons as that will help those looking for a great vise decide if the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the Peak. I have a small fly tying / fly fishing/tying instruction business ( it's not my sole source of income, as I retired in June 2020 ) myself & I tie at several shows during the year, but not in 2020. I don't have a website, but I get asked that question a lot at shows. I'd be happy to send you some pics of my flies, if that's ok, I would just need an email address. Thanks again for posting the Peak review !! David M. Clunk, Fisher-of-Men Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Instruction, Ada, Michigan 1
Hi David, thanks for the note! I'd love to see some of your flies. My email is matt@savageflies.com. I try to check email there at least every day but I do get a lot of email so sometimes it takes me a day or two to respond. And I hear you about fly tying shows in 2020. I don't think anybody really had any. And so far it doesn't look like 2021 may be any better.
When I started tying I bought a cheap rotary vise. It worked but was a pain to set up, didn’t hold a hook all that well and drove my nuts. It didn’t take me long to realize that I didn’t need a rotary very much. Most of my tying is small (14-24) so I upgraded to a Regal midge head. Best money I’ve spent in a long time. I did seriously consider the peak but for $30 more I got the regal. Love the channel, keep it up.
Chris- thanks for the note. I don't think you can ever go wrong with a Regal! That's what I tie on as well but I do really like the revolution and its ability to use as a rotary or simply to more easily be able to look at the other side of the fly. Are you using a Medallion? Is it easy to move around to see the bottom or other side of the fly?
You convinced me. Your review coverred the major points in the most usable form. I've subscribed for more valuable information. I started trying in grade school about 1956. I have all 3 of my visas but need my last one.
@@SavageFlies hello 👋 yeah and I love it! Really! I’m getting started with very small flies now and haven’t faced any problem at all with #16 hooks as well as my steelhead and salmon flies. It’s a great tool and has just the perfect price! Thank you so much! I love ur channel my friend. 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣
New to Fly tying with Project Healing Waters Fresno CA. Glad I found your page trying to learn all I can. My new Hobbie after Army Retirement 23 years. Thank
Pablo, thanks so much for stopping by the channel, and thank you for your service! I'm former Navy (and my wife is retired Navy) so we're a military family too. You're going to love fly tying. It's a great community of folks, always willing to help each other out. Stick around this channel too as there are lots of commenters who will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks again, and welcome! Cheers. -Matt
Thanks for the great review! I started fly fishing when I was 12 years old, but never tied my own flies. Then I got busy with life and kids and am just now rediscovering my love for the sport. I’m very excited to start tying flies and your videos are excellent! Thank you
Thank you Mark! This is what I want my channel to be all about. Getting new tiers into the sport, or bringing former tiers and fishermen back into it. Thanks for the note my friend. :-)
Thank you my jedi friend! Welcome to the channel. Would love to have you watch, participate, and share your thoughts and fly tying knowledge. We get a lot of newbies around here but have plenty of veterans sharing their expertise as well. Cheers. -Matt
I have just got the Peak and live the white base. I had a Dyna King with a black base that I covered with a white piece of mylar with a magnet under it. So just learning how to use a rotary vise.
Hi from Rolla Missouri 🎣🤠 Dave Hughes I'm mighty proud of my peak rotary. It definitely has a unique base . Super for deer hair Bass flys or big salt water flys. I've got vise's that costs many times more than the Peak but it is made of great materials and has lasted for years with no problems. I've got two bases,one white for when tying dark flys and one in green for white and lighter colors. I also like my Regals. Sometimes just for fun like Tuesday morning I broke out my old red ball. It's All about having fun when you're tying flys and when you get a fish on one of your hand ties. Good health for you and your's 🎣🤠 Dave Hughes
yes I have purchased one.....this thing is a TANK....its great, all the 3, 4, 5, hundred vices out there...lots of cute little medallions,,,, this thing WORKS for under $200..... thanks for informing us as to your conclusions.... you have helped a lot of people....
Wow, thank you Dave; I really appreciate this kind comment. And I still stand by my feelings on this vise. I do tie on a Regal Revolution as my daily vise (that's also a tank!), but I still tie on this when I'm out at my farm. And I still love it. Thanks again for the note my friend.
I went to Amazon and was looking at the peak Rotary Vice they had made the comment that the holes for the screws were too loose and on the rotary handle when you adjust the knob on the back to turn smoothly it would Wobble have you had any of these issues with your on your vise
Thanks for this really helpful review based on your own real-world user experience...you've made my next vise purchasing decision very easy ....appreciate it 👍
I just ran across your videos a couple of days ago & I must say that I like very much what you just said about your giveaways!! Though I’m to late for this one I still felt included to write you. I really like the way your tying instructions are done. Their easy to follow & let me tell you I need easy. After a very long illness I’m just very back into the things I loved before I got sick & one is fly fishing & tying along with some rod building. Thank you very much! p.s. a white base is a nice thing for tying. It reflects light & helps me see my fly at all angles. I even put a sheet of printer paper on me desk just for that purpose, + if I spill on it it’s a easy clean up. Hope to see many videos from you 👍🏻
Thanks Trent! I really appreciate you stopping by and leaving a note. And you are absolutely right about the white base helping to reflect the overhead light back up on the underside of the fly. That was something I learned from everyone else on here. Welcome to the channel my friend! I just posted a book review so check that one out of you'd like to enter to win a copy of Ted Leeson and Jim Schollmeyer's "Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying." Cheers. -Matt
I have lost my vise & I am looking for a new vise. Your review of this Peak Rotary Vise has sold me for my next vise. Side note about you not liking the white color of the base. My suggestion would be to get a can of Black Plast Dip Spray Paint & paint the base black ( or they have several other colors also). If you need to repaint or you get tired of black you can peel off the Plast Dip very easily. Keep the reviews coming they are great.
Thanks Harold; I appreciate the kind words! I've actually had a change of heart about the white base and when you have an overhead light the reflection helps illuminate the underside of the fly. So while it can get messy, it's a decent tradeoff.
I know, right? I couldn't believe that plate was available. I'll be the envy of all in my local TU. If we ever start having live meetings again! Thanks for watching Jim. 👍
This looks like another great value for a vise! Thanks for the review! The peak is now at $200 and the mongoose is at $176. I’m going to a fly tying expo in March and excited to try them both out!!! However, if I see the peak on sale I might have to pull the trigger!
You can get brase screws, a "D" arm to help with rotation, and a material spring. I there is more. It would be nice if Peak had a all inclusive set eith the extras, idk maybe they do. Nice video!
Sweet license plate Matt like it a lot I would get one for here in Texas but once again it's bass and catfish country LOL thank you for all you do in spending time showing us how to tie some really cool flies
Thanks Felipe, and yes that video and celebrating 600 subscribers wasn't that long ago! I've been happy with how the channel is growing, and more importantly, I'm getting to help more new tiers along the way. That's what keeps it fun. :-)
Rotary vises are the best way to do things like pheasant tails or peacock bodies. It's much easier to hold the fibers and turn the vise than fumble trying to wrap them. Great review!
Great video and review Matt. Your tying tutorials and pattern choices are spot on and thanks for your generous giveaway . I'm a Regal guy also - a medallion with standard and midge jaws but I'd like to try rotary. A gift from my wife in the late '90s.
Thanks! That's actually pretty cool to hear, that you're tying on a Regal that's over 20 years old. Or that you've got a wife awesome enough to give you a high-end vise like that! I can't wait until the channel is making enough to be able to give away some really amazing gear. Someday... :-)
@@SavageFlies Thanks Matt. Up until 1999 we lived in NJ and my wife used to go into Ramsey Outdoor store and buy some great gifts. Surprises with no prompting from me. She knows nothing about fishing but I think she would just ask someone what gear was good and buy it. She's not as cheap as I am! In the TV series The Sopranos, Ramsey Outdoor's owner was Tony's friend- a drinker and a gambler who was in to Tony for big debts. I think the Sopranos took Ramsey's inventory and sold it for a song. But actually Ramsey's is still around and has awesome fly tying stuff.
I know im late on the Comment but I purchased the peak your reviewing and I'm totally pleased with it. I just tie crappie jigs do this vise does everything I need it do. I did go to peaks website and they have some upgrades like better screws and an attachment for the rotary handle. I don't want another vise I love my peak and it should serve my needs for the rest of my life. Also I repainted the base a flat black and I have no more issues with cleanup
@@SavageFlies im sure a renzetti is better but my budget allowed me the peak. I subbed your channel because I love your honest reviews on fly tying tools etc. If their was good trout fishing here in oklahoma I would probably learn how to to flies. Good fishing to you my new friend
Great video. I'm curious... can the hook jaw (standard size) be adjusted in length to improve the inline aspect of a hook to the spinning/rotating vise? A size 16 hook would be different than something bigger like a 2/0.
Thank you are you actually went near the this voice to my Amazon cart I started type wise 47 years ago using Needle nose players lol I have an old vice in I want to teach my granddaughter before I get too old time for a new voice thank you for the video
You're welcome Frank! Thanks for watching and I think it is great you are going to get your granddaughter into fly tying. What a nice gift to give her.
I looked up the Peak vise. According to their web page you can get this vise in 2 packages, the trailhead package, as you see here. You can also get the Base camp package, which you get the brass set screws, material clip, D-arm (helps with rations) 2 sets of jaws the standard and a choice of either midge or saltwater jaws, the brass riser and more. BUT, You have to order from an authorized dealer.
Hi Matt. Enjoy your videos. When you were reviewing the Peak vise, you sort of implied, "why would anyone place their Peak vise on the end hole." (and not in the middle hole like everyone seems to do). Just wondering if you could discuss the pros and cons of placing any vice on one of the side holes, and not in the middle hole as seems to be most common. Fred
In Canada on Amazon ... I found a Dtower all metal , Rotary Vice , with solid clamp bottom , similar to this one , for $66.00 cdn from China ... That's $44 US , with free shipping ... a lot cheaper than $150 ! ... Amazon also had some cheap Hackle and tails for $16.00 ... and Tool kit for $25 ... Now all I need is some Road Kill and a haircut for Fur ... Cheers !
I own the Peak vise featured in this video. It's a fine tool. Take it from a 66-year old who began tying at around age 12, we're living in the golden age of fly tying gear. On the other hand, I could tie happily until the end of my days on the Thompson Model A my parents gave me for Christmas at age 14 in 1969. Like playing guitar, the magic is in the fingers not the tool.
Peter- that's an excellent point and attitude! A $500 vise is not going to make us better tiers, but it might make tying more enjoyable. But still, I'm with you that I like to think I would still tie if I was born 50 years earlier and all I had was a Thompson A. (That was my first vise too, by the way. Not 1969, but about 1983.) Cheers. -Matt
Thank you my friend; I'm glad to have you here! Let me know if you ever have any questions or have any requests. We've got a nice little community here with lots of veterans more than willing to help out any newcomers. Whether you're a new tier or seasoned pro, welcome! Cheers. -Matt (matt@savageflies.com)
I just finally purchased the Peak rotary after tying on a great Thompson AA for decades. Nothing wrong with my Thompson and I will undoubtedly continue on it for many more years. I purchased the Peak from a shop that includes most of the accessories such as the material clip, brass adjusting screws, accessory post with tool holder, and the “d” arm for the control rod. Mine came with pedestal base. The vise is solid and well built, and the price I paid in December 2021was just under $200 including shipping. I observe two things that are disappointing with this vise: 1. All the machine threads are coarse thereby making it less easy to be precise with adjustments. I would prefer fine threads on the adjustment knobs, including the adjusting nut for the cam and jaws. 2. The rotary function is not smooth and consistent throughout the full rotation. If friction is set to my preference at the “neutral” position, as I rotate the fly upside down the friction becomes less and rotational speed varies somewhat throughout the 360° rotation. I would expect this on a cheaper tool but with all the positive reviews I read on this Peak, I expected the rotary function to be silky smooth: it’s not. The nearest fly shops are hours away so I wasn’t able to checkout any of my vise candidates in person. I was considering the Renzetti Traveler and the Griffin Montana Mongoose during the search. My gut now tells me I should have chosen one of them instead of this Peak.
Thanks for the detailed note Carmen. I've had my Peak for at least five years and the rotary function on mine has always been smooth. I'm wondering if you just got a bad one. I haven't had to deal with Peak's customer service but I hear it's pretty good. You might try giving them a call and seeing if they'll swap it out for you. I've reviewed both this Peak and the Montana Mongoose, and to me, the Peak still comes out a little ahead. And that's nothing against Griffin's Mongoose; that is a great vise too. I wish you luck my friend!
I just upgraded to this vice from the crown clone. Even upgraded to the brass screw and the rotary handle. The crown in now in my travel bag, yea I’m a bit of a gear head…least this isn’t one my expensive hobbies. Tho it’s not necessarily cheap, but doesn’t touch my photography expenses.
Oh yeah Sam, I can see how photography could be expensive. Even the DSLRs a lot of the successful TH-camrs use can be pricey. I still us a pretty basic setup but it works for me. :-)
Matt - Mike from Bremerton WA here. I like the review of the Peak Rotary but am looking for one I can clamp in place. Also when tying intruder or similar patterns, tying really requires that you can keep a shank flat and visible from the top. Is the vice you reviewed here a vice that can be rotated in such a way to work with a wide, flat waddington shank into a rotating position? That may not be very clear. If not let me know and I’ll try to describe what I’m looking for, in a more clear way. Thx
Been tying since I was 8yo (I’m 21 now) just discovered you not long ago! Would love that rotary vice since I’ve only ever used a stationary vice. I’ve submitted my photo a couple days ago👍🏼 awesome work!
is the vice jaws to centreline adjustable? Deciding between this and the gryphon mongoose. I tie saltwater flies mainly so up to 4/0 would be nice, not really smaller ones. But if I'm spending 4-500 AUD I expect centreline as a feature on all hooks.
I was originally looking at the renzetti traveler but multiple reviewers complained about tipping and rocking with the lightweight pedestal base. Checked out anvil atlas and peak but couldn’t find specs on base weight, so this helps a bunch. Currently have a griffin mongoose with the c-clamp, but it wobbles regardless of how hard you torque it down.
Thanks; I'm glad it helped! And this was a pretty accurate weight; I put it on my wife's food scales. This pedestal is solid. It's actually almost a pound heaver than my Regal base (the brass pocket one). I've heard pretty good things about the Atlas so I might try picking one of those up and reviewing it in the next couple of months...
@@SavageFlies Hi Matt, I also am looking at the Renzetti Traveler and thought I'd check some others out... I tie a large spectrum of sized flies from 22's on up to big SW and Bass flies. So it appears that the rotary angle is adjustable to accommodate large hooks and still maintain a rotary axis? Also I often wrench on my threads for big stuff and travel some so... do they have a C clamp base available for it?
@@leomillan720 -The rotary angle is really adjusted by sliding the jaws up and down so you can adjust for up to some pretty big hooks. I'm not sure how big as the biggest I've tied on it are maybe #4 streamers but I'm sure you can go bigger than that. It doesn't appear that they offer a c-clamp for it, but it's a fairly standard width post so I'm thinking almost any brand c-clamp would work. But also, I've never had any problem with this heavy base moving around on me. I am interested in trying out the Renzetti Traveler too so if you end up going with that, let me know how it does. (I may try to review that or the Mongoose in the next few months.) Good luck! Cheers. -Matt
Been looking at this for my first rotary, as I've tied 40 plus years on my trusty HMH. But was wondering is it a true rotary ? Reason I ask is you can adjust the head up or down for different size hooks. I enjoy your videos. Thanks
Thanks for the review. Beginner here. I'm using and old basement dweller vise. It's frustrating having to constantly fix the hook or hold it... I figure rotary is the way to go. I saw their "Base Camp" edition of this vise. Thoughts?
Thanks Brian! All the Peak vises are really solid. I dont think you could go wrong with any of theirs. And as for using a rotary, it's hard to go back to a standard after using one for a while. 🙂
Well, I finally bit the bullet and bought this Peak rotary vise. I don't actually have a real rotary vise. I have several traditional ones I have inherited, and one of those that turns but isn't really a rotary per se. That's the one I have been using for a long time, my daughter wants that one, so it's finally time to upgrade to something from the 21st century. It's been shipped but I haven't gotten it yet.
Oh, I think you're going to love it. And after tying on it for a while, it'll be hard to go back to a non rotary. I haven't tied on my Peak in a few months, and my travel vise is that little green Maxcatch I reviewed recently. It's nice for travel, but not near as sweet as the Peak. I'd love to hear how you like it after using it for a few days!
Yesterday I said I can't spend anymore money on fly tying for awhile. Today I go out and buy this 😬🤣 great so far though! It easily holds the size 24 and 26 my other struggles with. I've had so many shot across the room. No more of that.
I wish I knew about you when you started this channel. If it wasn't for your collaboration with Darren from Piscator flies (remember chimo greeting ;o) I probably never would've found you and sub'd. I thought about buying this vise but Peak's specs on hook sizes I think stopped at #2. I tie lead head jigs on up to 1/0 hooks. My vise holds lighter aberdeen jig hooks okay but heavy wire or larger size hooks tend to slip if I crank with heavy thread. I should have got a Renzetti Traveler years ago. use to be $125 (when I first saw it) and said to hold 4/0. He who hesitates is lost :o( Cool plate! I had a '91 F150 Lariat 4wd. Tank of a truck. Can't afford one now... let alone a high end vise, lol!
Thanks for the note Joe. I think my channel was nine months old when I did that collaboration with Darren. I had just hit 1,000 subscribers. There are a few folks who have been around and commenting since the very beginning, but I'm pretty much considering you one of my longest term regular watchers now too. I mean it has been almost a year! Re the Peak, I still like tying on mine, but I don't get anywhere near 1/0 on a regular basis. Now for the Renzetti Traveler, a couple of people have asked me to review it but if I do it'll probably have to be one of the lower end of the series like the 2000 or maybe 2200. I know some of them are in the upper $200-300 range so not cheap vises at all. Do you know of any of the big name tiers who use a Traveler? If I recall, Josh Varner might but I haven't paid too much attention to what the other tiers are using. Anyway, good note my friend. Thanks for commenting!
@@SavageFlies Thanks Matt! I guess I like to go window shopping, thanks for your advice. I was watching some reviews and went to that Peak heavy duty that Brian Wise uses - I think pipe fitters use it too! The search sent me here. To be honest I think the Mongoose would suit my needs. Darren told me he's tied /0 hooks on it and there's a jig tier I know uses one. And besides, I always liked Rikki Tikki Tavi ;o).... sorry.
Oh yeah, that's about half way between Beaver Creek and Big Hunting, right? I've got a place out in western MD near the Savage, but I mostly fish the Gunpowder. And the Pax and Middle Pax. (My interest in the Smoky Mountain flies-- I was born in TN and grew up in GA. Just going to retire here in Maryland)
Good review Matt, I like it when someone lists Pros & Cons-it’s much more authentic. Love the channel-keep up the work. I have been trying to email you a picture of my bench to be entered in the Peak Giveaway but it keeps saying your mailbox is full.
Thanks Thomas! I may need to clean it out but I've been getting emails as recently as last night so not sure. I'll enter you so no worries there. Just watch tomorrow morning's video when I do the drawing. Cheers. -Matt
I just got my Peak today. The standard jaws it came with won't hold #4 3x heavy 4x long hooks. I've adjusted the nut to the point where I can't even lock the cam lever. Ever had issues with your jaws?
Wow, that's good info to know. I've never had any issues but I've never gone to 3x heavy and #6 streamers are about the biggest flies I tie. They do have something called an LIRS head but I'm not familiar with it and at about a hundred dollars it's almost as expensive as the vise. I'll ask around and see if anybody I know ties this big on their Peak...
@@SavageFlies I was really surprised because the standard jaws are rated for 2/0 I think. I already have a Griffin Mongoose, but I wanted to try the Peak because it seems so much more stable on the pedestal than the Mongoose. However, right now the Griffin is just so easy to place a hook in and go to various hook sizes that I may just stick with that. Great reviews on both vises, BTW!
Thanks David! And yeah, no doubt that's a monster nut. But I never minded it as I only had to adjust it once or twice while using this vise all the time for a couple of years. Thanks for the note my friend. -Matt
They've raised the price from $155 to $210 since this video came out. Does anyone know if they've made any improvements that would warrant a 35% increase?
Wow, I just checked it out and you're exactly right. I looked at three different suppliers and they were all $210 now. And it doesn't appear that they have made any changes, or at least nothing significant. And that's a big price increase in barely over two years. This made me curious and I checked out a couple other vendors out there. It looks like Griffin has raised their prices as well, but not 35%. Maybe 10% or so, which seems reasonable over a couple of years. The Regal lines have gone up some as well, but nothing like this Peak. I'm not sure what to say, but at this price point my review might be less glowing. As far as the Renzettis or Dyna Kings, I'm not familiar enough with what they were costing a couple years ago to know how much they may have gone up.
There are several kinds of full rotary. Class One is the ability to inspect, or to add to the bottom. Class Two is the kind as on the Peak, that is designed to make it so you can rotate the fly while winding on material. The latter is kinda a gimmick, or if you don't agree, maybe there is a Norvise in your future. The downside to the Peak/Renzetti format, is the awkward tying angle that these vices impose on a tier. Which would be great if it was useful for something else, but it really isn't. Most pros I see don't use the rotating feature. I even looked at some flies that would seem to benefit from rotation, and then looked up name tiers, and originators on YT, even ones who are rotary vise sponsored, and they don't use rotation, or even have the bobbin holder installed. A lot of guys demonstrate on rotary, for commercial reasons, or because, some of the top vises are rotary, they just don't use them. Rotary slows you down, and puts stress on posture. I like Peak, in particular because they offer interchangeable jaws, and the LIRS jaws. They have an interesting clamp arrangement. But I have owned enough rotaries to know I don't prefer tying on them.
Great comment, and you know, I think you're spot on. I like having a "rotating" vise, and would find it hard to tie on one that didn't rotate at all. But as for a true rotary feature, I don't know if I've used mine for that two times all year. And I probably tie three or four nights a week. So that's a lot of tying without even using the rotary feature. Maybe that's why I love the Regal Revolution. It rotates really well (and smoothly) but it's not a true rotary meaning the hook shank doesn't rotate with the axis of rotation. Now I've never tied on a Norvise, but I honestly don't see one in my future. I have been eyeing the HMH TRV and may consider that someday, but I've been plenty happy with the Regal for a few years now. I appreciate your insight on what others tie on, and your observation that very few use the rotary feature. I haven't thought much about it, but I think you're 100% right. It makes me wonder if rotary vises are kind of a gimmick. Sure, they make tying woolly buggers a slight bit easier, but how much time do you really save? And how often do I tie woolly buggers? The answer, not very often. Thanks again for the note!
@@SavageFlies I realize this isn't a forum, but... Even if you think of the Wolly Bugger, it is tied in a variety of different ways. I tie it much as one would a Wooly Worm all same direction wraps. I normally use a sparkle yarn body because I scored tons of Ruganel, and Aunt Lydia's off ebay. So rotating would mess with that. It seems a lot of tiers prefer to reverse wrap the hackle, and then counter wrap with wire. So again, steps one would have to do manually anyway. And Even if one did it traditionally just cockscrewing the chenille and hackle, it would require twice setting up the half hitch, extending the thread, the cradle, and then retracting the thread. It just isn't efficient.
@@HondoTrailside Good points! I don't even put wire on my woolly bugger type flies. Just the body (usually chenille) and then palmer the hackle. And I can't recall the last time one has fallen apart on me. 🙂
You make a great point about the Regal rotary. I discounted that as a gimmick (I own two of those in the non R versions). It seemed excessive for inspection, and not sufficient for true rotary. But then, I don't use true rotary... A Cadillac inspection rotation might be nice. If I had a regal rotary I would use it at the same angle as my HMH. Regals are the lowest cost vises that have full pro quality, and one sees in a lot of pro shops. If I wasn't in the HMH and Regal world I would and check out the Dyna King Professional, though it has a lot of stuff where I put my weak hand.
That's odd. Just type it into the browser (or click the link in your comment) and you'll see the site. But don't worry Russell. I got you entered. And I know you're a tier. Cheers. -Matt
Congratulations to Jeremy Nolan of Chattanooga, TN. Enjoy the vise Jeremy!
I own a Peak vice , had it for 5 yrs now an I've tied all kinds of fly's, an never thought of buying anything other, I luv it .
Thanks for another opportunity! Keep the quality content coming.
You got it Tanner. Appreciate you watching!
I have been tying on a Peak vise for 10 years, and my plastic knobs still hold as good now as when they were new. They show no signs of wearing down, and I tie almost every day. Peak makes a great vise for the money and there's no question about it lasting 50 years, because it will.
Terryll- great feedback; thank you! Sounds like my Peak vise has got more years left than I do. :-)
This is my Vice, I changed out the plastic to the brass and got the little handle on the end with a light. And I love it!
Cool-- I knew you could get a handle for the end, but didn't know you could get one with a light. And yes, I agree this is a great little vise!
From someone trying to get back in to fly fishing/tying after a 6 year hiatus and looking for info on rotary vises, this was an excellent review. Thank you!
You're most welcome! I appreciate the note my friend. And welcome back to the sport!
Been watching your videos for a couple months now. Really enjoy your Appalachian Series as I am a transplant here from the Northwest after retiring. I use many of the same books you use. Keep doing what your doing.
Bruce- thanks so much for the positive comment and support. Starting this channel has been fun and I hope I can grow it to something bigger over the next few years. Cheers.
Love how you giving back to subscribers.
Thanks Gary. I really hope to be able to keep it up. And maybe someday start giving out more and more often. That's my goal anyway. Cheers. -Matt
Good Afternoon !! I happen to be a long time Peak vise owner/tyer. I live in Ada, MI & I started tying on a non-rotary vise many years ago & it did not take long to decide I needed a rotary vise. I did a lot of research beforehand on vises & compared several manufacturers before settling on the Peak. My Peak does not have the nut adjustment to tighten the jaws as the one you displayed, mine has a knurled ring, which does not move around, or loosen up when I am tying. I'm glad you took the time to give the pros & cons as that will help those looking for a great vise decide if the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the Peak. I have a small fly tying / fly fishing/tying instruction business ( it's not my sole source of income, as I retired in June 2020 ) myself & I tie at several shows during the year, but not in 2020. I don't have a website, but I get asked that question a lot at shows. I'd be happy to send you some pics of my flies, if that's ok, I would just need an email address. Thanks again for posting the Peak review !! David M. Clunk, Fisher-of-Men Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Instruction, Ada, Michigan
1
Hi David, thanks for the note! I'd love to see some of your flies. My email is matt@savageflies.com. I try to check email there at least every day but I do get a lot of email so sometimes it takes me a day or two to respond. And I hear you about fly tying shows in 2020. I don't think anybody really had any. And so far it doesn't look like 2021 may be any better.
You are already up to almost 3.5 thousand subscribers. Congrats.
Thanks Gary! It's been a fun grind. 🙂
When I started tying I bought a cheap rotary vise. It worked but was a pain to set up, didn’t hold a hook all that well and drove my nuts. It didn’t take me long to realize that I didn’t need a rotary very much. Most of my tying is small (14-24) so I upgraded to a Regal midge head. Best money I’ve spent in a long time. I did seriously consider the peak but for $30 more I got the regal.
Love the channel, keep it up.
Chris- thanks for the note. I don't think you can ever go wrong with a Regal! That's what I tie on as well but I do really like the revolution and its ability to use as a rotary or simply to more easily be able to look at the other side of the fly. Are you using a Medallion? Is it easy to move around to see the bottom or other side of the fly?
You convinced me. Your review coverred the major points in the most usable form. I've subscribed for more valuable information. I started trying in grade school about 1956. I have all 3 of my visas but need my last one.
Well thank you Laurel; I appreciate the kind words my friend!
Gonna buy this vise for my birthday :) your review was critical Matt! Thank you and congratulations for the success of your channel
Felipe- sorry I just saw this comment. Did you end up getting this Peak vise? If so, how do you like it??
@@SavageFlies hello 👋 yeah and I love it! Really! I’m getting started with very small flies now and haven’t faced any problem at all with #16 hooks as well as my steelhead and salmon flies. It’s a great tool and has just the perfect price! Thank you so much! I love ur channel my friend. 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣
New to Fly tying with Project Healing Waters Fresno CA.
Glad I found your page trying to learn all I can. My new Hobbie after Army Retirement 23 years.
Thank
Pablo, thanks so much for stopping by the channel, and thank you for your service! I'm former Navy (and my wife is retired Navy) so we're a military family too. You're going to love fly tying. It's a great community of folks, always willing to help each other out. Stick around this channel too as there are lots of commenters who will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks again, and welcome! Cheers. -Matt
Thanks for the great review! I started fly fishing when I was 12 years old, but never tied my own flies. Then I got busy with life and kids and am just now rediscovering my love for the sport. I’m very excited to start tying flies and your videos are excellent! Thank you
Thank you Mark! This is what I want my channel to be all about. Getting new tiers into the sport, or bringing former tiers and fishermen back into it. Thanks for the note my friend. :-)
Hello just found this channel wow I’m enjoying your review, the support you have for the tying community thank you!
Thank you my jedi friend! Welcome to the channel. Would love to have you watch, participate, and share your thoughts and fly tying knowledge. We get a lot of newbies around here but have plenty of veterans sharing their expertise as well. Cheers. -Matt
I purchased this vise after watching your video and I've been pleased! Enjoy your videos and great content too!
Thank you Christopher; I appreciate the kind words!
Thank you for the great tying instruction and the opportunity for a new vice. I’ve been thinking about getting a rotary vise for a little while now.
Absolutely Mark! I appreciate you watching and supporting the channel. Cheers. -Matt
I have just got the Peak and live the white base. I had a Dyna King with a black base that I covered with a white piece of mylar with a magnet under it. So just learning how to use a rotary vise.
I got mine for Christmas! I'm enjoying it!
Sweet! That thing is going to last you for years!!
Hi from Rolla Missouri 🎣🤠 Dave Hughes
I'm mighty proud of my peak rotary. It definitely has a unique base . Super for deer hair Bass flys or big salt water flys. I've got vise's that costs many times more than the
Peak but it is made of great materials and has lasted for years with no problems. I've got two bases,one white for when tying dark flys and one in green for white and lighter colors. I also like my Regals. Sometimes just for fun like Tuesday morning I broke out my old red ball.
It's All about having fun when you're tying flys and when you get a fish on one of your hand ties. Good health for you and your's 🎣🤠 Dave Hughes
yes I have purchased one.....this thing is a TANK....its great, all the 3, 4, 5, hundred vices out there...lots of cute little medallions,,,, this thing WORKS for under $200..... thanks for informing us as to your conclusions.... you have helped a lot of people....
Wow, thank you Dave; I really appreciate this kind comment. And I still stand by my feelings on this vise. I do tie on a Regal Revolution as my daily vise (that's also a tank!), but I still tie on this when I'm out at my farm. And I still love it. Thanks again for the note my friend.
Nice vice matt.love what your doing.keep up the nice work
Thanks Mike! I always appreciate you watching...
Very informative and in depth. Thanks for all you’re doing Matt.
I appreciate it Clyde. I hope to grow the channel to be able to do a lot more good in the next couple of years!
Love ur videos especially on products u showing bottom like u tell it like it is
Thanks for the review. I’m putting together my Christmas list. You scored with that plate.
AWESOME TAG MATT I WILL BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR IT.....THANKS FOR WHAT YOUR DOING HERE...AWESOME.
It's my pleasure Harry. I appreciate you watching and supporting what I'm trying to do here. Cheers. -Matt
Love this guy! Fun and informative videos. Well done Matt!
Well thank you Eric! I appreciate the note my friend. Have a great new year!
You do a great job. I hope your channel is a big success!
Thanks Jack! I appreciate the support my friend. :-)
Great video as always. Dropping my name in the hat for that vise for sure.
Outstanding! Appreciate you watching and good luck by friend.
Hi I’m Robert and new to channel but I’ve been enjoying your reviews keep up the good work appreciate the advice
Thanks Robert! Welcome, and I appreciate the kind words. Let me know if you ever have any questions we might be able to answer here. Cheers. -Matt
I went to Amazon and was looking at the peak Rotary Vice they had made the comment that the holes for the screws were too loose and on the rotary handle when you adjust the knob on the back to turn smoothly it would Wobble have you had any of these issues with your on your vise
@@robertschafer5728 No, there is no wobble at all with mine. It's 100% a solid vise.
Amazing!! Love your review and your tying instructions as well. Congratulations for the success of your channel. All the best wishes 🙌🏾
Thank you Felipe! It has been fun trying to grow a channel here. I appreciate you watching and leaving a note. Cheers. -Matt
I ran across this to late to win, but the information is definitely a win! I think I will go with a Peak.
Thanks Scott! I think you'll be happy with it. I was tying on mine just last weekend and it still feels right. :-)
Thank you for all your videos I truly enjoy watching them very informative
Well thank you Lora; I appreciate the kind comment!
Appreciate the video, on my way to BPS this morning, nice plate!!
I'm just learning to tie. I have a bass pro kit deluxe. I'm hooked. I have this vise on my radar.
Thanks Ron and welcome to the sport my friend! Let me know if you ever have any questions. :-)
Looking for a new rotary vise and it seems the peak vise will do the trick. Thanks for the review on this vise.
Yep William, I think you'll definitely be happy with a Peak rotary. Thanks for the note!
Thanks for this really helpful review based on your own real-world user experience...you've made my next vise purchasing decision very easy ....appreciate it 👍
You're most welcome my friend! I appreciate the note. :-)
I just ran across your videos a couple of days ago & I must say that I like very much what you just said about your giveaways!! Though I’m to late for this one I still felt included to write you. I really like the way your tying instructions are done. Their easy to follow & let me tell you I need easy. After a very long illness I’m just very back into the things I loved before I got sick & one is fly fishing & tying along with some rod building. Thank you very much!
p.s. a white base is a nice thing for tying. It reflects light & helps me see my fly at all angles. I even put a sheet of printer paper on me desk just for that purpose, + if I spill on it it’s a easy clean up. Hope to see many videos from you 👍🏻
Thanks Trent! I really appreciate you stopping by and leaving a note. And you are absolutely right about the white base helping to reflect the overhead light back up on the underside of the fly. That was something I learned from everyone else on here. Welcome to the channel my friend! I just posted a book review so check that one out of you'd like to enter to win a copy of Ted Leeson and Jim Schollmeyer's "Benchside Introduction to Fly Tying." Cheers. -Matt
I have lost my vise & I am looking for a new vise. Your review of this Peak Rotary Vise has sold me for my next vise. Side note about you not liking the white color of the base. My suggestion would be to get a can of Black Plast Dip Spray Paint & paint the base black ( or they have several other colors also). If you need to repaint or you get tired of black you can peel off the Plast Dip very easily. Keep the reviews coming they are great.
Thanks Harold; I appreciate the kind words! I've actually had a change of heart about the white base and when you have an overhead light the reflection helps illuminate the underside of the fly. So while it can get messy, it's a decent tradeoff.
That's unbelievable that you scored that plate, Matt! That one should have been taken by a TUer many moons ago.
I know, right? I couldn't believe that plate was available. I'll be the envy of all in my local TU. If we ever start having live meetings again! Thanks for watching Jim. 👍
This looks like another great value for a vise! Thanks for the review! The peak is now at $200 and the mongoose is at $176. I’m going to a fly tying expo in March and excited to try them both out!!! However, if I see the peak on sale I might have to pull the trigger!
You can get brase screws, a "D" arm to help with rotation, and a material spring. I there is more. It would be nice if Peak had a all inclusive set eith the extras, idk maybe they do. Nice video!
Thanks John!
Hello, thanks for this review! can you adjust the height of it? how do you stay straight when you tie and now lean forward?
Awesome channel and Peak vice review
Sweet license plate Matt like it a lot I would get one for here in Texas but once again it's bass and catfish country LOL thank you for all you do in spending time showing us how to tie some really cool flies
You bet! And I appreciate YOUR support. And yeah, you'll need a bass or catfish plate for Texas. 😁
Hello Matt!! Was that just four months ago? Uau my friend, your channel is sky rocketing! Congratulations 🎉
Thanks Felipe, and yes that video and celebrating 600 subscribers wasn't that long ago! I've been happy with how the channel is growing, and more importantly, I'm getting to help more new tiers along the way. That's what keeps it fun. :-)
Great video loves ur pros and cons on products bottom line u tell it like it is
Thanks Jimmy; I appreciate the kind words my friend. :-)
U very welcome
Rotary vises are the best way to do things like pheasant tails or peacock bodies. It's much easier to hold the fibers and turn the vise than fumble trying to wrap them. Great review!
Like the truck bling, that's sweet man.
Thanks Jason! And yeah, I can't believe that tag wasn't already taken. Thanks for watching my friend, and good luck!
Great video and review Matt. Your tying tutorials and pattern choices are spot on and thanks for your generous giveaway . I'm a Regal guy also - a medallion with standard and midge jaws but I'd like to try rotary. A gift from my wife in the late '90s.
Thanks! That's actually pretty cool to hear, that you're tying on a Regal that's over 20 years old. Or that you've got a wife awesome enough to give you a high-end vise like that! I can't wait until the channel is making enough to be able to give away some really amazing gear. Someday... :-)
@@SavageFlies Thanks Matt. Up until 1999 we lived in NJ and my wife used to go into Ramsey Outdoor store and buy some great gifts. Surprises with no prompting from me. She knows nothing about fishing but I think she would just ask someone what gear was good and buy it. She's not as cheap as I am! In the TV series The Sopranos, Ramsey Outdoor's owner was Tony's friend- a drinker and a gambler who was in to Tony for big debts. I think the Sopranos took Ramsey's inventory and sold it for a song. But actually Ramsey's is still around and has awesome fly tying stuff.
I own a peak, I really can’t see me buying a different vise. Personalized tag is awesome!
Thanks my friend! And yeah, I can't believe I was able to score that tag. It's on my truck now, looking pretty sweet. :-)
Enjoying your channel!
Appreciate it Earl! Thanks for watching my friend. 🙂
I know im late on the Comment but I purchased the peak your reviewing and I'm totally pleased with it. I just tie crappie jigs do this vise does everything I need it do. I did go to peaks website and they have some upgrades like better screws and an attachment for the rotary handle. I don't want another vise I love my peak and it should serve my needs for the rest of my life. Also I repainted the base a flat black and I have no more issues with cleanup
Thank you for this comment Mike! I'm sure you're going to love this vise. :-)
@@SavageFlies im sure a renzetti is better but my budget allowed me the peak. I subbed your channel because I love your honest reviews on fly tying tools etc. If their was good trout fishing here in oklahoma I would probably learn how to to flies. Good fishing to you my new friend
Great video. I'm curious... can the hook jaw (standard size) be adjusted in length to improve the inline aspect of a hook to the spinning/rotating vise? A size 16 hook would be different than something bigger like a 2/0.
Thank you are you actually went near the this voice to my Amazon cart I started type wise 47 years ago using Needle nose players lol I have an old vice in I want to teach my granddaughter before I get too old time for a new voice thank you for the video
You're welcome Frank! Thanks for watching and I think it is great you are going to get your granddaughter into fly tying. What a nice gift to give her.
I looked up the Peak vise. According to their web page you can get this vise in 2 packages, the trailhead package, as you see here. You can also get the Base camp package, which you get the brass set screws, material clip, D-arm (helps with rations) 2 sets of jaws the standard and a choice of either midge or saltwater jaws, the brass riser and more. BUT, You have to order from an authorized dealer.
Great tip John! Appreciate the note my friend. :-)
Great review!
Thanks my friend. Appreciate you watching!
Hi Matt. Enjoy your videos. When you were reviewing the Peak vise, you sort of implied, "why would anyone place their Peak vise on the end hole." (and not in the middle hole like everyone seems to do). Just wondering if you could discuss the pros and cons of placing any vice on one of the side holes, and not in the middle hole as seems to be most common. Fred
In Canada on Amazon ... I found a Dtower all metal , Rotary Vice , with solid clamp bottom , similar to this one , for $66.00 cdn from China ... That's $44 US , with free shipping ... a lot cheaper than $150 ! ... Amazon also had some cheap Hackle and tails for $16.00 ... and Tool kit for $25 ... Now all I need is some Road Kill and a haircut for Fur ... Cheers !
I own the Peak vise featured in this video. It's a fine tool. Take it from a 66-year old who began tying at around age 12, we're living in the golden age of fly tying gear. On the other hand, I could tie happily until the end of my days on the Thompson Model A my parents gave me for Christmas at age 14 in 1969. Like playing guitar, the magic is in the fingers not the tool.
Peter- that's an excellent point and attitude! A $500 vise is not going to make us better tiers, but it might make tying more enjoyable. But still, I'm with you that I like to think I would still tie if I was born 50 years earlier and all I had was a Thompson A. (That was my first vise too, by the way. Not 1969, but about 1983.) Cheers. -Matt
I've got alot of vices but this looks good
Thank you my friend. I definitely think it's a solid vise and a great choice for a lot of tiers.
Glad I found your channel. Good stuff!
Thank you my friend; I'm glad to have you here! Let me know if you ever have any questions or have any requests. We've got a nice little community here with lots of veterans more than willing to help out any newcomers. Whether you're a new tier or seasoned pro, welcome! Cheers. -Matt (matt@savageflies.com)
@@SavageFlies Been tying for a long time but I never get tired of learning new patterns or pointers. Cheers!
Really injured the vice review thank you.
Thanks Brent! I appreciate you watching my friend. :-)
I just finally purchased the Peak rotary after tying on a great Thompson AA for decades. Nothing wrong with my Thompson and I will undoubtedly continue on it for many more years. I purchased the Peak from a shop that includes most of the accessories such as the material clip, brass adjusting screws, accessory post with tool holder, and the “d” arm for the control rod. Mine came with pedestal base. The vise is solid and well built, and the price I paid in December 2021was just under $200 including shipping. I observe two things that are disappointing with this vise:
1. All the machine threads are coarse thereby making it less easy to be precise with adjustments. I would prefer fine threads on the adjustment knobs, including the adjusting nut for the cam and jaws.
2. The rotary function is not smooth and consistent throughout the full rotation. If friction is set to my preference at the “neutral” position, as I rotate the fly upside down the friction becomes less and rotational speed varies somewhat throughout the 360° rotation. I would expect this on a cheaper tool but with all the positive reviews I read on this Peak, I expected the rotary function to be silky smooth: it’s not.
The nearest fly shops are hours away so I wasn’t able to checkout any of my vise candidates in person. I was considering the Renzetti Traveler and the Griffin Montana Mongoose during the search. My gut now tells me I should have chosen one of them instead of this Peak.
Thanks for the detailed note Carmen. I've had my Peak for at least five years and the rotary function on mine has always been smooth. I'm wondering if you just got a bad one. I haven't had to deal with Peak's customer service but I hear it's pretty good. You might try giving them a call and seeing if they'll swap it out for you. I've reviewed both this Peak and the Montana Mongoose, and to me, the Peak still comes out a little ahead. And that's nothing against Griffin's Mongoose; that is a great vise too. I wish you luck my friend!
Solid review, thanks for the info!
Thanks for watching Clay!
Thank you for this….searching for one to mainly tie ants, streamers and egg patterns for steelhead
Tight lines from Ohio
I just upgraded to this vice from the crown clone. Even upgraded to the brass screw and the rotary handle. The crown in now in my travel bag, yea I’m a bit of a gear head…least this isn’t one my expensive hobbies. Tho it’s not necessarily cheap, but doesn’t touch my photography expenses.
Oh yeah Sam, I can see how photography could be expensive. Even the DSLRs a lot of the successful TH-camrs use can be pricey. I still us a pretty basic setup but it works for me. :-)
Matt - Mike from Bremerton WA here. I like the review of the Peak Rotary but am looking for one I can clamp in place. Also when tying intruder or similar patterns, tying really requires that you can keep a shank flat and visible from the top. Is the vice you reviewed here a vice that can be rotated in such a way to work with a wide, flat waddington shank into a rotating position? That may not be very clear. If not let me know and I’ll try to describe what I’m looking for, in a more clear way.
Thx
Been tying since I was 8yo (I’m 21 now) just discovered you not long ago! Would love that rotary vice since I’ve only ever used a stationary vice. I’ve submitted my photo a couple days ago👍🏼 awesome work!
Thanks Joel! Appreciate the nice note. Was your bench the one with the Sculpin olive marabou and hot pink thread? If so, I got it! Cheers. -Matt
Savage Flies yes it’s was! It’s a carp fly I’m trying👍🏼 thank you!
Where in MD are you? Love the video and solidified this the one. Finally getting back into thing after years of being out.
3:35 A Dr. Slik dubbing spinner fits perfectly in those holes.
Good to know! Thanks Philip. :-)
I have one and I love you using it
Well thank you Lora! It really is a solid vise. :-)
is the vice jaws to centreline adjustable? Deciding between this and the gryphon mongoose. I tie saltwater flies mainly so up to 4/0 would be nice, not really smaller ones. But if I'm spending 4-500 AUD I expect centreline as a feature on all hooks.
I was originally looking at the renzetti traveler but multiple reviewers complained about tipping and rocking with the lightweight pedestal base. Checked out anvil atlas and peak but couldn’t find specs on base weight, so this helps a bunch. Currently have a griffin mongoose with the c-clamp, but it wobbles regardless of how hard you torque it down.
Thanks; I'm glad it helped! And this was a pretty accurate weight; I put it on my wife's food scales. This pedestal is solid. It's actually almost a pound heaver than my Regal base (the brass pocket one). I've heard pretty good things about the Atlas so I might try picking one of those up and reviewing it in the next couple of months...
@@SavageFlies Hi Matt, I also am looking at the Renzetti Traveler and thought I'd check some others out... I tie a large spectrum of sized flies from 22's on up to big SW and Bass flies. So it appears that the rotary angle is adjustable to accommodate large hooks and still maintain a rotary axis? Also I often wrench on my threads for big stuff and travel some so... do they have a C clamp base available for it?
@@leomillan720 -The rotary angle is really adjusted by sliding the jaws up and down so you can adjust for up to some pretty big hooks. I'm not sure how big as the biggest I've tied on it are maybe #4 streamers but I'm sure you can go bigger than that. It doesn't appear that they offer a c-clamp for it, but it's a fairly standard width post so I'm thinking almost any brand c-clamp would work. But also, I've never had any problem with this heavy base moving around on me.
I am interested in trying out the Renzetti Traveler too so if you end up going with that, let me know how it does. (I may try to review that or the Mongoose in the next few months.)
Good luck! Cheers. -Matt
And sweet Tag👍
I bought one and do recommend it. Very secure hook hold.
Thank you my friend! I appreciate the note.
Been looking at this for my first rotary, as I've tied 40 plus years on my trusty HMH. But was wondering is it a true rotary ? Reason I ask is you can adjust the head up or down for different size hooks. I enjoy your videos. Thanks
Thanks for the review. Beginner here. I'm using and old basement dweller vise. It's frustrating having to constantly fix the hook or hold it... I figure rotary is the way to go. I saw their "Base Camp" edition of this vise. Thoughts?
Thanks Brian! All the Peak vises are really solid. I dont think you could go wrong with any of theirs. And as for using a rotary, it's hard to go back to a standard after using one for a while. 🙂
Well, I finally bit the bullet and bought this Peak rotary vise. I don't actually have a real rotary vise. I have several traditional ones I have inherited, and one of those that turns but isn't really a rotary per se. That's the one I have been using for a long time, my daughter wants that one, so it's finally time to upgrade to something from the 21st century. It's been shipped but I haven't gotten it yet.
Oh, I think you're going to love it. And after tying on it for a while, it'll be hard to go back to a non rotary. I haven't tied on my Peak in a few months, and my travel vise is that little green Maxcatch I reviewed recently. It's nice for travel, but not near as sweet as the Peak. I'd love to hear how you like it after using it for a few days!
Yesterday I said I can't spend anymore money on fly tying for awhile. Today I go out and buy this 😬🤣 great so far though! It easily holds the size 24 and 26 my other struggles with. I've had so many shot across the room. No more of that.
Ha! I know the feeling. My Regal, which I love, has been known to launch a #22 across the room as well.
Do you have any problems tying on a 14 or 16 hook with the standard beefy jaws?
Great review
Thanks David! Appreciate you watching my friend.
I wish I knew about you when you started this channel. If it wasn't for your collaboration with Darren from Piscator flies (remember chimo greeting ;o) I probably never would've found you and sub'd.
I thought about buying this vise but Peak's specs on hook sizes I think stopped at #2. I tie lead head jigs on up to 1/0 hooks. My vise holds lighter aberdeen jig hooks okay but heavy wire or larger size hooks tend to slip if I crank with heavy thread. I should have got a Renzetti Traveler years ago. use to be $125 (when I first saw it) and said to hold 4/0. He who hesitates is lost :o(
Cool plate! I had a '91 F150 Lariat 4wd. Tank of a truck. Can't afford one now... let alone a high end vise, lol!
Thanks for the note Joe. I think my channel was nine months old when I did that collaboration with Darren. I had just hit 1,000 subscribers. There are a few folks who have been around and commenting since the very beginning, but I'm pretty much considering you one of my longest term regular watchers now too. I mean it has been almost a year! Re the Peak, I still like tying on mine, but I don't get anywhere near 1/0 on a regular basis. Now for the Renzetti Traveler, a couple of people have asked me to review it but if I do it'll probably have to be one of the lower end of the series like the 2000 or maybe 2200. I know some of them are in the upper $200-300 range so not cheap vises at all. Do you know of any of the big name tiers who use a Traveler? If I recall, Josh Varner might but I haven't paid too much attention to what the other tiers are using. Anyway, good note my friend. Thanks for commenting!
@@SavageFlies Thanks Matt! I guess I like to go window shopping, thanks for your advice. I was watching some reviews and went to that Peak heavy duty that Brian Wise uses - I think pipe fitters use it too! The search sent me here. To be honest I think the Mongoose would suit my needs. Darren told me he's tied /0 hooks on it and there's a jig tier I know uses one. And besides, I always liked Rikki Tikki Tavi ;o).... sorry.
@@SavageFlies Thanks for the Josh Varner tip, I'll check it out.
One failing the obvious improvement is to counterbalance the vice Jaws with weight on arm at 180 setting to make perfect smooth rotation
Didn't realize you were a Maryland boy ,I fished the Thurmont area years ago
Oh yeah, that's about half way between Beaver Creek and Big Hunting, right? I've got a place out in western MD near the Savage, but I mostly fish the Gunpowder. And the Pax and Middle Pax. (My interest in the Smoky Mountain flies-- I was born in TN and grew up in GA. Just going to retire here in Maryland)
Love my peak
Good review Matt, I like it when someone lists Pros & Cons-it’s much more authentic. Love the channel-keep up the work. I have been trying to email you a picture of my bench to be entered in the Peak Giveaway but it keeps saying your mailbox is full.
Thanks Thomas! I may need to clean it out but I've been getting emails as recently as last night so not sure. I'll enter you so no worries there. Just watch tomorrow morning's video when I do the drawing. Cheers. -Matt
I like that vice was gonna purchase it at the local sportsmans where house but instead got one that was a kit with 12 tool
I do like this Peak but there are plenty of good options out there. Thanks for watching!
i'm so new to fly tying i dont have a bench i have everything in a box pull everything out when i start at kitchen table.
Tim- most of us have been there my friend. We all start somewhere! Welcome to the fly tying community!! Cheers. -Matt
Are you in
/nearGarrett county? Do you have a shop?
My farm is in Allegany County, so next door to Garrett County. But nope, no shop for me. Maybe someday. :-)
I just got my Peak today. The standard jaws it came with won't hold #4 3x heavy 4x long hooks. I've adjusted the nut to the point where I can't even lock the cam lever. Ever had issues with your jaws?
Wow, that's good info to know. I've never had any issues but I've never gone to 3x heavy and #6 streamers are about the biggest flies I tie. They do have something called an LIRS head but I'm not familiar with it and at about a hundred dollars it's almost as expensive as the vise. I'll ask around and see if anybody I know ties this big on their Peak...
@@SavageFlies I was really surprised because the standard jaws are rated for 2/0 I think. I already have a Griffin Mongoose, but I wanted to try the Peak because it seems so much more stable on the pedestal than the Mongoose. However, right now the Griffin is just so easy to place a hook in and go to various hook sizes that I may just stick with that. Great reviews on both vises, BTW!
Saw your video for this Vice. A year later from you posting it, can’t find any peak Vice under $159. Oh well, so much for a good budget Vice 🤔
Does anyone know if it can hold an 8/0 hook?
Nice review. I still can't get over the big nut they use for pre-adjusting the jaws. They could have done something a little classier.
Thanks David! And yeah, no doubt that's a monster nut. But I never minded it as I only had to adjust it once or twice while using this vise all the time for a couple of years. Thanks for the note my friend. -Matt
Thanks for the video and the chance to enter your contest.
You got it Lee. Appreciate the support!
I have one , I love 💕 it .! 👍
Thanks Rick! Appreciate the feedback. :-)
They've raised the price from $155 to $210 since this video came out. Does anyone know if they've made any improvements that would warrant a 35% increase?
Wow, I just checked it out and you're exactly right. I looked at three different suppliers and they were all $210 now. And it doesn't appear that they have made any changes, or at least nothing significant. And that's a big price increase in barely over two years. This made me curious and I checked out a couple other vendors out there. It looks like Griffin has raised their prices as well, but not 35%. Maybe 10% or so, which seems reasonable over a couple of years. The Regal lines have gone up some as well, but nothing like this Peak. I'm not sure what to say, but at this price point my review might be less glowing. As far as the Renzettis or Dyna Kings, I'm not familiar enough with what they were costing a couple years ago to know how much they may have gone up.
👍
Thank you my friend!
There are several kinds of full rotary. Class One is the ability to inspect, or to add to the bottom. Class Two is the kind as on the Peak, that is designed to make it so you can rotate the fly while winding on material. The latter is kinda a gimmick, or if you don't agree, maybe there is a Norvise in your future.
The downside to the Peak/Renzetti format, is the awkward tying angle that these vices impose on a tier. Which would be great if it was useful for something else, but it really isn't. Most pros I see don't use the rotating feature. I even looked at some flies that would seem to benefit from rotation, and then looked up name tiers, and originators on YT, even ones who are rotary vise sponsored, and they don't use rotation, or even have the bobbin holder installed. A lot of guys demonstrate on rotary, for commercial reasons, or because, some of the top vises are rotary, they just don't use them. Rotary slows you down, and puts stress on posture.
I like Peak, in particular because they offer interchangeable jaws, and the LIRS jaws. They have an interesting clamp arrangement. But I have owned enough rotaries to know I don't prefer tying on them.
Great comment, and you know, I think you're spot on. I like having a "rotating" vise, and would find it hard to tie on one that didn't rotate at all. But as for a true rotary feature, I don't know if I've used mine for that two times all year. And I probably tie three or four nights a week. So that's a lot of tying without even using the rotary feature. Maybe that's why I love the Regal Revolution. It rotates really well (and smoothly) but it's not a true rotary meaning the hook shank doesn't rotate with the axis of rotation. Now I've never tied on a Norvise, but I honestly don't see one in my future. I have been eyeing the HMH TRV and may consider that someday, but I've been plenty happy with the Regal for a few years now.
I appreciate your insight on what others tie on, and your observation that very few use the rotary feature. I haven't thought much about it, but I think you're 100% right. It makes me wonder if rotary vises are kind of a gimmick. Sure, they make tying woolly buggers a slight bit easier, but how much time do you really save? And how often do I tie woolly buggers? The answer, not very often.
Thanks again for the note!
@@SavageFlies I realize this isn't a forum, but...
Even if you think of the Wolly Bugger, it is tied in a variety of different ways. I tie it much as one would a Wooly Worm all same direction wraps. I normally use a sparkle yarn body because I scored tons of Ruganel, and Aunt Lydia's off ebay. So rotating would mess with that.
It seems a lot of tiers prefer to reverse wrap the hackle, and then counter wrap with wire. So again, steps one would have to do manually anyway. And Even if one did it traditionally just cockscrewing the chenille and hackle, it would require twice setting up the half hitch, extending the thread, the cradle, and then retracting the thread. It just isn't efficient.
@@HondoTrailside Good points! I don't even put wire on my woolly bugger type flies. Just the body (usually chenille) and then palmer the hackle. And I can't recall the last time one has fallen apart on me. 🙂
You make a great point about the Regal rotary. I discounted that as a gimmick (I own two of those in the non R versions). It seemed excessive for inspection, and not sufficient for true rotary. But then, I don't use true rotary... A Cadillac inspection rotation might be nice. If I had a regal rotary I would use it at the same angle as my HMH.
Regals are the lowest cost vises that have full pro quality, and one sees in a lot of pro shops. If I wasn't in the HMH and Regal world I would and check out the Dyna King Professional, though it has a lot of stuff where I put my weak hand.
I've been trying to send you a email for the vise ,they keep saying that savageflies.com does not exist
That's odd. Just type it into the browser (or click the link in your comment) and you'll see the site. But don't worry Russell. I got you entered. And I know you're a tier. Cheers. -Matt