Fly Tying: Stonfo Elite Bobbin Review

[@charlielaffey7922]

Really like my Stonfo Elite bobbin - especially the tension control! Very easy to adjust 👍

[@TimCammisa]

Glad to hear, Charlie, and I love mine, too! The Stonfo Bobtec is starting to turn into my favorite...so check it out if you have a chance. Hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@edgarmcbee2474]

I love them I use the red one and wouldn't want to tie with out it .Thank you for all of your videos you are my go to teacher and I hope your uncle John is doing fine

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Edgar, and Uncle John is doing well. I really want to get him back on the channel to tie another pattern, so keep your fingers crossed. Thanks for the kind words! Tim

[@rockp4426]

great review...I just purchased a rite bobbin,which I like alot

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, and Rite makes a great product, too. TC

[@marksleeper3752]

tim I have the nor-vise bobbin system also rite and my favorite is marc Petitjean, it is $$ but when your eyes have a hard time it is the easy to thread it and also has a tension on it. I will have to try a stonfo, thanks for the post

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Mark, and there are so many great bobbins out there! So my new favorite, the Stonfo Bobtec. It's the one I find myself turning to over all others...so as you can see, I have an issue with bobbins! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@CWO4D]

Hey Tim. I started a couple years ago using the stonfo bobbins after doing a lot of research and watching some of your videos.. They are excellent devices... I own about 4 red, 2 blue and believe 1 small . I agree the elite is the beat in my opinion. The manual bobbins worked initially but I never really got the the thread flow.. That's when I started looking for an improved device.. Thanks for sharing you insight and recommendations ..

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for taking a moment to comment, and I'm glad to know you like the Stonfo bobbins, too They are a great tool, and have worked well for me over the last couple years. Thanks for the kind words! Tim

[@SFCPuck]

I have one, and plan to order more as I can. They are just a little heavy, but seem to be holding up well. My Griffin ceramic is my usual "go-to" when I sit at my vice.

[@TimCammisa]

Glad they work for you, too, Don. My newest "go-to" bobbin is the Stonfo Bobtec, thus I recommend checking that one out, too. Thanks for taking a moment to comment, and I hope to hear more from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@chetkirby8675]

When I upgraded my vice to the mongoose by griffin enterprises it came with a ceramic bobbin that I like. when I was at the pice they do cost a bit but not as much as the stonfo or rite ( which I also have and love) but is not a cheap starter kit bobbin. I think the griffin bobbins make a great intermediate bobbin and is also good for those who don't like the single leg of the rite or stonfo bobbins

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments and thoughts, Chet; I appreciate you taking a moment to share! Tim

[@pastortlc1]

Hey Tim! Thanks again for another great video. I have not tried the Stonfo bobbin. I have used a Tiemco bobbin with a ceramic tube for years. But I just recently began using the Rite Bobbins that also have the tension adjustment on them. I have been very pleased with both. Hey, when are you going to start selling those cool looking coffee mugs you use? Thanks much. Terry

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Terry, and glad to hear from you! Thanks for the comments, and you've been using some decent bobbins for sure! When you get a chance to try the Stonfo bobbins, let me know what you think. The mugs! Ha ha! Selling those I have left isn't in the works, but I plan on ordering more in the future to sell as a PHW donation. Thanks again! Tim

[@handcannon1388]

I currently use a standard Rite bobbin and I like it pretty well. It does have one flaw; the tube seems to shift around, requiring me to push it firmly forward into its holder occasionally.

[@TimCammisa]

I'm sorry to hear that about the Rite, and wonder if you've used it for a long time? If not, you may consider contacting Rite for any advice in securing it. Thanks for the comment, and good luck with the bobbin! Tim

[@btc624]

Tim, i have the same problem with my Rite bobbin also, i own the half hitch model, and besides the tube shifting around those rubber o rings as a place to grip is pretty much worthless, mine is less then a year old and the o rings slide off now as they are stretched. Just an annoyance. I just ordered two stonfo disc models today. OH and just one more thing😂😂I think you like Stono because its an ITALIAN made product 😂😂😂😂😂I JUST HAD TO SAY IT!!!!!! keep up the great work, appreciate all you do.

[@edditrangeled5259]

Hi Tim. I have both the Elite Stonfo bobbin and also a couple of their entry level bobbins with ceramic tubes. I do prefer their entry level bobbins. They are half the price and I think they perform the same or better than the Elite. It can be difficult to set the brake disc on the elite. Keep up the good work regards Eddi Trangeled

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Eddi, and I will have to check those bobbins out you're discussing. I haven't had any trouble adjusting the tension on the Elite, so I wonder what is going on with yours. Stonfo just released a new style of tension adjustment (on the stems), and I will be tying with those occasionally to see how they compare. Thanks again for take a moment to comment, and I appreciate the kind words! Tim

[@yeldarbrellef]

I bought a Stonfo Elite 2 and I like it so far. My only two gripes is it doesn't seem to adjust the tension accurately. It is difficult to find the sweet spot when adjusting the tension. The other thing is it is a little difficult to thread without a plastic thread starter. Neither is a big deal and for the money I think it is a great bobbin. Great review BYW.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for taking a moment to share your thoughts, and they are both spot on and will definitely help others to make a decision with this one. Have you tried the Stonfo Bobtec bobbin yet?? Be careful, as you'll buy one...then get a few more! I haven't done a formal review on it yet, but am recommending it as a favorite. You can find it here: amzn.to/3hiKfRA Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@GeorgeSemel]

Mine is a ceramic one that I got Tiemco or was it the Feather merchants, its been 30+ years ago now! I have gotten away from color threads the last few years or so, I just buy thread in white- from very heavy for salt water to 14- 16/0 for midges, I just use marker pens in different colors, black brown, yellow and olive get used the most ! For a while I tied all my dries in White and just used marker pens on the stream to color as needed, it worked pretty good till I kept loosing the pens, at the time Panatones were 5 bucks apiece! So I stopped! If I should decide I need to try one of the new bobbins, I might give Stonfo a shot, thou I like Marc Pretjeans tools a lot, thou they are not cheap!

[@TimCammisa]

Excellent comments as always, George. Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you ever try a Stonfo, be sure to let me know what you think. Thanks again! Tim

[@HondoTrailside]

It is funny that I have a bucket of threads, and quite a few bobbins. I have also moved to using mostly yellow, sometimes red. Either do interesting things to flies when they peek out from the dubbing, or they just disappear. I wonder now whether part of that change has been from the rite bobbin. It isn't time consuming to change, but it is enough of a hassle, I seem not to bother. Certainly one part of it was reading English trout authors over the years.

[@ipod1978]

After buying the Tiemco ceramic bobbin holder I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed, personally I think the arms are too stiff on that design for my way of tying and twice I’ve a new spool of thread jump out of it so I decided to keep it for wire only and look elsewhere. I now own 2 of these and in my opinion they are hands down the best bobbin holders I have owned, not only do I have that security of not loosing my thread spool but this has increased my thread control tenfold and effortlessly at that. Very ergonomic and comfortable in the hand. Great video Tim and fantastic recommendation.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Junior, and I'm glad you feel similar to me. These bobbins continue to be those I use on a daily basis, hence the recommendation. I appreciate you taking a moment to comment, and hope to hear from you on some of my other videos. Tim

[@Tyrnos]

I have 3 rite bobbins that i use for 6/0 and 8/0 threads but most of my tying is done with uni trico 17/0 and for that you can't beat the ekich automatic bobbin. I've had mine for almost 2 years and can't rate it highly enough! Retractable like the norvise bobbin but takes regular spools.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, and for mentioning another bobbin. I have yet to use the Ekich, but have heard great things about it. Thanks again, and I hope to hear more from you on some of my other videos. Tim

[@bugbiteflytying]

Nice review. Do you know how well those ceramic tips work with GSP 100. I’m obviously looking to avoid scoring, which is what happened to my Rite bobbin. Thanks in advance.

[@TimCammisa]

I've been using these bobbins with Semperfli Nano Silk, they have been holding up well! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@kerrypitt9789]

Out of necessity I tie with the Norvise Auto-Bobbin. I know at this point, even if I didn't have a Norvise I would use these bobbins. The other bobbin I have with my travel setup, which includes an inexpensive Crown vise, is a Rite Bobbin, which is very similar to a Stonfo, functionally anyway.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Kerry, and the Norvise bobbin is a good one, too. The Stonfo is still my "go to" bobbin, and if you ever have the chance to try one, be sure to do so. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@srcesq]

I own one stone and several rite bobbins, I find the tension adjustment much easier on the stone than on the rite...but like them both

[@TimCammisa]

Like you, Scott, I have WAY too many bobbins! They are both excellent ones, and now my "go-to" is the Stonfo Bobtec; try it yet? Don't...you'll have to own more of them! ;-) Thanks for the comments, and Merry Christmas! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@fk80189]

I like these bobbins alot, bought the red and the blue after I've seen your video here. But I ask myself, how long will the Nut with the plastic inlay hold until the rubber is screwed off after a while of loosen and tighten, because then the outer plate could slip. And the question is, can I change it then or is it glued in. If you can tell me something about it, it would be really nice. Thank you

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Snuff Dog, and I understand your reservations. I have been using these bobbins now for four years and have quite a few of them. I have yet to experience that problem, and have made no alterations to the system. The only issue I've had is that one of the sleeves slipped out of the tube, in which I glued it back into place. Good luck with yours, and I hope you like them as much as I do. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@fk80189]

Tim Cammisa Thank you very much, nice to hear that from you. Then I am even more happy that I have decided for these bobbin. Wish you all the best, you're doing a great job on your video's.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for such kind words, and you better contact me when you find the next great tool! If you want to signup for my email list, shoot me an email: [e-mail]

[@reubenr1245]

Kind of late to the party here, but I have tried the elite and the stubby and like them both. The one thing that I don't see mentioned regarding the tensioning system is that the "rubber" insert has two sides and unless it is put in correctly, people will have a hard time maintaining the tension they have selected. Probably everyone knows this already and that is not their problem, but for someone, it might be the fix they needed.

[@TimCammisa]

Great comment, and something I didn't even think to mention...thanks for taking a moment to share the observation. Tim

[@archr610]

Hi Tim. I know it's an old video but, my only complaint about the Stonfo bobbin holder is that the tension adjustment can get changed by accident just from the pressure of my hand around it. Don't know if I'm doing something wrong or not.

[@TimCammisa]

I have noticed that occasionally, too, Jeff, so I don't think it's just you. I've used a lot of bobbins over the last few years and still am looking for the "perfect" one out there. When it comes to tension, I am now using the Stonfo Bobtec bobbin (amzn.to/3banKjl) and believe it's worth considering. Hope all is well! Tim

[@pnwpaddler]

Tim. Thanks for the video. I need help with mine. I wonder if I got a dud? First, from day one, the drag system loosens with the slightest touch and happens often when I am tying...very annoying and time consuming. Have thought from the first time I used it that that couldn’t be the way it is supposed to work. With all the great reviews, something just seems wrong with mine. Now, less than a year of very modest use...partially due to the first issue, the ceramic insert must have fallen out and is gone for good...so it is trash! I love the feel of this one in my hand. Much more than my rite bobbin that I have used for years. Just don’t want to waste money on another stonfo if the disc drag is that insanely touchy on all of them and mine wasn’t a dud. Can you help confirm or not? I would say maybe 1/3 - 1/2 turn between so tight the thread won’t come out and so loose it has no tension. Please help? Thanks!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, and this doesn't sound right. My initial guess is that the insert that gets tightened against a spool of thread was inserted facing the wrong way. Another question is to know if the thread you're using doesn't have a standard-sized spool. I've had similar experiences, and like you, still love the bobbin. Recently, I started using the Stonfo Bobtec Bobbin, which has the drag slider closer to the tip...it's my new favorite bobbin! I would recommend checking it out for another great reason: When you need to spin the bobbin to cord thread or for fibers in a thread loop, the bobbin does so exceptionally smooth. Here's a link: amzn.to/3jUzdTL I hope that helps a little, and if you have more questions, shoot me an email: [e-mail] Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@pnwpaddler]

Thanks for the reply Tim! So...sadly I tried the insert both ways and it was actually similar. As well, I used UNI thread, UTC Ultra Thread as well as Veevus. All were the same. I know, strange. Seems like I did get a dud. Now with the ceramic insert gone...it’s trash anyway. Less than a year of very minimal tyingZ unimpressed. I will look into the other Stonfo bobbin you suggested and maybe give that a go. Thanks again! Love the channel.

[@douglasbrown5123]

Mine too now it goes crazy a times Loosens or tightens up

[@wetonwet3655]

wow mine does the exact same thing and i love the feel as well. only way i can use it is if i spin the tensioner knob on backwards.

[@dirkvannieuwenhove]

I have gone through two red Stonfo bobbins and have given up. Not only does the drag knob come undone while tying pike flies, both of the bobbins lost the ceramic insert (and they do not go in half way but less than 1 centimeter, found one on the floor of my tieing room last weekend but failed to re-install it). My last one broke three days ago and when the insert comes undone from the line tube, all it does is cut your thread. So once is an accident, twice is a big problem and I read I am definitely not alone; I use Veevus GSP 100-150, Textreme 100-140 denier, … Switching to the TMC double adjustable arm heavy duty version for my tieing. One of these costs me less than all the bobbins I have had to throw away by now after two years of moderate tieing.

[@CaliBassin]

I love this Bobbin. I am buying another one

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, and be sure to let me know what you think of it after you've been using it for awhile. Tim www.troutandfeather.com/

[@CaliBassin]

Been using it for a year. and I love it so much I want another one

[@TimCammisa]

Great to know!

[@denisrosenberg5828]

Does the bobbin help with not wrapping around the arm

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Denis, I'm unsure about your question. Can you rephrase it? Since this video has been released, I've actually moved onto the Stonfo Bobtec as my preferred bobbin: bit.ly/3RamXSq Also, feel free to send any questions to my email: [e-mail] Thanks! Tim

[@dougcook3351]

I'm a Nor-Vice guy. Cost is an issue with buying enough spools for the millions of thread colors, but if I need a color I don't have spooled up for just a few flies, I just use any of the generic bobbins I have laying around.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for taking a moment to comment, Doug. TC

[@garyleethurm9834]

I would like to like that bobbin but the tension system needs improving. When I wrap for the tying the outside tension wheeljust seems toautomaticallyloosen about 1 line and that is too much.

[@HondoTrailside]

Over the years I have failed to see any advantage of ceramic bobbing tubes over stainless. The first one I got, which was pretty much the first one ever offered, cut my thread every time. The rest have just functioned fine, exactly like a nice stainless tube. Less glare I guess.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for taking a moment to comment, Hondo. It sounds like you have been involved in tying for many years, thus I am surprised you only gave a ceramic bobbin a chance once. There are many on the market, plus those I tend to use have a tension control, which offers advantages in many intermediate to advanced patterns. Is there a specific model of bobbin that you would recommend to others? Tim

[@russelllieser4226]

When you unwind your thread does is spin smooth?

[@TimCammisa]

Do you mean when I am winding the thread out from the bobbin to the fly? Or reverse? In general, this is my favorite bobbin and it's very smooth. The drag system makes things smooth, regardless of the way the thread is going. I hope that helps, but lmk if I am missing what you are asking. Feel free to email, too, Russell: [e-mail] Thanks. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@russelllieser4226]

When you spin the bobbin to flatten out the thread for smooth underbodies.

[@TimCammisa]

I haven't had any problems doing so, with the biggest issue being the type of thread I'm using. Not all are created equal. For the bobbin, it still has continued to spin smooth. Thanks for checking. Tim

[@mark1stcamesecond]

Bought mine last week worth every penny

[@TimCammisa]

Glad you agree, Mark! Tim

[@ugsisr]

Tim, They may be great bobbins and better than anything I have ever used..I just cannot see why I or anyone needs to spend $20.00 or more on a bobbin. I have several types both metal and ceramic and they all work great and none of them cost over $12.00 .. The flies look the same tied with either bobbin I have.. Great Video.... I am just being honest. Thank You

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the kind words, and I appreciate your thoughts. Like with many areas of fly tying and fly fishing, there are various tiers...and it's up to the individual to determine their level of comfort. Having a tension system is an upgrade in regards to bobbins, but not for everyone... it took me nearly 15 years to make the plunge! Thanks again for the comments and I hope to hear more from you on some of my other videos. Tim

[@HondoTrailside]

I have been using the Rite bobbins since they came out, and I agree there is no real difference, but they are nicer to use, the thread tension is more easily adjusted, and now that I have had three for 20 years, my concerns the mechanism might wear have been unfounded. One of the facilities surrounding the existence of more expensive gear, is that it's existence is an injunction that all must use it; or that the existence of alternative cheaper solutions means that there can't be any advantage to the more expensive product. Some stuff is just nicer.

[@aaronlockwood6669]

I was in the same camp on bobbins and cost. When i think about how many flies I’m tying a year, I splurged and bought a Rite Bobbin. Kicking myself that i didn’t do it earlier on. The adjustable thread tension is the largest selling point.

[@jamesfreda1903]

I like the way it looks and especially that it's made in Italy and not China.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, James, and it's a great bobbin. My new favorite bobbin from Stonfo is the Bobtec, found here: amzn.to/3snCFxb Worth a look! Tim

[@usarmyguardsman]

Best bobbins out there for sure. My favorite one is the black small bobbin. I own the blue one too but I just feel right tying with the small one. Thanks for the review, now I know I can use the big one for tensil as well.

[@TimCammisa]

You got it, Dan, though I got some BAD NEWS!! Have you tried the Stonfo Bobtec yet? Link: amzn.to/3m1lyvR I like it even better, as it also has tension adjustment, but makes spool changes a cinch. Worth looking into. Thanks for the comments. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@redneckhippie3602]

i ○n|y got 1 bobin same one i had for 3 years out of a cabelas beginer kit dont do so well with sewing thred spolls tough

[@TimCammisa]

I understand, and know that some of those inexpensive bobbins can perform better than others. The Stonfo is an excellent one, hence the video. Thanks for the comment, and I hope all is well! Tim

[@altexlan415]

I bought the Stonfo normal bobbin holder, it have manufacturing defect and all in the shop have defect. I doubt their product quality.

[@TimCammisa]

I have heard that others like the normal holder; is that the one with a ceramic insert? I'm sorry to hear you've had trouble with some of their products. All of the Stonfo products I have are of great quality, hence why I continue to use them. TC

[@altexlan415]

hmmm

[@jameslocigno1779]

I have to agree about poor quality. I bought one on amazon and it was defective in the package, i.e., it was in two pieces, the tube and finger hold as one piece and the spool holder and curved arm as the other. Looks like the manufacturing of the two pieces into one was not completed. I took the thing out of its package and it just fell apart. I returned it for a refund. Not sure what to do now. Do I dare buy another one or try a rite bobbin?

[@allan1062]

that is what they sell for on Amazon.ca...I didn't check anywhere else...one of the drawbacks living in Canada, everything is five times as expensive as it is in the States, even if I order from the USA you have difference in the dollar, freight, duty and the possibility what you purchased will never make it to your house..

[@TimCammisa]

I understand now, Allan, and am really sorry to hear that. During the video, I believe I recommended Ebay for those outside of the US, and the bobbins are listed on Ebay.ca. Thanks for the update. TC

[@gunnar8808]

This hard metal bobbin is great because no ceramic will go broken!

[@TimCammisa]

Agreed, Gunnar; thanks for the comment. Tim

[@mostafaseifseif4769]

لو عايز واحدة في مصر بكام

[@TimCammisa]

I'm unsure how much they would cost in Egypt. Are you able to look on Ebay there? Good luck! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@allan1062]

a dozen at $98.00 each......don't think so!

[@TimCammisa]

I'm unsure where you came up with that price, but the cost is ~$20 apiece in the United States...

[@spikeconley]

Thinking that a steel tube is a ceramic tube is a pretty big mistake to make, especially considering that you actually own the bobbin.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment and correction; the insert is a hardened steel bush that's intended to prevent fraying. I own and tie with a number of these bobbins, and have had one of the inserts come loose over the years. To replace it, I simply applied a small amount of super glue on the outer edge of the bush, then reinserted it into the bobbin cylinder...no problems since! On another note, I still use these bobbins, but have switched to the Stonfo Bobtec for my daily tying. Thanks again for taking a moment to comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@edgarmcbee2474]

I love them I use the red one and wouldn't want to tie with out it .Thank you for all of your videos you are my go to teacher and I hope your uncle John is doing fine

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, Edgar, and I apologize for the late reply. I love this bobbin, but now am using the Stonfo Bobtec...it's even better! If you're into Stonfo tools, it's definitely work checking out. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com