Ronan, Vise jaws are not an open-and-shut topic, so to speak. Obviously, hook-holding power is #1 on the list. But jaws can also be set so tightly that they crush light hooks. Vises with grooves work well, but small hooks that don't reach the groove won't hold well. My Dyna-King has bull-dog jaws as long as the hook is in the groove. But small dry fly hooks were sliding all over the place, no matter how tightly I set the collar. The fix? A new set of jaws. I had just worn out the old ones with large saltwater hooks (2/0 < 9/0). OTOH, my two Regals (20+ years old) still have great original jaws, but they lack the ability to open wide enough for large salt hooks. I recently bought a set of midge jaws for my Dyna-King , but I haven't had the chance to use them yet.
The problem with buying a vise is that all the jaws hold well new, and so one buys on features as well. The amount you tie, the tyes of hooks you tie on, how tightly you set the jaws- all are factors in how long the jaws will last. My Dyna-King's jaws would have lasted forever if I tied #8 flies and set the bend right in the groove on every tie. But cranking down on hundreds of 4/0 and larger hooks wore out the goove. Easy fix- new jaws. Like a brand new vise. I have tried a few others, but gave them up rather quickly in favor of my Dyna-King. I also like the overall stability of the vise, the tightness and the feel. Just my 2�, DonO ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Marriner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 6:36 AM Subject: Re: [VFB] Dan Vice > Ronan, > I've had a DanVise for several years and the jaws are very robust. What > part is misshapen? Is it the cam mechanism at the rear of the jaws? > cheers, > Paul > http://www.galesendpress.com > -- > Paul Marriner > Outdoor Writing & Photography. Owner: Gale's End Press. Member: OWAA & > OWC. > Author of Stillwater Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics, How to Choose & Use > Fly-tying Thread, Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies, Miramichi River Journal, > Ausable River Journal, and Atlantic Salmon. >
