DWJensen 0 Report post Posted March 13, 2016 Looking at a used Griffin 3ARP tomorrow. Seller says it's in excellent condition. Anything special I should look for/at? I'll be tying larger (#6 and up) saltwater flies for reds, snook, and tarpon. Thanks for any advice, Daz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
josephcsylvia 0 Report post Posted March 13, 2016 Just make sure the hooks you want to tie fit tight in the jaws Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phg 0 Report post Posted March 13, 2016 make sure all the parts are there, that the mechanism works smoothly, and that there are no signs of abnormal wear. Take a hook along and try clamping it up, see if it holds. A vise is such a simple tool, that most defects are obvious. For price comparisons, I usually check eBay to see what others have been getting for similar items. You just search the completed auctions for the past 12 months. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWJensen 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2016 Thanks guys. I'm going to take a couple of my favorite flies to make sure it holds them. Hopefully everything looks as advertised - If it does you can definitely expect future posts from me asking about different ties... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2016 dont just take a couple of hooks and put them in the jaws to see in the jaws hold them, take some tying materials with you and actually tie a couple of flies to see if it fits your tying style and ergonomics Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWJensen 0 Report post Posted March 14, 2016 Well, I took a couple of different hooks and flies - Size 8 Crazy Charlie and a 2/0 tarpon fly - Everything fit and held nice and tight and the vise is now sitting on the counter waiting for me to get going. Thanks for the help. Next up is a few tools, hooks, and assorted materials from my local fly shop... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vicente 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2016 Nice I'm sorry of on the hunt for a new vice. I'm trying on a super cheap kit vise right now, it works, but it's not ideal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vicente 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2016 Look on eBay for hooks lots of good deals on there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWJensen 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2016 Yeah, I thought about doing that but I think I'd rather pay a little more and help support my local shop. They put on tying demos, casting clinics, kayak demo days and lately have even been doing some Friday night fish porn at the shop (fly fishing movies and videos)... I love that I can stop in and chat and get advice and info on gear and materials or just tell and hear stories. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vicente 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2016 You'll end up supporting them more then you probably realize in trying materials. Hooks are easy to pick out online and not impulse buy, you will in and you see some hair or feathers chenelle or something sparkly that would go just perfect on this pattern you want to try and you're out 5 bucks and then you see something else and it's 10 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
islander727 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2016 Derailing... Thought I'd say hello, as you are a neighbor to the south of me. I'm in North Port. Who's your local shop? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWJensen 0 Report post Posted March 15, 2016 West Wall - I'm usually in there once or twice a week at least. If you haven't been in in a while you need to check it out, Josh has increased inventory dramatically since buying Shane out and the place looks great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites