As winter rolls around each year anglers retreat back to the solitude of their tying bench. A sudden surge tying posts flood social media, and boom fly tying season has begun. For those who aren’t tiers yet, seeing this larger influx of trying content generally sparks interest, but some don’t know where to start. For others, they may get the itch that it is time to upgrade their ancient vise. This article aims to streamline the plethora of choices that Renzetti offers to the new and experienced tier alike. At the end of the article there is a personal review of several Renzetti vise models.
Renzetti revolutionized the fly tying industry with rotary vises. Not only did they manufacture rotary vises that allowed flies to rotate, they invented “True Rotary” vises, something entirely new. A rotary vise allows a fly to rotate, which ages ago was a massive upgrade from the standard fixed vises of days gone by. A rotary vise allowed tiers to see the far side of their fly without having to get up and crane their head over their vise. The geometry on the shaft of a true rotary vise allows a fly to rotate while keeping the hook shank in line. This is an advantage for using the rotary function to palmer hackle, wire, thread, dubbing, dubbing loops, etc.
Renzetti is a household name in the world of fly tying. They have a plethora of options for vises, attachments, tools, and materials. Their vise models range from simple, beginner vises, to expert vises that offer the distinguished tier the most elevated fly tying experience that money can buy. Any vise model from Renzetti from the Apprentise to the Master is a lifelong investment that will outlive you. This guide aims to effectively capture the astounding craftsmanship put into each and every Renzetti Vise in a way that you otherwise could only comprehend by having one in your hand.
Apprentise
Beginning with their most basic offering, the Apprentise is a fantastic option for the minimalist, or beginner tier. The Renzetti Apprentise has a simple jaw and hinged stem with its standard 8″ shaft. This allows the vice jaws to be pivoted and spun, but does not offer a “true rotary” function. Any of the following vises below will offer true rotary capabilities. The Apprentise is a leg up from most vises of its style as it can rotate your fly. The ability to spin the fly you are working on is arguably a must. Most fly tiers know that if you don’t pay attention to your “blind side” facing away from yourself, your fly will only look half good. This vice also is not compatible with a Renzetti Material Clip, which I’ve found to be an extremely useful tool on my vises. Like all of their vises, the Apprentise comes in a pedestal base option and a C-Clamp option. For someone who is just getting started, this is a fantastic option. With the Apprentise being a simple model, it does not come with many additional attachments. Renzetti has a plethora of modular attachments to enhance your experience tying on an Apprentise. It is sufficient for the tier who is looking for quality, but does not require a true rotary function on their vise.
Traveler
The Renzetti Traveler is by far Renzetti’s most popular vise. It is their entry level “true rotary” option, and blows their competition out of the water for comparable models. The Traveler, hence its name, is a basic rotary vise which is built light enough to travel with, while still maintaining a level of craftsmanship that will last you your whole life. These vises are not only trusted around the globe, but have traveled the world with many ambitious traveling anglers over the years. They break down virtually flat, and are light enough to travel with, but heavy enough to stay put on your desk.
With a true rotary vise, your dominant hand plays a large role in which vise you should purchase. Most vises are manufactured with right handed people in mind. For those of you left handed folks, make sure you are looking at a left handed model for all of the following vises.
The Traveler comes in a base model with non-anodized aluminum. Anodizing is a finish which adds exceptional durability to the finished product. The next step up would be their anodized aluminum lineup. This features the core silver and black, but also several other colors such as blue, red, purple, green, etc. This allows an additional level of personalization with the ample color choices. One step above the anodized Traveler is the Saltwater Traveler, which has burlier components, and a finish that is salt-safe.
The Traveler is the next tier of Renzetti vises where you have the opportunity to explore the expanded modularity of Renzetti’s products. Cam jaws can be swapped for smaller midge jaws, game changer jaws, heavy saltwater jaws, etc. tool bars, parachute attachments, heavier/ lighter bases, visual plates, etc. can be added to further customize your vise to fit your needs. All basic components are available to replace, too setting you up to have this vise for life. All Travelers come stock with a bobbin rest and a material clip.
Presentation
The Renzetti Presentation is a step up from their base rotary model, the Traveler. The Presentation is a fantastic mid priced option in Renzetti’s true rotary world. Upgraded components are the main difference that you see when comparing the two. All Presentation models come with a larger stock base compared to the Traveler and Apprentise. There are 3 different models within the Presentation family [2,000/ 3,000/ 4,000] and each is catered to a specific type of tier. The Presentation is compatible with countless attachments to customize your vise for your needs. The Presentation is a fantastic option for the experienced tier who knows their tying style and may want to hone in on a vise with more specific attributes.
Presentation 2,000
The Presentation 2,000 is reminiscent of a traveler with one major distinguishing factor. The P2,000 sub-family always features a hinged shaft which allows the tier to change the angle at which the jaws sit. This allows maximum versatility to turn the vise from a true rotary to a straight stem vise, or hit every other angle you could imagine. This may be especially advantageous when tying streamers, articulated flies, and, in my experience, tying on curved hooks such as a Tiemco 2457 or an Ahrex FW 524 Super Dry Barbed Hook. For curved hooks specifically, it allows you to make the rear bend of the hook flat like your standard dry fly hook. This minor adjustment is a feature that I enjoy on my Renzetti Master, but is conveniently available at a lower price point. The P2,000 sub-family is the first vise, in terms of price point, where you will encounter a ratchet actuator arm. This ratcheting arm to rotate the stem is a convenient feature, but if you don’t like it you can lock it to behave like a base Traveler would. The P2,000 and all other Presentations a hinged stem to adjust the pitch of the vise while maintaining the true rotary geometry. Like all models Traveler+, the P2,000 comes stock with a bobbin rest and material clip. The most defining feature of the P2,000 is the hinged shaft, the only other model to feature this is a Master, so if that appeals to you the P2,000 or Master are for you.
Presentation 3,000
The Presentation 3,000 is a vise made for small flies specifically. If you live and fish somewhere that demands flies in the 16-28+ range this is the Renzetti Vise for you. Although many other Modular Renzetti models allow for the swapping of a Midge Jaw, the P3,000 is made for it. The P3,000 sub-family always features a small jaw that has a knob adjuster which is unique in the greater Renzetti family of vises. The P3,000 features a hinged stem to adjust the pitch of the vise, but always maintains a true rotary as the shaft does not adjust like the P2,000 sub-family. P3,000 comes stock with a Ratchet Actuator crank arm. Like all models Traveler+, the P3,000 comes stock with a bobbin rest and material clip. If you fish tiny hatches often and fish dries like Tricos, BWOs, Midges, Small Caddis & Cranes, etc., the P3,000 should be on your radar. The same goes for folks who fish tailwaters and spring creeks with snobby fish that demand microscopic nymphs.
Presentation 4,000
The Presentation 4,000 is the vise for tiers who absolutely love the Traveler, but want something a little more. It is upgraded with components like a larger base, ratchet actuator crank arm with additional adjustable tension knobs, and an overall elevated build. The P4,000’s inherent modularity allows for tiers to tailor this vise for their specific needs. P4,000 can accommodate 3 different jaw styles and countless attachments based on your tying style. Like all models Traveler+, the P4,000 comes stock with a bobbin rest and material clip. If you like the Deluxe Base that the Master offers, the P4,000 offers this stock. It is a fantastic option for tiers looking for a more elegant tying experience, but aren’t looking for the adjustable stem, built in material clip, and overall burlier build that the Master offers. The P4,000 is still a fantastic option for the traveling tier that wants a nicer vise than a Traveler. The P4,000 has an edge on packability when compared to the Renzetti Master.
Master
The mighty Renzetti Master is the flagship model from our friends at Renzetti, and is generally regarded as one of the finest fly tying vises that your hard earned money can buy. The most notable feature of a Master is its burly construction. Every feature of this vise is upgraded and made heavier. Tying on a Master is a dream and the vise feels bolted to your desk even with a pedestal base. There are countless attachments to dial in a Master that reflect the owners needs. The Master will be the last vise you will buy, and like any other Renzetti vise comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Master Vise family comes with upgraded cam jaws which are significantly burlier than any of the other cam jaws that Renzetti offers. All additional jaw styles for the Master maintain this overbuilt construction style while still offering the maneuverability that a specialized jaw offers. Every Master vise comes with a ratchet actuator arm with additional tension knobs which allows the tier to meticulously dial in the tension for each fly. If you are not a fan of the ratcheting arm, you can lock it out and override the ratcheting behavior. Like the Presentation 2,000, the Master features a hinged shaft which allows the utmost adjustment for tying everything under the sun. Like all vises in the Presentation family, the Master comes stock with a hinged stem which allows you to change the pitch of your vise head while maintaining the necessary geometry for a true rotary tying experience. Something unique about a Master is that is comes stock with a hinged adjustable material clip. This allows the tier to move the spring of the material clip to and from the hook. No other material clip allows the material to be loaded with your desired tension. Like all models Traveler+, the Master comes stock with a bobbin rest.
The Master is built for the most meticulous of tiers that demand the highest quality of vise on the market. That does not mean that the Master is exclusively available to the best of tiers, below I will write my account of how purchasing a Master shaped me into a better tier, demanding a higher standard of myself with every fly tied on it.
A previous long-winded Master review is available here.
Commemorative Grand Master
A breif note on the Commemorative Grand Master Vise from Renzetti. This limited run vise is a celebratory vise for Renzetti’s 50 year anniversary. They partnered with their friend and experienced woodworker, Gary Kokasiel to create a beautiful handcrafted box to house each Commemorative Grand Master Vise. Like all Renzetti vises, the Grand Master Vise is hand polished with the utmost attention to detail. It comes with a variety of additional accessories in the custom wood box: C-clamp lap extension, C-clamp, AuSable speed crank, spinning attachment, Clouser minnow arm, streamer pedestal bench, 3-inch stem extension, and midge jaws. There were only 100 of these made for the anniversary, and we still have some here.
Attachments & Tools
Renzetti has offered the option for anglers to customize their tying experience whether they are on an Apprentise or a Master with countless attachments and additional swappable modular components. They also manufacture some incredible tools in house. Some of our favorites are below.
Midge Jaw
The Midge Jaw from Renzetti is available for Traveler, P2,000, P4,000, and Master Vise configurations. This jaw is a staple for tiers who sometimes need a jaw that is smaller. The jaw swaps quickly for when one needs to tie up some microscopic bugs. If tiny flies are your forte, the P3,000 is the vise for you. The Midge Jaw is a fantastic option for the angler who has to tie extra small bugs often, but not exclusively.
Gamechanger Jaw
The Gamechanger Jaw is available for Traveler, P2,000, P4,000, and Master Vise configurations. It is staple for tiers who frequently tie gamechangers. Towards the rear of an articulated gamechanger, the shanks get increasingly smaller. The Gamechanger Jaw gives tiers extra space to work on a small shank.
Tool Bar
The Tool Bar from Renzetti was released a few years ago and is a popular option for anglers who want to store their tools on the shaft of their vise. The Tool Bar slides onto the shaft and conveniently swings around the shaft so it is always close by, but out of your way.
Tool Bar Station
The Tool Bar Station is a fixed option to secure up to three Tool Bars on a machined aluminum plate which sits right on your desk. It is a fantastic option for at home. When you’re on the road, you can always toss one or two of the Tool Bars right on your shaft for travel.
Bobbin Rest
The Bobbin Rest is available as an upgraded component for the Apprentise vise, as it comes stock with all other models. They allow you to rest your bobbin and free up a hand while prepping materials or palmering. They are universal and will work with any Renzetti vise if you happen to misplace the one that came with your vise.
Material Clip & Hook Retainer & Material Clip
Additional Material Clips are available for purchase in case you misplace your clip that came stock with your vise. There is also a Hook Retainer & Material Clip option for those of you who tie articulated flies which features a hook retainer to hold tension on the trailing hook. This is a game changer for articulated flies. Again, both material clips are not compatible with the Apprentise.
Flybar
The Flybar is a newer product from Renzetti which allows tiers to place their completed flies in foam slots for tying or short term storage until they make it into a Fly Puck or Fly Box. It can be installed on a Bobbin Rest, or on the end of a Tool Bar.
Soft Foam Caddy
The Soft Foam Caddy is a long standing Renzetti product that continues to be a tying bench staple to this day. It is a foam caddy which corrals your tools at your tying station. It has countless spaces for holding various tools, and is small and lightweight so it can be stowed when you do not need it.
Ruby Tip Bobbin
The Renzetti Ruby Tip Bobbin is a well known bobbin that features a ruby tip to protect thread. Threads can create grooves in tips of certain bobbins. A grooved bobbin will constantly pop your thread under pressure. The industry has adopted ceramic as a material to coat/create the tips of bobbins. While it is a huge step up from a metal tip, it is still prone to grooves from advanced threads like GSP style threads. The Ruby Tip Bobbin provides additional protection from thread carving grooves in your bobbin.
Renzetti Hair Stacker
Renzetti has three sizes of high quality hair stackers. The attention to detail can be felt the second they are picked up. A lightweight/cheap hair stacker does not effectively stack hair. These hair stackers will properly stack hairs in 3 sizes for anything you may be tying.
Warranty
Defects/ breaking components are extremely rare with Renzetti products. That is exactly why they have the fantastic reputation that we know them for. They have a lifetime warranty, so you know you are covered for life if anything arises regarding the original materials/ workmanship. If an issue does arise, Renzetti has fantastic customer service and will not hesitate to do everything in their power to help.
If you have any question or have trouble finding any of the mentioned products on our website please reach out to us directly. We are happy to help you get you started, or upgrade your vise, and enhance your tying experience.
-Simon
Phone: (541) 342-7005
Email: Support@caddisflyshop.com
My Renzetti Experience
I am familiar with just about every Renzetti model and have tied on most Renzetti staples. I have owned two Renzetti vises and countless tools and attachments from them. The reality is that with any Renzetti Vise you purchase, you really do not ever need to buy another, unless it has a feature that you overlooked purchasing your first vise from them. In terms of lifespan, these vises will outlive you and you will never need to replace it. As many tiers progress in their skill, it is not uncommon for tiers to upgrade their vise to match their skill and or perform a certain task better.
I started many, many years ago with a cheap rotary vise which did not last long. I quickly realized that a rotary vise is not the same as a true rotary one. The cheap vise did not last long and I quickly upgraded to a Traveler. Upon unboxing the difference in quality was immediately apparent and staggering. The true rotary function allowed me to both view the far side of my fly, and use the function to precisely palmer various materials. Proportions, segments, palmering, and more improved in the first few flies. Eventually, I upgraded to the larger streamer base which I recommend to anyone purchasing anything Traveler+. It improves stability, and although it is bigger, it is a must for me tying at home. You will always have the stock smaller base for when you travel.
I had the opportunity to purchase a Master , and I had a certain degree of imposter syndrome in the few days before acquiring it. The Master is a serious vise and I wanted to have good reason for owning one. Very quickly I realized a similar phenomenon emerged where I seriously raised the bar for myself using a vice of this caliber. This vise is one that, at some point in one’s life, they should own, or at least tie on. The Master finds itself most at home in your home. It is heavy, burly, and although it travels well, I typically relegate my Traveler to road trips. I do bring the Master to and from the shop for filming tying tutorials and to a local brewery, Falling Sky, for our monthly Community Nights. The Master as well as any of their vises travel fine in the Fishpond Tailwater Tying Kit.
A previous long-winded Master review is available here.
One thing that I have noticed every time that I have upgraded vises is that I improve as a tier almost instantly. There is a certain unspoken expectation that you should take more time, focus, and effort in creating better flies on a better vise. After purchasing my Traveler, I had a significant jump in skill. After purchasing my Master, the bar was raised even higher and I demanded better flies of myself tying on a “Master Vise”. This generally is not the reason that people upgrade their vises, but is an inadvertent plus that comes from purchasing yourself a better vise. Anyone drowning in too many hobbies to keep up with is familiar with this phenomenon.
My main vise these days is my Renzetti Master. It can be seen in our countless fly tying tutorials here on our Blog, YouTube, and Instagram accounts. It has tied me hundred of flies that have afforded me unforgettable days on the water. I have been won over by Renzetti’s unrelenting attention to detail and fine craftsmanship.
I have recommended many Renzetti Vises to friends and customers alike. Everything from an Apprentise to a Master, I have recommended or set people up with and have never heard negative feedback. Always, individuals are elated and are pleased with their purchase. Renzetti has a vise for everyone, and fantastic customer service to accompany you into your old years. Your Renzetti Vise will become a familiar evening companion that will grow old with you; like a friend that you have shared hundreds of hours with, and can enjoy each other’s company in silence.
If you have been considering treating yourself to a new vise, I highly recommend you sift through this guide and find what is right for you. I hope you lean into and reach up to the proverbial “raised bar” and enjoy your new vise and improved flies that your vise helped you craft.
If you have any question or have trouble finding any of the mentioned products on our website please reach out to us directly. We are happy to help you upgrade your vise, and enhance your tying experience.
P.S. If you are a tier, scour our Blog, YouTube, and Instagram account for hundreds of proven fly patterns proven across the world.
-Simon
Phone: (541) 342-7005
Email: Support@caddisflyshop.com
