Renzetti, makers of some of the best fly tying tools in the world, today announced the Traveller 2200 vise, the Special Edition Masters vise, and their distributorship of Tuffleye, a crystal-clear, acrylic replacement for epoxy.
The Next Generation Traveler
Traveller 2200 Vise
Often times it’s very difficult to improve on a classic. The old saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” comes to mind. But every so often even a classic needs to be updated. Renzetti, the producer of the finest fly tying vises made today, made a few changes to one of their best selling vises of all times, proving that change can indeed be for the best.
The new Traveler 2200 series vises will eventually replace the Traveler and Traveler Cam series of vises, but ultimately is an entirely new vise unto itself. This new version retains all the features of the original Traveler, such as the bent rotary shaft, the black oxide coated jaws that hold hooks from size #28 to 4/0, and the bobbin cradle but it features an entirely new rotary head and shaft design and a longer stem. And while still created from the same aircraft grade aluminum as the original, this new model has a clear anodized finish to increase longevity and durability.
As the result of many requests, the length of the Traveler 2200 Series base stem is increased from 6 up to 7 inches. It may not seem like much, but it will certainly allow a tier greater freedom of movement around the vise. Those familiar with the Traveler series will immediately notice the difference in the appearance of the 2200, which features a remodeled rotary head and shaft, giving a more up-to-date look.
Standard features for the new series includes an aluminum bobbin cradle and your choice of a powder coated cast zinc pedestal base or a c-clamp base. As with previous models, the Traveler 2200 Series vise must be ordered specifically for right- or left-handed tiers. All of the Traveler accessories will work with this new vise, but bear in mind that the 2200 does not replace the Saltwater Traveler, which has jaws able to hold larger hooks. An updated Saltwater Traveler will be available in April of 2008. Similar to the previous Traveler, its jaws are not interchangeable with the Saltwater Traveler, however you will be able to order a new series Saltwater Traveler Bent Shaft and a set of Saltwater Traveler jaws to complete the conversion once its available.
For those simply wishing to update an existing Traveler, a few conversions are possible. Contact Renzetti directly to find out which components are compatible. The Traveler 2200 Series Base model retails for $184.95 and is proudly made in the USA.
Special Edition Masters Vise
Often when you see an already exceptional product upgraded it means it has just become less usable and more for collectors or display purposes. Plus, when you talk about top-end items, there usually isn’t much room for useful improvement. The Special Edition Master’s Vise by Renzetti undermines both of those ideas with a subtle but significant and attractive modification, creating a true heirloom-quality tool you’ll actually want to use.
Special Edition Masters Vise
Put simply, the only change to this very special version is that the aluminum body and arm are hard anodized in a stylish black finish. Hard anodization is usually reserved for fly reels and reel seats or any other application of aluminum that might come in contact with harsh conditions or be treated roughly in order to protect it better. While it might be perceived as overkill for a fly tying vise, especially one as overbuilt as the Masters, simply realize that many people have tied on their Masters Vise for decades now and that level of continuous use around solvents, glues and epoxies creates a harsh environment. A hard anodized finish will easily extend the lifespan of this vise by years, perhaps even decades, creating something you may well pass along to your kids, or even grandkids someday. The black color, together with the standard gold accents, keeps the vise from looking worn and creates a striking and elegant appearance. The finish will also make the vise much easier to clean at the end of the day and help to keep it clean for years to come.
The other addition to the Special Edition Masters is the inclusion of a matching black anodized Saltwater Deluxe base. All other features remain consistent with the original Masters, including jaws that hold hooks from size #28 up to 10/0, a built in material clip, the bobbin cradle and a true-rotary design.
The Special Edition Deluxe Master’s Vise retails for $729.95.
Renzetti Proudly Announces Tuffleye Distributorship
Anyone who has ever tied with epoxy knows the apprehension that comes with mixing up a batch you know mostly goes to waste. You often have to mix so much that you tie multiple flies hoping to coat several at once, but inevitably the mix hardens before you can finish. Besides, eventually it yellows and cracks anyway. You either need more hands or a better solution. We can’t help you with more hands, but Renzetti can now offer you a better solution – Tuffleye.
In an effort to continue bringing you the finest in fly tying tools and accessories, Renzetti proudly announces that it will begin distributing Tuffleye – an epoxy alternative created by Wet a Hook Technologies. “I have searched for years to find a material that outperforms epoxy in all facets, but unfortunately, every alternative would be deficient in some critical area,” says well-know tier and epoxy user Bob Popovics. “I have finally found a material I can honestly say surpasses epoxy.”
Tuffleye is a special light-cured acrylic that hardens in less than 20 seconds and ends up harder than epoxy and never yellows. Unlike epoxy, Tuffleye does not require mixing and comes in four consistencies, including gel, liquid, putty and elastic. The best part -- it won’t harden until you apply the proper wavelength of light, and you apply only what you need when you need it. The material can be colored and even weighted and remains totally insoluble in both fresh and saltwater forever.
Pricing for complete kits, including the special light and several tubes of the acrylic, begin at $88.95, but individual syringes of Tuffleye retail between $9.95 for a 10cc Tuffleye Finish to $19.95 for a 30cc syringe of Tuffleye Core. The light retails for $74.95.
For more information about Tuffleye or to order, simply log on to www.Renzetti.com.
For more information, write Renzetti at 8800 Grissom Parkway, Titusville, FL 32780; call 321-267-7705; or visit www.Renzetti.com to order or find your nearest dealer.
