Elite Vise

Been tying trout flies as a hobby for close to 40 years and I never thought I would tie on anything else but my Regal. Boy was I short changing myself. I have wanted to try tying on a true rotary vise for quite some time now, as many of the patterns I tie are much easier to construct utilizing a rotary vise. My tying consists of creating trout flies ranging in size from 8 to 28. After considerable research, I decided on the Stonfo Elite and it did not disappoint. I found it to be a well-machined tool with exemplary fit and finish. The rotary action is buttery smooth as is the hook locking lever movement. With the supplied allen wrenches, it is super easy to adjust the jaw height axis rotation. All fasteners and adjusting hardware are quality made. As I tie on some rather small hook sizes, I also purchased the hook jaws for smaller hooks. Both the "standard" and smaller jaws firmly held all the hooks I tried with no slipping whatsoever. The Elite seems to be able to handle larger hook sizes but I have not tried anything larger than an 8. The interchangeable smaller hook size jaws are also very well made and fit and function perfectly. The pedestal base is adequate and the incorporated tool and hook / bead holders are handy but the base I made for my Regal is much heavier (stable) so I use that one instead. I also found the factory 5 3/4" Stonfo pedestal stem to be a little short for my liking and my tying desk and posture so I made a taller one using my mini lathe. Overall, tying on the Stonfo is a pleasure and makes for an even more enjoyable hobby. If you are considering moving to a rotary vise you owe it to yourself to try one, and be sure to include the Stonfo in your quest, the vise will sell itself if given the chance.