Renzetti Traveler

[Allison]

I'm finally buying myself a Renzetti Traveler. Should I get the pedestal model or the one with the clamp? Just on a quick look online I'm seeing $185 shipped for the pedestal version--is this just "what they cost" or should I shop around?

Also this might seem like a dumb question, but any left handed tyers out there who can weigh in on whether or not I should buy the left handed model? IOW, any lefties out there using the right handed version and how well does it work? I might be able to find one used if the right handed version is going to work as well as the lefty.

[herl]

I thought I saw one in the classifieds a little bit ago..

clamp/pedestal - that's up to you. I think the pedestal is a little more flexible (i.e. you can move it where ever, when ever), but if you have a permanent spot to tie the clamp is a cheaper option- it's also good for travel b/c it's much lighter.

I have this vise (the cam-locking model) and I like it very much- my only complaint so far is that the shaft is pretty short so you are tying close to the table, but you get used to that- or you can purchase an extension.

I can't see much of a down side to buying a wrong-handed vise. I would think the only thing would be that the jaws adjustment knob will be on the back of the jaws from where you are sitting. But I haven't tried it either so I'm not sure about that...

They did come out with a new traveler this year so if you bought a used one you might be missing out on whatever they upgraded (I think it was just cosmetic changes though).

Nice Vise.

[Joe Smolt]

I have a traveler with the pedistal. It works great. I worried it would be tipsy, but not at all. So I'd get a pedistal version so it is a more useable traveling vise. I personally never took a vise with me on a fish adventure, but I could see myself doing it some day.

Joe

[scottflycst]

I've traveled with my Traveler and I prefer the pedestal version. I agree with Joe, it's alittle more versatile. I've tied on many different surfaces where a clamp won't always work. However, whatever you think is best for you.

I'd shop around quite a bit, you might run into a good deal and save some quid. Some shops will ship for free, don't be afraid to call and ask for a better price or free shipping if it's not offered.

[flytire]

depends on what your tying bench setup is.

i have a c clamp model on my bench and an extra pedestal for travelling

the pricew is as it states. maybe ebay will find you one cheaper. renzetti sure doesnt discount em and i'm sure they dont let the dealers discount em as well

[Dottiesdad]

I have been happy with mine after 3-4 years of use.

I strongly second the suggestion of getting the extension. The standard stem puts you too close to the table for comfort. For the way I learned to apply dubbing to the thread (spin the bobbin and "offer up" the dubbing material to the spinning thread) there just was not enough room with the original set up.

Got an extension and all is well now.


Best,

DD

[Tyler Sadowski]

Im left handed and I also own the traveler. I own the model with the base and really love it. I dont own the left handed version and I am really satisfied with it. Go for it it is an awesome vice. :thumb:

[RDL]

$185 is pretty high, you can do better, I'm left handed but tie righty, I feel awkward tying with a vise set left handed. I will say though get the vise that is made for your tying preference. I very recently sold a left handed Traveler, it was awkward reaching around the backside of the vise to set the hook in the jaws.

It certainly is not impossible, or even that hard to put the hook in the opposite handed vise, however, for me it is enough to make it less then enjoyable. If your going to lay out your $$$ get what fits you.

[Dean Edwards]

I have had my traveler for over 15 years, and still love it. I have a C clamp, and a custom Brass pedestal. I never use the pedestal though. I am also left handed, and tie on a right handed vice. The only thing I have noticed is on the older jaws, the tightening skrew is on the backside of the jaws. I have upgraded my vice to the cam lever jaws, and it works great. Here is the vise mounted in my truck last year on the road in Montana, and mounted on the desk at home.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Fllyfishy/viceintrk.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Fllyfishy/Desk640.jpg

[Allison]

Orvis has them online for $159. They don't have them in the store, but they said I can get free shipping if I order it from their special phone in the store. I know i'll have to pay sales tax that way, but I can live with that. Assuming they are still at that price on Monday I'll go that route I think.

[ceviche]

Dean,

Where did you get the cam jaws for your Traveller when you upgraded? I'm in the market for the same set of jaws.

--Dave E.

[Richard Olmstead]

Allison -
I am left handed and have the left-handed model. I also got the pedestal base and the extended shaft (the normal one seemed much too short). I love it. I think I paid $165 full price at a fly shop about 3-4 years ago when my old Thompson started to fail me.
Dick

[Dean Edwards]

Dean,

Where did you get the cam jaws for your Traveller when you upgraded? I'm in the market for the same set of jaws.

--Dave E.


I picked them up at the Morning Hatch when gary was still open. They were pretty spendy, I think they ran about $60 or so.

[Buck]

I have the traveler and I have both the base and the clamp. I almost never use the clamp. the base is an extra 20-30 bucks, I think it's worth it.
B

[chattmr]

Go for the pedestal. I've had mine for about 12 years and will never use a different vise...