Hi everyone,
Anyone out there own and use this vice and what is your opinon.
Any help will greatly be appreciated.
Cheers
Griffin makes some great products and backs them with their guarantee.
I frequently use a Griffin Patriot, which is cam operated but otherwise very similar to the 3ARP. Well-designed, American-made, non-glare finish, easy (but kinda funky) adjustment, and built to last. It has exceptional hook holding ability, a quality lacking in some vises. Mine came with both pedestal and clamp bases. I believe the 3ARP can be purchased with both bases as well.
What is making you consider this vise, and what types of flies will you tie?
Hi and thanks for replying so quickly. I like that the vice rotates at 90 degrees to its axis (if i have explained it correctly) inturn the fly will as well. I tie both salt and trout flies and want to get into Salmon and Atlantic flies to.
I was also thinking of the Patriot, I like the cam locking system.
Cheers
If you’re looking at tying saltwater and salmon flies, then I think you’d be making a fine choice. I mostly use my Patriot for salmon/steelhead flies and streamers. The head does rotate to allow easy inspection on opposite side. I’m sure you know this is not a true rotary vise, of which Griffin also makes several models.
Some tyers might find the 3ARP/Patriot vise head a bit bulky for tying tiny flies, and I would probably agree even though the vise still offers better access to the rear of the fly than many rotary vises. As a plus, the flat top does make a comfortable handrest
The 3ARP jaws are larger than the 2A and can handle size 4/0 to 28s—I use the 3ARP,and a Odyssey for personal use and wouldn’t buy anything else. I also have 6 2As for for children tying class. Great vises and if those kids cant break them no one can. I find the 3ARP is a great vise also for tying tube flies.
I have the Griffin Montana Mongoose. It is my second Griffin vise, the first is an Odyssey that is still in perfect condition after some eight seasons, or so. I haven’t seen a vise better than the Mongoose for anywhere near the money. It locks up hooks from size 20 to 5/0 without a whimper. The Mongoose is not only functional and handy with the lever lockup but is a handsome tool worthy of a place on any fly-tying table. US made, great service and the high integrity of the the designer makes it a best buy in my book.
Good Tying,
Les Johnson