Peak Rotary Vise Review
As well-weathered consumers, we learn to be cautiously optimistic. This is especially true when the first time we see a product is when the UPS guy shows up. Well, imagine my surprise when my vise from Peak Engineering and Automation arrived! This vise truly is a great example of quality materials put to use in the right places. Like many tiers, I’ve tried pretty much every type of vise I could get my hands on. Most of them held hooks well, most of them were quite expensive. I’ve arrived at the fact that, in spite of their visual appeal, I couldn’t justify paying such a crazy amount of money. The Peak Rotary Vise delivers full rotary function, stainless steel, brass and tool steel construction at an awesome price. The beautifully machined premium materials aside, FUNCTION is where this vise really shines. Unlike any of the other cam-style vises I’ve tried, the Peak Rotary cam lever ends it tightening stroke with a positive "stop" that tells you it’s in position. Other styles of cam vises leave you with the feeling that the harder you squeeze, the tighter it will get. The single cam adjustment nut provides a simple, one-handed adjustment of the jaw gap for various hook sizes. Peak has both midge and saltwater jaws to compliment the versatile standard jaw.
Tying With The Peak Rotary Vise
My first test was to find out what hooks the standard jaws would NOT hold. After trying everything from #24s up to size #4 streamer hooks, I realized that the "standard" jaw it comes with is anything BUT "standard." My guess is that most tiers would be well-served by these jaws, easily tying a terrific variety of hook sizes and shapes. Having said that, there are times when you have a pile of extra large (or extra small) flies that would be better-suited to job-specific salt water or midge jaws. Like the vise, these jaws are made to last a lifetime. The second job was to see how easy it was to change the jaws. In two minutes, I had the standard jaws out, and the saltwater ones in. Very easy.
If you’re looking for a new, or second tying vise, visit www.peakfishing.com and see what they’re all about. If you decide to email Kurt, let him know you saw it on HipWader. Cheers, Rob O’Reilly "O’Reilly’s Tying Bench"
Related Link: Peakfishing.com
