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mnesbit

Presentation 4000 vs Saltwater Traveler durability

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Hello all,

I am interested in a Renzetti Saltwater Traveler for tying smallmouth and Pike flies. Should the aluminum parts hold up over the years or should I look at the stainless steel presentation 4000 to hold up better over time? Anyone who has experience with either I’d appreciate your insight.

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You'll have no problems with the aluminum parts of the Saltwater Traveler.  Before retiring and closing my fly shop I was a Renzetti Heritage Dealer.  I own and tie on a variety of Renzetti Vises my oldest being a Presentation 3000 that I bought back in the late 80's. 

My second oldest is a regular series Traveler (with the aluminum parts) which I actually did use as a travel vise and it has been on a lot of trips - many of them to saltwater destinations.  (bought in pre-Saltwater Traveler days)

Both of these vises with a wipe of a cloth and a bit of buffing look darn near new. They'd look new if I hadn't managed to drip colored head-cement and scratched them up some.

I wouldn't worry a bit about durability. When customers faced with a similar decision would ask my advise on which one I'd say both will hold your hook without slipping. One is handsome, even pretty and a pleasure to look at. The other has a functional, utility look. Given that it's a question of do you want to spend an extra hundred dollars for a work of art instead of a utility tool.

For me the answer would be I'll spend the extra hundred for the pleasure of looking at my vise some 40+ years later and thinking - man that's still one good looking vise and a pleasure to tie on.

 

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I bought a standard Traveler, used, in 1997, have tied thousands of flies on it and only had to replace the O-ring on the jaws. I don’t believe durability is an issue; it will outlive me.

Regards,
Scott

 

 

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For what its worth, I used a Traveler for years as well and, like SBPatt, tied thousands of flies with it.  The O-Ring was the only part that I ever replaced.

That vise is now in the hands of a friend who got started tying about four years ago and is still going strong.

 

The only reason I replaced it is I want something that holds the hook a little more securely for spinning deer hair. I bought a DynaKing Barracuda and couldn't be happier with it. Best vise I ever owned.

My advise is spend the extra for a better quality vise if you can afford it and have the desire but have no worries about how well the Traveler will hold up.

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