Stonfo Elite Vise Review: ANOTHER Great One!

[@eminence_]

Saw this on sale for 215€ and pulled the trigger, my second vise after the Supreme that has 20-30€ price point. Thanks for review.

[@mikesflies5005]

Just purchased this. Can’t wait to receive it and start tying on it. Thanks Tim. Appreciate your input and videos. As of April 2021, $299 on eBay from a seller out of Anchorage..

[@colincampbell5181]

Tim I just bought one of these about 4 weeks ago and I love it ! I find myself tying more than I use to. Anyone wanting to buy one I recommend this vice also the instructions show how to change it to left hand

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Colin, though I obviously skipped the part in the directions regarding the conversion! I'll be sure to reexamine and be ready to share with others in the future. Thanks again, and I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@darrellvyse5895]

Hi Tim, I have the Transformer and tie left handed. The adjustment screw on the jaws can be removed and threaded in from the opposite side if one finds it a hassle to reach around the back to operate it.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for mentioning this, Darrell...and the directions on this say the same. Remember the part when I mentioned to read them? Yeah, I definitely skipped the section for left-handed tiers, sorry! Thanks again for the comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@chasingfeathersflyfishing]

I love your vise reviews, very in-depth and to the point. Watching them helped me decide last year on my first upgrade. And now I’m looking for another upgrade to a vise that I wouldn’t take on a trout bum trip. Thanks for the info on this Tim.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the kind words, Mark, and SO MANY great vises to choose from...you almost can't go wrong! ;-) I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@duderoony]

Hey Tim. Thank you for the review. It was very interesting dude. If I were in the market for a vice I might be swayed. I’m still quite short in the materials department but when I started out I wanted a particular vice and the one I fancied was in very short supply. It was the LAW vice. Not made anymore and very few on the market so when one came up I took the plunge..... £1700 ($2000]. I know. Crazy. I know. Anyhow it’s mine! I love it! It’s very simple but it’s a true rotary and holds a large range of hooks. I’m having a great time. I haven’t actually been fishing with a fly rod yet! Anyways I’m rambling on. Thank you for the review dude. And keep keeping safe.

[@TimCammisa]

No worries about the rambling, and the LAW vise is an incredible one. In the video, I referenced Michael Albano, and he owns a number of them. Glad you enjoy it...and now, time to get out fly fishing!! Hope all is well with you. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@guidotesi9928]

Hi Tim, I have been tying using this vise for many years; just a lovely tool. 👍❤

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Guido, and glad you think it's a winner, too! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@guidotesi9928]

@@TimCammisa I meant that having the smaller tip of Stonfo 1 you can better manage small hooks than the Stonfo 2 jaw; that's the accuracy.

[@starskyarsky8374]

I bought the transformer vise after watching the review you did on it a while ago. It's been my best vise I've ever used. When I bought it it was the same price the elite is now. Only thing I would like stonfo to change on it is to make further adjustments to to the main body of to the stem. Like you see on Dyna king and LAW vises. So you have plenty of clearance behind the hook while tying. But apart from that they're very good and pretty good value when you look at we what you get for your money.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, and I agree that they are an incredible tool for fly tying! The Transformer...such a special vise and easily one of my favorites to tie on. Thanks again for taking a moment to comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@axelg4263]

its the best vise for quality price, good rotation, good components and its not necessary to put 500-800 on regal/renzetti/petitjean or other brands... Stonfo are the best

[@TimCammisa]

There are lots of great vises out there, and I consistently use my Stonfo over all others. Glad you agree! www.troutandfeather.com

[@kenlayre5973]

Tim, thanks for the great review it pushed me off the fence to order one. Getting it for XMAS..

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Ken! After you've used the vise for around six months, email me your review. I'd love to hear your thoughts: [e-mail] Thanks! Tim

[@michaellewis7758]

I was lucky enough to buy a vise from Lawrence Waldron when he was making them. That definitely will be last vise I pay for, there is nothing I'd change on it. .On the stonflo - the vise itself looks nice but for me the design aesthetic of the base would really put me off. The raised colourful logo just grates on me and the shape etc. I think Petitjean looks nice, I guess they are all hook holders in the end...

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Michael, and the Law vise is an exceptional one for sure. I'm surprised that there isn't an area that you believe still can be improved, even on that. Isn't that the point of fly tying and fly fishing? We're always looking for what's "next!" Ha ha! Thanks for sharing and I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@michaellewis7758]

@@TimCammisa For sure, but I don't think I'd spend money on a vise now, since I think improvements are marginal. I'd maybe look at something 'different', e.g. it may not be for me, but the Norvise was genuinely innovative, but it was a 'system' rather than a vise by the looks of it. I think the Petitjean vise has some nice ideas too. The Cottarelli is a good example with the T-Rex of something that is different but design has a purpose. But the general purpose vise, doesn't need that much innovation, bearings, being able to tweak axis of rotation etc. Possibly things like swap out jaws , if you are tying industrial levels of flies, but I've had my vise for years and years and never had a fault with it. Once every 6 months or so it gets some 3-1 oil.

[@jeffprice4611]

I don’t have a Stonfo vise so my suggestion may not work, since I can’t see the details of the material holder. The first thing I would try is, add a small thin plastic washer on each side of spring. This may allow the clip to be moved without loosening the screw. It’s definitely a good looking vise.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Jeff, and that's a great suggestion! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@petedrumuk]

Great review, I’m going to buy one today!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the update, Peter. Once you've used the vise for awhile, please share your thoughts to help others who may be considering this vise. Thanks again and have fun tying on the Elite! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@fishingwithchris1357]

Love that vise. Can you do a review on the peak true rotary vise on ebay

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

You are informative. My thing is I am retired on fixed income mainly into lures not small flies so I am looking for very inexpensive reliable vise rotary is not a need for me how about rating some truly affordable vises

[@allieone8518]

Hi, why do some Stonfo Elite/Transformer Vises have black jaws while others have silver ones? Is this because Stonfo has changed heat treatment or some jaw-manufacturing process? Thanks.

[@TimCammisa]

Great question, and I have both sets of the fine jaws (silver and black). Have you reached out to Stonfo to inquire? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@Smoove213]

Hello, you just sold me this vise sir. Good video bro

[@TimCammisa]

Once you've tied on it, let me know how it works for you: [e-mail] Thanks for the comment!

[@quini2005]

Hi Tim, I love your vise reviews. For small flies, size 14 to 24 and above 1000 flies per year.. Elite or kaiman?

[@TimCammisa]

Wow, great question! For smaller flies, I prefer the upgraded jaws on the Elite (the jaws that come on the Transformer). But if you're buying as-is, then go Kaiman all day long...you won't regret it! Here is a link to one from an excellent fly shop: alnk.to/2jGok8B If you purchase there, I make a small commission that helps to pay for my videos. Thanks for the continued support! Tim

[@Squibbysadventures]

Great Video. Will the vice hold large #8/0 or #10/0 hooks ?

[@TimCammisa]

Great question, and I have never tied hooks on the vise that large. My guess is that they wouldn't hold, but your best bet would be to contact Stonfo: [e-mail] Please let me know what you find out. Thanks for checking. Tim

[@ryantherock7664]

Hey Tim great in depth review.Ive heard about cam vs non cam jaws on vises do you know what the difference is?thanks

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Ryan, in machinery, a cam is used to help tighten the jaws. That would be similar to the Stonfo Elite or Transformer, and the Renzetti lineup. On the Stonfo Kaiman and Regal systems, there is a spring that is depressed by the user. Hope that helps! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@wtw406]

How do you make base heavier?

[@TimCammisa]

Shoot me an email, as I have some insights! [e-mail] Thanks!

[@geraldbarstow6675]

Tim, Why would I want the Transformer over the Elite? I don't tie commercially only for my self. I do like quality tools PS Call me Jerry. Only my deceased mother called me Gerald and I knew I was in trouble when she did!

[@TimCammisa]

You got it, Jerry! If you're into tube flies, that's a start, and the Transformer excels for purposes of streamers on a straight plane. It also comes with the Stonfo 1 and 2 jaws, while the Elite comes with the Stonfo 2 jaws, a more standard set. Plus, it's really cool to swap the heads on the Transformer! ;-) In short, it really depends on the types of flies you're tying, and as you can see, both are absolutely quality tools. If you decide to purchase either (or another vise, for that matter), tie on it for a few months, then shoot me an email: [e-mail] I always enjoy hearing from others regarding their thoughts on vises. Thanks for the comments. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@garrickeckardflytying]

Love my stonfo too. Keep up the great videos 👌

[@TimCammisa]

They are some of the best for sure, thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@Woodyt]

how do you think this vise would do for salt water flies ? nice job on the review

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Timothy, and that's a great question. I can speak to smaller saltwater flies, down to around a size 2, and the Elite jaws are great for that. Once you start getting into the next size up, I would recommend looking at the Kaiman (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ7ZnZiwnKaUbZY) or Transformer (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWO9h6ako9iSqKs). If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to email: [e-mail] Thanks! Tim

[@Woodyt]

@@TimCammisa Tim I think your right about the Kaiman, that looks like a great vise. Thanks so much

[@diegomalara5419]

Hi there, great content! I will tie almost exclusively n 14 and 16, which stonfo model would you reccommend ?

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Diego, and thanks for the message. Before I recommend one, what's your price range? It may be easier to communicate via email: [e-mail] Thanks! Tim

[@markusjenni4804]

Hi Tim, I use the Transformer Vice for some years now. I like it a lot and tye from tiny dries, nymphs to big pike streamers. One thing that disturbs me is the plastic stand. When tying pike streamers with bucktail hair you have to put some tension on the tying thread and then plastic stand moves around. Is there a solution with more weight for this?

[@TimCammisa]

Sure, shoot me an email and I can share some ideas: [e-mail] Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@paulobainz1210]

If you're not too precious about your table surface ( mine is melamine ) sick a few strips of double sided tape to the table and place your vise on them. Stays stuck yet easy to remove

[@sandrarattray1202]

How does it handle larger hooks for Deer hair work eg bass bugs etc, when cranking down with considerable force is necessary? I’m struggling with this and even manage to get a hook to move in a Renzetti Master... and I’m a petite woman. Lol.

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Sandra, and I don't tie too many deer hair patterns that you're referring to. When it comes to hook-holding ability, it's been no trouble for saltwater hooks, but your question is definitely a bit specific. Shoot me an email and I will try to help with some more "research"...aka fly tying! [e-mail] Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@juliangarrec3868]

Great video, thanks! Do you think it can handle hooks with a thicker wire than the saltwater one you shown? I tie pike flies and we go up to 6/0, sometimes 8/0. I saw also your video on the Transformer but I want to keep things simple (and cheaper if possible).

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Julian, and yes, it can. I would contact Stonfo directly to verify based on their recommendations, but know that it is a solid vise. Thanks for taking a moment! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@juliangarrec3868]

@@TimCammisa Hi Tim, Thanks for your reply. In the meanwhile I have ordered a Stonfo Transformer which comes together with two interchangeable jaws sizes, named "Stonfo 1" and "Stonfo 2". The Former has a very thin extremity and is intended to fit small to medium sized hooks (the concept of "medium sized hooks" is not clearly defined by Stonfo but I have been told to avoid 4/0 hooks on these jaws as the thin extremity could be damaged by the extra pressure you typically put on such hook size). The Stonfo 2, on the other hand, has a larger extremity together with a circular groove that can hold very large hooks (The largest I have is Partridge Absolute Predator 6/0, whose gap is as large as a 8/0 in other brands and those are held perfectly). Coming back to the Stonfo Élite vise, this guy comes by default with Stonfo 1 only. There is the possibility to upgrade to a Stonfo 2 but that is pretty expensive, so that is why I decided to directly pull the trigger for the Transformer. Thanks again for your feedback and hope that helps.

[@valentin9993]

Hi Tim, thank you for the detailed video. I am going to buy one of their vises but am still hesitating between the Kaiman and the Elite. Prices are quite closed so it won't very help. On the first hand I find the Kaiman really versatile, easy to use and really strong but the rotary function seems a bit tricky to use as the arm is in the axe. On the other hand, the elite is a real 380 rotary vise but are not all these features too much for a daily use? Would you have a preference between both?

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Valentin, and you can't go wrong with either vise. If you plan on using more rotary features, go with the Elite. You can always upgrade the jaws and it's a superior vise. For ease of use, the Kaiman is excellent. I use and recommend both, so it's tricky to choose one over the other. The Kaiman truly requires a grip to open, so factor that in, too. If you need more specifics, shoot me an email: [e-mail] For buying, go to a local shop. If not, here are links where I will receive a small percentage. Kaiman - amzn.to/2IuZCcT Elite - amzn.to/377D5gm Thanks, and good luck with the decision...you're going to be happy either way! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@paulobainz1210]

Great vise for sure. Any thoughts on the Stonfo Flytek Leva?

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the kind words, Paulo. I have yet to use the Flytek so it's tough to say. If I'm able to get my hands on one, I'll definitely review it. Thanks for checking. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@colejustesen]

I came looking for the same answer. I was originally set on the Kaiman, then intrigued by the Elite, then I looked at their products to see the Flytek Leva. Ugh! Too many choices.

[@zakstone7356]

Why no hook size possibilities even from manufacture ?

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Zak, and I'm unsure if there are any online. Have you tried sending Stonfo an email? Thanks for checking! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@alfortini6145]

Hi Tim. enjoy you're videos, I bought this vise last year and its a joy to tie on, yes the material clip holder is a pain but otherwise awesome. Thanks so much. Hello from Alberta Canada.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments on the Elite, Al, and glad you love it, too! Very cool to know you're in Alberta, and hope you had a great summer...it's nearly tying season. ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@thomaskitlica5572]

With a vise at almost 1000 dollar price point would be nice if it had a actual way of locking the rotation vises for a lot less have it!!!

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Thomas, thanks for the feedback. A complete locking would be nice, though I was tying on this vise yesterday and didn't give it much thought once snug. I am curious, where are you seeing the vise for that price. As of June 2022, the price in the United States is $350 US. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@thomaskitlica5572]

@@TimCammisa I can't remember it was a shop in north Florida 350 is a little more reasonable lol

[@carlyoshizumi831]

Ten more vise's later. This is my last vise. That is a great looking vise.$325.95 I think that is a good price. I think this vise will be the last One.

[@TimCammisa]

Ha ha...saying "last vise" is like saying "one more cast." Just never gonna happen! ;-) Thanks for the comments, Carl, and I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@stevennack8945]

I think you have a vice vice......

[@TimCammisa]

Oh, if you only knew! ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@Pete-z6e]

Or a Vise Vice.

[@Strontyum]

You use the wrong terminology when you say you want the hook on the same PLANE as the vise. The correct word is AXIS. Planes are sheets. Axes are lines. The vise spins on a line, not a plane.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the correction, though you definitely want your hook and vise on the same plane...how else will those patterns get tied when you arrive to a faraway fishing destination?!? ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@Strontyum]

@@TimCammisa haha! On that kind of plane I certainly wouldn't want any spinning!

[@cheflexx778]

Last vise for the rest of your life.... 🤣