Hello, During my fly tying class this past winter, there were a few beginners in the class. They looked for my recommendation on starter vices.
I found a rotary vice at Jann's netcraft (of course after looking for vices at Line's End) that sold for $40. Two students decided to buy one. It is not as nice as my traveler but for the purpose of beginning to tie, it offers the nice ability to rotate the fly at each step which really is what a rotary at this price range is good for. We continued to tie flies from size 18 - streamers of size 4 and the vices worked well. I don't think size 20+ or ATS / Saltwater hooks would be the best on that vice, but for the price and the inspect-able rotary feature, both students were satisfied. They also have some really cheap tools at Jann's that allow you to fill a started kit with a bunch of neat stuff. Remember, the key with a starter kit is to offer many techniques and tools which to a kid is a big deal. Later, when we rely on the tools to provide perfection, repeatability, and 'a good feel' then those tools become junk and a waste of money. If my 3.5 yr old decides to get into fly tying, I will more than likely make my own kit with "cheap" china knockoffs [not my preference but until Wal-Mart goes out of business due to consumer choices to shut of the stream of importing] like those offered at Jann's, Cabelas, or Bass Pro. I already have my little guy fishing chili peppers with a fly casting bobber (since it is more efficient than worming a hook). So when the time is right, I know he will have some confidence patterns and this will be what I will gear the kit around. This way - his time at the vice will be rewarded on the water. That way the "I did it myself" needs are met. Just some observations. Thanks, Chris
