All About Bobbins! (Fly Tying Tool Primer)

If you have ever wondered what bobbin holder is best for you, this video should help you answer the question. From the $3 bobbins that come with a lot of kits, to the $75 high-end tools... I explain some of the differences here.
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Savage Flies is a project with the mission of encouraging and teaching fly tying to as many people as possible. The channel is named after one of my western Maryland homewaters, the Savage River. Thanks for stopping by.

[@kadenfleetwood138]

Thanks to your video’s I learned how to tie better flies I just started a bout a year ago so I don’t have much experience but thanks to your video’s I have more experience #bobbins

[@ejmacewan8942]

JUST SUPER,,,, LONG TIME OVERDUE,,,, THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFO AND DEDICATION… #Bobbins

[@rayouellette5258]

Very informative video I'm kinda liking the loon bobbins thanks for the video#bobbin

[@bigcheese8520]

Another very informative lesson. Thanks for the detailed review on #Bobbins. As another newby, started with the least expensive model,

[@thomassalkeldjr.19]

Hey Matt ......thanks again for sharing the knowledge . Good fishing Tom #bobbins

[@huntingmissouri5420]

I have the c-f and I love it!! Nothing better then them in my mind!! I have alot of 5 dollar one, not even sure of their name but the work good to. Don't spend more then you can afford is my advice to everyone!! Keep your thread tight!!!

[@SavageFlies]

Oh yeah Franky, you can't go wrong with the C&F. I can't pinpoint what it is, but that thing is just sweet. :-)

[@ybarrajc]

Thank you Matt, I always appreciate your educational videos. #Bobbins

[@jerryg957]

Nice review of those different styles of bobbin holders.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Jerry and good luck to you my friend!

[@fishgutts4824]

I am new at fly tying. I really enjoy watching your videos. You always do an awesome job. #Bobbins

[@forgottenforest1]

Perfect I needed a good bobbin

[@justintjeerdsma3124]

Love the review as always Matt !! #Bobbins

[@JuGgala22]

super interesting ! will help me choose my first kit for sure ! #Bobbins

[@robertsmith6504]

Thanks Matt that was very helpful information for a new tier like my self. #Bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Robert and good luck to you my friend!

[@gdreilly]

#bobbins Matt, good advise and information on bobbins

[@mikesflies5005]

Thanks Matt. Another good tutorial. #bobbins

[@scottrhead8519]

#bobbins thanks for the video. I've not been able to tie but gonna get back to it soon. Got some uv2 marabou feathers to tie some ice fishing jigs. Thank you for that video.

[@SavageFlies]

You're welcome Scott and good luck my friend!

[@michaelrollins1370]

Great primer matt!! Always enjoy your knowledge. #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

I appreciate it Michael; and good luck to you!

[@SavageFlies]

Michael- congrats brother! I just did the drawing for the bobbins and your comment came up. Send me your address and I'll get them in tomorrow's outgoing mail. :-) [e-mail]

[@charlieeastland2249]

Thanks Matt. I’m new to tying so all this information is invaluable to me. Thanks again. #Bobbins

[@lorawinfrey9112]

Nice review of those bobbins especially for someone like me that's new at fly tying very informative #bobbin

[@SavageFlies]

I appreciate it Lora; and good luck to you!

[@klb6910]

Always helpful videos. Not talking down to anyone. #Bobbins

[@larrymcgauley3719]

I'm a beginner fly tier and find your videos most enjoyable and your tips on buying material from craft shops have saved me wear and tear on my SUV and wallet. Thank you sir.

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

I have a Rite bobbin ( the basic one) and I have about a 1/2 dozen Dr. Slick ECO ceramic tip bobbins and I like them all just fine. It did take a little while to get used to the feel of the Rite bobbin though after using only the standard style for as long as I have. I have been tempted to buy one of the high end bobbins but it would be just to say I have one and I would probably stick mostly to my Dr. Slicks ECO's.

[@SavageFlies]

Great comment! I haven't tried the Dr. Slick but I like their other tools (particularly their scissors) so I might have to give it a chance. Thanks for the note. :-)

[@steveengebretson6080]

#bobbins. Great info. Been tying for 2 years and am a fan of Rite bobbins.

[@themazamen]

I'm in the Kelly Galloup school, one can not have enough #bobbins . My favorite has become the Dr. Slick glass insert bobbins. The thread flows really smoothly, I don't have to worry about nicked thread, and for some reason, it feels really comfortable in my hand. I think it has to do with the weight. It's not heavy but the tube is a little beefier to allow for the glass insert. I have a couple of Rite Bobbins, but for some reason the open design never feels comfortable in my hand.

[@Nick-df2yk]

I've been watching tying videos for a while now and am hooked!!! I just got my first little $50 fly tying kit literally yesterday, and I have a bit of materials on the way that I just ordered today to get started!! I love your videos and can't wait to try some out!! #bobbins

[@k_kelsey]

How’s it coming along?

[@dennismccarthy7146]

As always Matt an honest and straight forward review. Bravo Zulu.

[@SavageFlies]

Appreciate it Dennis!

[@jamesday3216]

I enjoy your channel so much and have learned a lot from you. Keep up the good and entertaining work. #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks James and good luck to you my friend!

[@laytonmarvin3790]

Great review Matt and who couldn't use a few extra #bobbins My go to bobbin is the Half Hitch from Rite. I really like the feel of it in my hand. Thanks for sharing.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Layton! I always appreciate your support my friend. :-)

[@matthewrainey1894]

This was a great review. Some I have, Some I had never seen or used. Keep this type of review coming. #Bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Matthew and good luck to you my friend!

[@communicationiskey-]

Fully agree about excellence of the C&F Standard Bobbin holder! I normally use Rite, recently discovered C&F Bobbin. It is several steps above in quality, feel and thread management to Rite. I actually never have to adjust it! I sometime use one silicon disk (not two) -as Rite does, with one of my C&F bobbin. Makes it feel different in a good way. Just ordered 3 more on Amazon. $30 each with free shipping as of Jan 4th. Better quality, better price than Rite and excellent feel in hand.

[@Hikin70]

Thanks for the video Matt. It is really nice to be able to have a way to see the difference between the different styles of #Bobbins available and advantages and disadvantages of them without buying them.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks and good luck to you my friend!

[@alloutdoorsnovascotia8791]

Wow cool I just have 2 cheap bobbins that came in 2 diffrent kits so I love another one #Bobbins ty for all you do for the new tiers out there .

[@SavageFlies]

I appreciate it; and good luck to you!

[@mikeney5113]

Great review matt.i like the rite bobbins myself!.tight lines Matt. #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Oh yeah, they're great. Good luck Mike!

[@karljones6594]

Hello Matt great video Matt. Great breakdown the #bobbins available. Always enjoy these reviews. Have a good day sir.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Karl and you too my friend. :-)

[@martyrothman3933]

Thanks for another great video Matt #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Appreciate it Marty and good luck to you my friend!

[@mitchbain3338]

Forgot to add I like my Dr Slick ruby bobbin holder had the ceramic one but had a groove which kept cutting the thread. Enjoy your upbeat videos which are so informative!

[@rlillard72]

Just started tying in 2020, and this really helped. Really need to get a better bobbin holder. Would LOVE one of those Rite bobbins! #bobbins

[@Appalaskan]

#Bobbins Thank you for the great video and information. Really helped point me in the right direction for my bobbin choice.

[@justinwidomski1624]

Thank you for the great review! Definitely educational #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Justin and good luck to you my friend!

[@edwardthornton2156]

Nice review Matt same old bobbins for years it's getting time to upgrade. #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Butch! And good luck my friend. :-)

[@jimgollach6202]

Pretty cool Matt, you would never think #bobbins would play that big of a role in fly tieing. Thanks for sharing. 😀👍

[@SavageFlies]

Oh yeah Jim, a good one can make tying a lot more enjoyable. Thanks for the note and good luck my friend!

[@jamesmckinney7464]

I’ve only been tying for about a month and have watched countless videos, but keep coming back to yours. You helped me pick my first vise and I really appreciate how you explain techniques and offer material substitutes. That helps newbies like myself who don’t have a broad selection of materials to choose from. It’s also so great that you do these giveaways. Thanks and keep the videos coming! #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks James; this is such an encouraging comment to get! I really appreciate hearing things like this. Good luck in your tying journey and let me know if you ever have any questions I can help you with. 👍

[@jamesyates5191]

Thanks Matt. I really enjoy your channel because I learn so much from you. #bobbins

[@garyjones2910]

Matt i really.like your vidoes thanks

[@SavageFlies]

Well thank you Gary! I appreciate the note my friend. :-)

[@Graham-1888]

Great vid, ceramic every time for me and I am a bit of a bobbin tart! Tiemco, Rite Shorty, Renzetti Ruby, Petitjean, C&F and Norvise Auto...all great and worth every penny. A good bobbin holder makes tying flies so much easier, nothing worse than thread fraying or snapping or jamming. No need to spend big money because Dr Slick and Veniard do ceramic bobbin holders for under £10. The Petitjean for me is my favourite as its a superb bit of engineering, easy to thread and adjustable and doubles as a dubbing spinner, not cheap but a joy to own and use.

[@SavageFlies]

Great comment Graham; thank you! I've been wanting to try the Renzetti ruby tip. And I just checked and they're not as expensive as I thought. About $25 US. As for the Petitjean bobbin... I might have to save up a little for that one. But the great reviews it has, and your comment here just might encourage me to go ahead and get one. :-)

[@Graham-1888]

@@SavageFlies you won't regret it 😉 I can guarantee you it will be your favourite bobbin holder and one of your best buys ever. It's a work of art and does its job so well, I have a lot of the Petitjean tools and they are all fantastic, the CDC hackle pliers and whip finish tool are also worth buying. I would say put the Renzetti bobbin money towards the Petitjean because its a different level and will blow your mind 😂

[@toddslichter7831]

Great info for new tyers Matt. Thanks sir.

[@terrydockery3690]

That was interesting I just have a cheap #BOBBIN holder and some times it don’t adjust very good thanks for a great channel stay safe

[@charlieboutin3341]

Great review! I’ve got 8 or 9 mostly Dr. Slick so I’m good to go. Awesome give away though. Thanks for your generosity Matt! 👍👍

[@DB-iu8yl]

Thanks for the review on the #bobbins It’s great to see honest reviews. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@ihowes2003]

Happy new year Matt. Another interesting video. One can never have enough bobbins. #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Ian and happy new year to you too! Good luck to you my friend!

[@jamesvatter5729]

Good review, Matt. My first "bobbin" ( term applied rather loosely) consisted of coat hanger wire, rubber bands and narrow plastic tubing...oh, and duct tape! So you could say I have moved up over the past several decades, but as long as it has adequate tension and doesn't cut the thread...I can use most anything.

[@SavageFlies]

Holy cow Jim, I'd probably be better just using my fingers than a duct taped coat hanger. :-)

[@jamesvatter5729]

That was teenage engineering! The piece of hanger was bent to hold the spool, tension was from the rubber band and the little piece of duct tape held the tubing to the top notch in the coat hanger wire. Crude, but workable. You should have seen my first "hackle plier!"

[@edherrmann182]

I remember seeing a tutorial on how to make your own bobbin holder. As I remember, the whole idea behind ceramic tubbing was to reduce thread breakage, and you could lay down wire without breaking it.

[@georgestewart5879]

another great vid Matt, quite like the tools and material videos. #bobbins

[@rodneyabel8249]

#bobbins Getting back into fly tying after being out of it for 20 plus years so I really enjoyed the video

[@roberthudson4492]

I agree with you on the rite bobbins. A couple of years ago I bought one n fail in love with it. In Canada we couldn't get them at our local shops. So I ended up ordering a set of them from fly shack. They did a great job getting them to me. I have to prase them and the company for the bobbins made n supplies of them. Also I have had alot of other types of bobbins as well. But none of them came close to the rite bobbin. So anyway enough of me rambling on. Thank you for the reviews on equipment for fly tying and keep it up I am learning alot more as you post new videos. May it be on tying flies or tools for tying. Thank you again. #bobbins

[@kevingulley3850]

Love the info on #Bobbins I still have my eye on the renzetti, but these would make great starters for my daughter.

[@darrellarnold6582]

Just have begun my tying adventure. Picked up a used vice and some fly tying materials for $30. I have spent $12 on thread and have ordered a mini kit from Amazon for $12 with basic tools including one bobbin. I really enjoy your videos. Cannot wait to start tying. #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

That's great to hear Darrell! Welcome to the community my friend. Good luck and let us know here in the comments if you ever have any tying questions. We've got a lot of smart folks who watch some of these comments. :-)

[@darrellarnold6582]

Just beginning tying at 55 years young. We will see how quickly I can start producing decent flies.

[@chasselynch5733]

Great review

[@harvisafari1058]

#bobbins thanks for sharing your knowledge!👍🏻

[@rickbischke2589]

I find that your videos are very entertaining and because they are so varied I really enjoy them, after all variety is the spice of life. So keep up the great work, which is nt really work when you enjoy it which is plain that you do. So keep on doing what you have been doing and I will keep on bob , bob, #bobbins along.

[@50Squirrel]

Another great video! Thank you for sharing! #bobbin.

[@johnryan8159]

#bobbin it's always nice to have another bobbin loaded up

[@bigdaddy99929]

Nice job Matt. So many styles out there. I personally like the basic styles with ceramic tubes/inserts. Thx again. 🙂

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Clyde and good luck to you my friend!

[@geraldbeard420]

#bobbins Really awesome to have someone go into depth in an unbiased manner.

[@blue_ridge_on_the_fly4174]

Enjoyed the review. I have a good many of the bobbin holders you have just reviewed. The Rite and SMHAEN Bobbin holders are my favorite ones. I have 2 bobbin holders from both companies. Now with me having shorter fingers than most the midge sizes work best for me no matter what I tie. I tie every day and these two manufacturers have not failed me yet. The others started cutting my thread as time went on. But for me personally, I enjoy collecting fly tying tools as well. To me, it’s more than simply tying a fly to use.

[@SavageFlies]

That's a great way to look at it. As something we collect. Great comment my friend; thanks for the feedback. :-)

[@samheath3026]

Thanks again for this informative review on bobbins. #Bobbins So many choices when in a fly shop. Wishing you and yours a blessed New Year, 2022.

[@hardyschlegel1048]

Good solid information, like you I have a collection of bobbins tend to use the cheap no name I have had for 40 years, but do use the Rite bobbin more and more. Thanks for sharing Matt!

[@RockyPhillips]

Great review Matt, so many different bobbins to choose from. #bobbins

[@deakemarschall2992]

What perfect timing. My resolution for this year is to learn tenkara and fly tying so I appreciate your expert advice. #Bobbins

[@slickydicky]

I'm with you on learning tenkara, I've about got myself talked into trying it. And as far the the fly tying goes, welcome to the family!

[@michaelzsizseri8015]

Thanks Matt love your videos # Bobbins

[@harryjoesather6539]

i still use one from a kit i got 15 years ago from bass pro...and a oasis tying bench...so my next up grade's will be bobbin holder's and a new vise had a renzetti presentation on layaway but then covid hit and never got it out of tochterman's ....so for many years i had fly tying stuff and never used it till 2020 so going into 2years of tying but not really because most of last year i did not do anythig at the bench but watch your videos to learn more and get things i needed and oh boy did i...lol....thanks matt really appreciate your channel...and this year started out bad had covid two week's down back two work for a week then a car accident broke nose and hurt my left hand still healing from this...but hope to be tying soon...again matt thanks your youtube helped me...i enjoy watching..see ya peace....sorry about the long going on....lol

[@TheSpectre787usa]

#bobbins Great Job Matt! I've been using mostly the old bobbins now for 20 years or so but have recently picked up a rite ceramic and I love it. No more spools popping out in my hand.

[@SavageFlies]

Oh yeah, Rite did something right with that one. :-) The thing is smooth and it just feels good.

[@brucehaley3651]

I've been using the Dr. Slick bobbin holder that came with the kit, but you did give some great advice and a good overview of what is out there. #bobbins

[@steve4256]

Thanks for the reviews ,always enjoy .#bobbins

[@lepregator463]

Thanks for the great overview! #bobbins

[@davehall2160]

You can never have to many bobbin holder's Great review Matt, definitely learned a lot Thank you very much for this video #bobbins

[@bradojard6882]

#Bobbins Matt, Love the channel. Your instructions are clear and easy to follow. Thanks so much, Brad

[@peterknoerr2530]

Happy New Year Hope you and your family are doing well. Keep your fly demos coming. #Bobbins

[@mrblueskynm3968]

I never thought much about bobbin holders. This video was very informative. I just use the ones my dad gave me with his old fly tying kit. I like the one with the clicking drag system. #bobbins

[@tj-ll3rs]

Timely video. I've been researching #bobbins. I have the one that came in my kit and am looking to upgrade. Thanks for the information.

[@SavageFlies]

I appreciate it; and good luck to you!

[@icefisher1171]

Excellent review, Matt. #bobbins I really appreciate all you do and look forward to your videos. Keep up the great work and have a spectacular 2022. Peace.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Kyle and good luck to you my friend!

[@henrylord5714]

Bobbins good show. Telling about them. Guess I still new after watching you. Panama City you fish salt or panfish including bass.

[@Coloradoboy769]

I'm a relatively new tyer, definitely appropriate all the info on types of bobbins. Great video!!! #Bobbins

[@Hunter711pa]

Thank you for the review Matt. #bobbins

[@marksheridan9063]

Thanks again for a great review. I hope you have a very prosperous year and I am looking forward to another great year of watching this channel for some great fly tying videos. God bless. And #Bobbins

[@mikefick6725]

Those #bobbins would be an awesome addition to my kit as I have only 1 econo hobby at the moment Thanks Matt👍

[@donaldsickles9242]

Thank you Matt, in the course of fly tying I have acquired many bobbin holders. but my favorite is the Rite bobbin holder. recently bought the Half Hitch Mag and I really like this one, of course I have the standard and the Mag. what i really like about these bobbins is you can dial in the tension of your thread. This is important because thread control is everything in fly tying, Thanks for the Video, it was full of good information.

[@terryyarnall9495]

Really very helpful and well presented!

[@philipvankampen3394]

Thanks for the breakdown. I've been thinking about upgrading my bobbin (holders) recently so this was as timely as informative. #bobbins

[@kanabapuka]

#Bobbins - Thanks for the review, just in time for this newbie.

[@isaacexner647]

Hey this video explained a lot. Thanks Matt #Bobbins

[@rollinlapoint4554]

Thanks Matt! Your reviews are always an honest opinion and I love that. Well done (again)! #Bobbins

[@brendondubois9975]

Great review, awesome info. I’m brand new to the hobby and are cruising through your videos. The #bobbins review is great! Keep up the informative content!

[@SavageFlies]

Thank you Brendon! And welcome to the sport my friend. :-)

[@crowdaddy8355]

Great video Matt. I haven’t used the C&F but I like the bobtech from Stonfo. The Rite bobbin is my go to bobbin holder. Thanks for the video.

[@SavageFlies]

I thought of you when playing around with that Stonfo. I might have to give it another shot and see if it grows on me. :-)

[@tdaddy510]

Great review! As I sit here in Fairbanks, AK in the winter, I have decided to start tying my own flies for my winter hobby! #bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Outstanding to hear Tatum! Welcome to the community my friend. :-)

[@jameswall8406]

Great overview of a lot of #Bobbins Matt!

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks James and good luck to you my friend!

[@peacelover445]

Thanks for the review. Happy new year #Bobbin

[@mitchbain3338]

#Bobbin, thanks Matt for the info!

[@davidchamberland3689]

#Bobbin. I’ve been waiting for such a video. I can finally see the differences between the bobbins(size,inserts, and tension). Good job Matt!

[@billcavanagh2201]

#Bobbins Great job keep up the great work!

[@aaronmccowan332]

Loved the content, haven't tied flies since I was a kid but gearing up for the spring. Happy winter from the Michigan's Upper Peninsula. #Bobbins

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Aaron! I'm glad you found your way back my friend. :-)