Why is there such a wide range of prices on Renzetti vises? I don’t have a shop nearby but in catalogs they all seem very much alike with little explanation about details. Thanks
Here are several links that should answer your question about Renzetti vises. I have a Renzetti Traveler that I’ve tied with for over 15 years, and I wouldn’t trade it for any vise. I’ve tied many thousands of flies from bass bugs to midges, and it works as well as the day I bought it. There are very few things in this world that you buy and are completely satisfied with – this is one - and it’s the cheapest of the bunch. Good luck.
http://flyfisherman.com/ftb/hwvise/index15.html
Hi Ray,
I’ve been considering a Renzetti Traveler for a number of years because of posts like Afishinado’s. Renzetti users seem to have a very strong feeling for their vises or perhaps I should say their vices. My conclusions and my questions are the same as yours. The “bang for the buck” is clearly in the Traveler. I don’t see what would make the other Renzetti vises worth $200-$400 more. I believe the personal enjoyment of using the “best of the best” may have something to do with it. Since my 401K recently became a 101K, I believe I’ll stick with my Regal and two very nice and very usable knock-off vises that we warn newbies about all the time. Just my 2% of a dollar, I’m sure others will disagree. 8T 
I too use a traveler, it is a good vise, the only changes I would make would be a 4 inch longer stem to raise it higher and a heavier base. It is a good product that could be tweaked a little. But i have now idea why thereis such a variance in price, it does not make sense.
8,
If you’re tying on a Regal, I think you’re already tying on one of the best anyhow!
different quality level in each one
similar to automobiles. why is cadillac more expensive than chevrolet from the same company?
You may also see some good prices when a model such as the traveler changes. There were very good prices recently on the closeout version of that model.
Hi Normand,
I think that Ray and I are asking what is the measure of this quality difference. Better finish? Harder jaws? More holding power? We don’t see much difference other than price between the Renzetti models and the company’s descriptions don’t answer this question. Forgive me, Ray, if I’ve spoken out of turn or misinterpreted your post. 8T
Might be relevant. Ray Renzetti is such a neat guy, we have chatted with him several times at shows. They even were sponsors a while back. Few remember when he took trade-ins and then gave the trade-in’s to tying clubs and groups free. Fine thing to do. Oh, I tied on a Traveler for years.
During my fly-tying years, more than 25 years I used a lit of vises, but since I use my Renzetti presentation I think I have bought the last one I will ever use.
According to my hook-administration I can tell that I tied approx 7000 flies on it in the year 2007, and it still works great. The jaws show no sign of use,still hold hooks from TMC 811S size 2 down to hooks size 30.
Can only recommend Renzetti vises highly.
Cheers, Hans.
Tanks guys. I have several original Thompsons with assorted jaw sizes and they are indestructable. I recently received a Peak as a gift from my son and while it is a “best buy” iy seems to be designed for larger hook sizes. You can’t align the jaws so that smaller hooks really rotate on the vise axis. I think the Traveler has an adjustment.
Also, now what is this about Renzettis being left or right handed ?
One difference between a Traveler, and the NEW Presentation or Master is on the Master & new Presentation you have the ability to adjust the angle of the arm. Most rotary vices have a fixed arm angle. It may not seem like a big deal until you want to fine tune the true rotary alignment without moving the hook in the jaws OR you want extra clearance behind the hook when you don’t need the rotary function. I LOVE the adjustment when I want to tie super small midges.
Another difference is the jaws. The Master jaws hold the largest range of hook sizes with the Presentation and Traveler with similar hook size range.
And finally the Master has the widest range of attachments available for it. While some tyers may not feel the need for the attachments; others like me enjoy having a few extra hands when we need them.
I own both a Master & a Traveler and use them both but the biggest advantage to Renzetti is the service and Lily Renzetti!
Thanks Bamboozle : I now understand that. Any comment on the right hand vs left hand?
Ray,
If I am not mistaken the right hand, left hand designation is for the rachet feature of the rotary function.
i think the only person to answer the question without any speculation as to why theers different price levels is renzetti
Ray:
I believe the only two vises that specify hand are the Presentation 4000 and the Traveler. On the 4000 I think the reason it’s handed is because of the placement of the tension knob. On the Traveler; I think it’s because of the way the jaws are attached. I could be wrong but a phone call or e-mail to Lily will get you the definitive answer.
Two other differences between vises in the Renzetti line are: the Presentation 4000 & 3000 have arms that are made of stainless steel with a non-adjustable angle while the Presentation 2000 has an adjustable anodized aluminum arm. There are also some differences in the bases on the pedestal vices with the heavier and pricier vices getting the heaviest and nicest bases.
You also can use certain vice heads and stems with other bases to gain certain attachment advantages without springing for a Master.
There are quite a few differences between the various vises in the Renzetti line and not all of them are just about price. Whether or not folks need or feel those differences are worth the money is entirely up to them. Let’s face it; there are some folks who will use a pair of vise grips just to make a point.
When I decided to buy a rotary vise I did a lot of due diligence before making up my mind to buy what I did based on the type of files I tied the most. I considered every brand and model and tried quite a few out but the features I was looking for were only available on a Renzetti.
Obviously YMMV.
Ray, try the midge jaws, they are very reasonably priced and should resolve your issues.
http://www.peakfishing.com/MidgeJaws.htm
Rick
So, Ray, did ya give HIM that container of Overtons wax then???
Jeremy.
renzettis are available for left and right handed tiers.
check out some of the descriptions of the various vises to find out which ones are right or left
Hi Jeremy, You misunderstood. He gave me the Peak vise. I’ve had the wax for years and almost never us any wax at all. It’s the vise I don’t need now.