Griffin Montana MongooseAverage Rating: 9.2
Retail Price: 190.00
Manufacturer Description
Is the new generation of true rotary cam operated vise. The new design of this vise has been refined for maximum efficiency. The cam lever can be locked in a forward or backward position, allowing more clearance while tying. A single screw adjustment makes one-handed adjustments simple. The sleek and agile design of the Mongoose will ensure a comfortable hand position while tying. The smooth 360 true rotation will help provide better and more professional looking flies. Tempered steel jaws will securely grip hooks from 28-4/0's. The Mongoose comes complete with:
C-clamp, Pedestal, Bobbin Cradle, Material Clip, Hackle Gauge, Supreme Bobbin
& Deluxe Carrying Case
Reader Submitted ReviewsSubmitted by Terrence Prue
Pros
I've had the Montana Mongoose for 1 year know and find it has an excellent grip on any hook from #22 scud to 3/0 spey hooks. It's solid base is a definite plus. the rotary handle is firm and easily adjustable.
Cons
I find the pivot clamp that holds the hook in plus is in the way when rotating small hooks.
Submitted by cameron
Pros
very stable base, with the option of c-clamp if you prefer. the shape happens to make the top of the vise a pretty good hand rest for my non-tying hand. the jaws are easily adjusted, though i only tie from about 20 up to 2/0. if i wanted to take it with me, the case is nice and has room for a couple of tools in addition to the vise.
Cons
the rotary adjustment took a little getting used to, so at first it would rotate when i pushed it, even when i wasn't trying to rotate it (just had to tighten it more than i thought, but i suspect that is a fault in my thinking, not in the vise's design).
Submitted by Chad
Pros
Excellent vise. Easy to get familiar with. Great rotation, solid pedestal base, sturdy construction, easy clamp adjustments,a solid working cam, and portability make this the last vise I'll ever need. I paid $135US on Ebay. The best fly-tying investment I've made so far. Don't waste your money on a cheap, foreign vise that you will hate (like I did). Here, you get exactly what you pay for. If you tie a lot of flies and can afford this, get it!
Cons
My only complaint is that the forward tilt adjustment must be made with a hex (Allen) wrench (included) instead of a permanent lever. But that would more than likely get in the way. At least it HAS the tilt adjustment, allowing the tier to wrap entire scud hooks without readjusting the hook.
Submitted by Douglas Hepner
Pros
Full rotary vise with all the bells and wistles. Great hook holding even on smaller flies such as midges. Moderate price makes this vise a great value. Travel case is nice to have.
Cons
Plastic knobs on pedestal base (but mine have not been a problem yet). Aluminum post makes me a bit nervous but again, I have not had any problems with it yet.
Submitted by Nick
Pros
*Sturdy design.
*C-clamp included.
*Deep bobbin craddle which makes wrapping easier.
*Ability to tilt the vise.
*Nice spot for resting my hand while tying.
*Good travel case that, beside the vise, also fitted my horizontal tyer spotlight.
After using it for a while I don't doubt the quality of the vise. The cons below are just what I, myself, see as things that can be improved with slight design adjustments.
Cons
*The jaws are rounded and makes it harder to mount small size hooks.
*The cam lever is long and put too far from the jaws. When rotating 180 degrees it makes it uncomfortable when tying. Being locked in backward position, the bobbin cradle and/or the screws are instead in the way when rotating. (Lower the bobbin cradle will remedy that of course, but it will instead not be in the axis of rotation as it should be able to.)
*When rotating back and forth, the tension knob at the rear is unscrewing itself. The reason for this is that hole for the screw in the rear housing is too large so the handle housing wobbles and since the spring inside is pressing it against the knob, the knob will go with it... but not in both directions. Better precision would remedy this.
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