Thinking about trying a Regal

[Crotalus 0]

I started on a AA several years ago. Stumbled across a Renzetti 4000 in Cabela's bargain cave for a ridiculously low price, 8 years later I still havent found anything wrong with it so I have no idea why the original owner returned it. The rotary feature helped me to greatly improve my tying, especially wrapping wire and dubbing. But nowadays I find that I rarely use the rotary function except for brassies and copper johns. For hackle, ribbing and dubbing i just wrap them on the hook non-rotary.

 

My son is getting into tying more and using my old AA but having all the same problems with wrapping materials at the same time, the Regals have caught my eye for some reason. Maybe i am subconsciously tired of turning those two screws to insert and remove hooks since mine is a non-cam version

 

I am thinking of picking up a Regal for me and letting him use the Renzetti unless I am tying brassies or CJs. The Renzetti would also be my travel vise since it is pedestal and I am considering a C-clamp Regal for my desk.

 

All that being said, I am just curious if there is anything that Regal owners DONT like about their vise.

[utyer 0]

The only things I didn't like about MY Regal vise: It didn't Rotate, and it popped tiny hooks out of the jaws. I added a rotation devise when they first came out, but never was happy with the jaws for small flies. The newer jaws will more than likely solve that problem, and since my friend is still using my old Regal more than 25 years later, I can say it is a very durable vise.

[flyfishing99 0]

The only things I didn't like about MY Regal vise: It didn't Rotate, and it popped tiny hooks out of the jaws. I added a rotation devise when they first came out, but never was happy with the jaws for small flies. The newer jaws will more than likely solve that problem, and since my friend is still using my old Regal more than 25 years later, I can say it is a very durable vise.

 

 

Ahh...........you also got the Brad Device???? Remember that Regal got mad and said it would void the warranty? Brad then put a letter in Fly Fisherman magazine or something............?

[perchjerker 0]

I have been using one for over 20 years and love it. The down side has already been noted: it's tendency to 'spit out' very small hooks. The jaws tend to develop chips as a consequence of this tendency. Mine has, but I go back to my old Thompson for the tiny stuff now, and the chip is not a problem for the larger stuff; 18 and larger. The friend who talked me into the Regal has had the jaws on his replaced at least twice because of this problem. They honored their warranty with no questions asked in both of his cases.

 

I have the 'rotary' C-clamp model.

 

perchjerker

[Chase Creek 0]

I've had the Medallion for maybe 1 1/2 months. Previous vise was a Griffin Mongoose - full rotory. Before that, a few of the more popular rotary vises. Like you, found I didn't use the rotory feature all that much, and got tired of playing with the thumb screws every time I changed hook sizes (which really wasn't that often). Decided I wanted something with fewer bells and whistles ("simplify, simplify").

 

I got the medallion on sale from J.Stockard. That is one SOLID piece of equipment! Have had no problems with the hook popping out of the jaws. I got the standard jaws, and I don't think I could pull the hook out with my truck.

 

It does rotate, although not a rotory. You can rotate it to see the other side of the fly.

 

I really enjoy this vise. It feels like a well designed and machined tool. I don't think you would regret getting one.

[Val Schmaus 0]

I like everything about them.Best advice,get the stainless jaws,no need to worry about chipping,plus it will work for all the hook sizes down to 28's.

[JohnP 0]

I'll join the chorus of satisfied Regal owners. I have been tying on a Regal Medallion for almost a year now, and it is great. I have never had it spit out a hook, and I don't use the rotary function. I really enjoy just being able to pop in a hook and start tying, without having to monkey around with any adjustments. I have tied from size 1 bass and steelhead flies to size 20 dry flies with no problems. I have the standard jaws.

[gaeronf 0]

I can honestly say that I love this vice. I have never had a hook slip out on me and I have (on the standard jaws) tied on a 4/0 hook and down to a size 24 hook comfortably. When getting that small I would suggest Stainless or midge jaws. If you have a choice, get the stainless.

[onceahoosier 0]

I'm another satisfied Regal user. A few things I would say are "issues" with my Regal are:

 

1) Having never tied on a true rotary, I've always wondered what I'm missing. The Regal does everything I need though, no complaints.

 

2) I'm very careful putting those small hooks in the vice (size 18-20; I don't tie smaller than 20). I've had the Regal for about 2 years and have never launched a hook from it, I did have a cheap Regal knock off in the past and I did manage to send a few small hooks into orbit over 10+ years with that vice so I've been careful with the Regal to avoid a repeat.

 

3) I tie a lot of bass flies with mono weed guards and I've somehow managed to crush the weed guard on several occasions by closing the jaws on it. Not sure how that happened, guess I rushed taking the fly out and the maribou or flash gets caught in the material clip and I release the jaws before the fly is clear. The fly is still usable, but its annoying. I've been more careful and haven't had a problem for awhile.

 

As others have said, the beauty of the Regal is its simplicity, he ease of putting hooks in and taking them out quickly. Overall, I also love this vice. Good luck with your decision.

 

 

Tom

[atroutbum2 0]

I have been tying on a regal vice for 30 years and still love tying with it. I have no issues with it at all.

[Mr. Vegas 0]

Regal are great vises. Nuff said

[Jeremy Parker 0]

I've tyed on a regal for 20+yrs both commercially and for personal.

I've got to say I have no complaints what so ever.

The small hooks need to be put in the vise properly and they will never fly!

I ty down to size 28 and 32 and have never launched a hook!

 

Blessings,

Jeremy

[RodL 0]

I've been tying on mine for 20+ years, like others have stated the only issue is launching hooks if they are not placed in the jaws properly. I have done that one time and it was my fault! I contacted Regal and they promptly sent me a new set of jaws and the instructions on how to put the hook in the jaws properly. I purchased the midge jaws to tye the smaller stuff, another plus is that it only takes about 5 seconds to change the jaws on the rotating head model. I like the fact that you don't have to mess with screws, cams, etc when changing hook sizes. I have never had a true rotary vise so I don't mind that the vise is not true rotary.

 

Rodney

[Old Hat 0]

I tie on a Regal as well and after 10 years have only one complaint. It has a hard time holding larger hooks with the profile of a 200R. Fit the larger sizes in the pre made grooves and it separates the bend and I have had a few 200R hooks snap on me. Pull them forward out of the groove and the hook slips. This really isn't an issue, but is the only complaint I could find.

 

As far as the rotary function goes, I set mine parallel to the table if I want rotary, adjust the hook a bit and rotate it just fine. It's not "true" rotary but completely serves the purpose.

[bad fish rising 0]

i have owned a regal 30 yrs

i replaced the jaws once for like 15$ or something like that

i tie mostly big streamers 6-4/0 and the only problem i have is sometimes they slip down while binding down stuff

i know im heavy handed and have had this same problem on my renzetti traveler with smaller hooks 10-6

all in all its a great vise