This year I switched to a Ty-Rite bobbon for the bulk of my tying and I think it works great (able to control thread tension much better). I’m experiencing far fewer thread breaks when tying. One thing I still struggle with is having to hand re-wind thread back on the bobbin in between tying steps. The automatic bobbins (Ekich and Nor-Vise) seem like they would aid tremendously. Does anyone use either of these? How do you like them?
A&W,
I have used (and still do from time to time) standard and Rite bobbins, but have pretty much gone to the Nor Automatic Bobbin. It does take some getting used to, but you can master it fairly well after a tying session or two. Slack take up is quck and easy and tension is controllered by placing pressure on the spool with the palm of your hand.
i started using the norlander, liked it so much i bought five more. it really makes thread control so much easier. once you try it you’ll never go back to a standard bobbin.
I tie with a Nor auto bobbin and I like it very much. It does take some getting used to, and care has to be taken when loading the spool or else all those poorly placed wraps of thread will come back to haunt you. I highly recommend it.
[This message has been edited by OkieBass133 (edited 27 May 2005).]
I just got a Nor vice and bobbin, the bobbin does take a bit to get used to it, but once you do - look out! You will wonder how you did without. Highly recommended!!
Have fun,
George
ggmiller
You don’t have to reload thread for the Ekrich. Just pop the spool on and tie.
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
LF,
Is the Ekrich bobbin a cross between a Rite bobbin and a Norlander bobbin?
A&W,
After getting used to an auto-bobbin, you will seldom use a standard bobbin again.
Too bad Norm isn’t a sponsor. 
…lee s.
For the difference in price, I’ll load my own spools 
Actually, I’m so cheap I didn’t even pay for my Norlander bobbin. I had to win it
Sounds like most who have tried the automatic bobbins like them and wouldn’t want to go back. Anyone who has tried them and not liked them?
I don’t know if the convenience of not having to load thread on the Norlander spools would justify the price difference between it and the Ekich either. I like that they’re a sponsor here, I do learn a lot from this site, but it’s basically twice the price.
If the Ekrich bobbin was priced more in line with the Nor auto bobbin, I’d be more impressed with it. As it is, you can get two Nor’s for the price of one Ekrich.
I hope he does reduce the price so more folks with shallow pockets could use them but expect he won’t.
Loading the thread for the nor takes mere seconds, no big deal whatsoever.
Happy Trails!
Ronn
I was looking at each bobbin on the web this morning and maybe the price difference isn’t so much. The Norlander bobbin with 4 spools is $50 and additional 3 spools is $10 - I think I can live with 7, I don’t think I can live with only 4, total $60. The Ekich is $80. I guess the real difference for me would be only $20.
Another vote for Norms bobbin. Like his vise it’s a ten!
Norlander has been invited to be a Sponsor, more than once. They declined.
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
Do any of you folks use waxed thread on your Norlander bobbins? I find that when I do the wax builds up and the bobbin no longer works properly.
Don
Don, i’ve found that (with traditional bobbins too) but just run a feather through it and it cleans it nicely.
Well, I was trying to feel my wife out for my next purchase (one of these 2 bobbins) and she thought that’d make a good father’s day present. Now I just have to decide which one - the Ekich seems a little more flexible, but there’s been such an overwhelming response for the Norlander model I’m still just not sure what I’ll do - maybe I’ll go fishin tonight and it’ll come to me in a moment of clarity.
I’ve had my Ekich for some three months now, and I’m impressed. Exemplary workmanship, and unlike the Nor bobbin the Ekich works with any standard size spool.
It’s great!
Martin
Does anyone besides me actually own and use both the Norlander and Ekich bobbins? I don’t think so. I just tied a fly with Benecchi 12/0 white on an Ekich and Danville 6/0 unwaxd black on a Norlander.
The drilling that Hywel refers to is not a big deal – it takes about 10 seconds. The problem with Benecci thread is not a problem with the Ekich bobbin; it is a result of Benecchi using a highly non-standard spool design.
Each bobbin has its advantages and disadvantages. I, for example, had problems with the thread sliding off the side of the spool and wrapping around the hub on Norm’s bobbin. The Ekich bobbin is asymmetrical, and so does not spin as readily to flatten thread. You also need to periodically release the tension in the clutch of the Ekich bobbin.
Winding thread onto the Norlander spools takes several minutes (3 or 4) using an electric drill.
When all is said and done, I have a slight preference for the Ekich, but not enough that I would recommend one over the other.
Stu
[This message has been edited by Stu Farnham (edited 30 May 2005).]
A drill is no longer needed. There is a “spool hub” that fits the shaft of the vise. VERY handy…especially while traveling and demo’ing.
Like said though, there are pro’s and con’s to everything. 
…lee s.