Who ties on these and what are your thoughts?
I tie on a HMH Spartan, and I like it a lot. It is nothing fancy, but it is a tried and true vise, made in the USA. It would be hard to get a better built vise. Now the Spartan has only one thing that bugs me, the cam pin likes to slip out every 3 months or so, but that can be fixed. The pin just screws in with a flat head screwdriver, and there is no nut on the other side to lock it in. I can go to the hardware store and get that taken care of with new hardware, but that is my only complaint. It holds a hook extremely well. The Standard I am sure is a better vise than the Spartan, and I think you will be pleased with it. These vises are made in Maine if I am not mistaken.
Have you had any problems with the head moving when pusing down on the cam lever?
No problems at all. The vise works perfectly. If you go to their website, they have a video of the vises, and how to set them up once you get your package in the mail. I plan to keep this vise from now on. It will be years before I upgrade, as this vise is a solid vise, and to me it was the best for the money.
I have been to their website and have watched their video. Seems simple enough.
I tie about 25% of my time on an HMH Spartan. It is a very nice vise. The only issue that I have with the Spartan (and I don’t think it would be present on the Standard) is a lack of room under the barrel - I always get tangled up with the vise stem. Beyond that, it grips a hook like nothing else, is well made, well finished, and an all around joy to tie on.
I also tie on a Spartan. I have looked at the Standard but can’t spend the money when the Spartan seems as good of a vise. They both are basically the same construction, same jaws, etc. The only practical difference that I can see is the longer barrel on the Standard.
I have one and love it. I will usually use it for some of my larger flies. I will however from time to time make it my primary when I want a change of scenery.
When I was looking at getting the Standard or the Spartan the difference seemed slim so I went with the cheaper Spartan.At first i liked the vise it is solid and will last forever. but on mine the whole head would move when i would lock in the hook no matter how much i would try and tighten the hex head bolt it would slip. Also as my tying would progress and i found myself wanting to tie more rotary the vise just fell short. All i use my HMH Spartan for now days is for tube fly’s. This is just one mans opinion but if you are going to spend the money for a Standard look around there are better ones out there for the price.
I bought my Standard in late 1980’s . The only thing replaced in all that time is the delrin washers on the barrel . Absolutely the best vise I have seen or used ever and it is versatile for any hook I have seen with the four jaws sets I have acquired over the years . Plus it’s American made and built to last forever . Twice a year I take it apart then clean and oil it and it’s ready to go …Frank
I got my Standard off Ebay used a couple years ago. I love mine and don’t plan on ever changing to a different vise.
If your head is rocking when you push down on the cam lever perhaps you’re trying to over-lock the hook into the vise. One thing I notice is if you don’t put the hook into the jaws far enough or “deep” enough you might think you have to really crank down on the cam to lock the hook. You don’t - you just have to get a little more of the jaw surface on the hook.
Also make sure you’re using the right jaw for the right size hook.
Thanks Steve for the suggestion. I am sure that I am placing the hook far enough in the jaws but will double check that for sure. I have gotten to the point of thinking I might sell the vise and move on.
Dave
“If your head is rocking when you push down on the cam lever perhaps you’re trying to over-lock the hook into the vise. One thing I notice is if you don’t put the hook into the jaws far enough or “deep” enough you might think you have to really crank down on the cam to lock the hook. You don’t - you just have to get a little more of the jaw surface on the hook.”
and if that fails maybe its a design flaw and its time to move on;)
I emailed HMH about the problem I am having and have made arrangements to send it to them. They will either fix it or send me a new one. All at no charge. What more could I ask for?
I had this problem with my Spartan. I sent it back to the manufacturer and they took care of it promptly. It’s a tolerance/fit issue. There’s no excuse for inadequate quality control, but things do happen. I have had no other problems with it. It’s the best vise I’ve ever had.
That’s what Roger at HMH thought might be wrong with mine as well. And I am hoping to feel the same way that you do once I get mine back.
A top notch vise, I actually like it better than my other vises. It hasn’t let me down either and its great for tubes flies.
Dave - I’m sure you’ll come to love your HMH Standard. I’ve had mine for 7 years now, and have tied thousands of flies on it. It has been absolutely perfect so far. I took mine apart once to clean and lube it, and it shows zero signs of wear.
The Standard has a few really strong features that make it one of the best vises ever:
- comfortable hand placement when holding materials
- great adjustability to any tying position
- best midge jaws on the market
- best access to the rear of the hook of any vise - period
- designed to last forever, and guaranteed to do so
One little tip I have for you is to put a tiny dab of teflon based grease (SuperLube) on the cam surface that contacts the adjusting ring. Periodically wipe these surfaces clean and reapply the grease. Doing this very minor bit of maintenance will keep the cam action buttery smooth, and requiring less effort to lock the cam in place.
If you ever get another vise, it’ll be because you want a new one, not need a new one.
H.A.
H A, You assessment is right on the money. BTW, I wouldn’t think twice to get few more HMH’s to keep up with tying production though. Even my Renzetti’s give me fits with room behind the hook on smaller flies.