Fishing is one of the most common hobbies and pastimes of people. One variant of fishing that many people enjoy partaking in is fly fishing.
Fly fishing involves using a lightweight lure also known as an ‘artificial fly’. These flies can either be bought from stores or made yourself.
If you want to make your own flies, what you will need is a fly-tying vise. Two of the best ones available are the Renzetti Traveler 2200 and 2300.
They are both pretty much the same product, with 2300 being the ‘blacked out’ version of 2200.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | Renzetti Traveler 2200 | Renzetti Traveler 2300 |
| Type Of Vise | Rotary fly-tying vise | Rotary fly-tying vise |
| Vise Bases Available | Pedestal version and C-clamp version | Pedestal version and C-clamp version |
| Vise Material | All anodized aluminum parts | All black anodized aluminum parts |
| Additional Features | Bobbin cradle, black oxide finished patented cam jaws, polyurethane O-ring, rotary tension screw. | Bobbin cradle, black oxide finished patented cam jaws, polyurethane O-ring, rotary tension screw. |
| Vise Price | Around $249.99 | Around $249.99 |
Key Differences Between Renzetti Traveler 2200 And 2300 Series Vises
Fly fishing is the more active variant of regular fishing. Whereas in regular fishing you would just cast your line and relax until you get a bite, fly fishing involves a fair bit of activity.
Not only will you usually be waist-deep in water, but you will also need to match the fish’s movements, all the while wading through rushing rapids.
You will also need to be able to properly navigate rocky and slippery river beds when fly fishing.
As implied by the name, the quality, and type of fly you use are an integral part of fly fishing.
You would need to make different kinds of flies according to the location you are fishing and the type of fish you are trying to catch.
In the end, you could just take the easier road and just buy the flies you need from your local bait and tackle shop. However, if you want to save money in the long run, it is much better to just make your own flies.
This is where fly-tying vise machines such as the Renzetti Traveler 2200 and 2300 come in.
After going through the comparison table, you should have a pretty good idea about all the characteristics and differences between the two different desk fly-tying vises.
Now, let’s go a bit more in-depth into the characteristics of the shelves and really break down and discuss each characteristic of the Renzetti Traveler 2200 and 2300 vises separately.
- Type of Vise
For custom fly tying, there are three different kinds of vises available. The first one is a stationary vise. As the name implies, these hold the hook in a stationary position without being able to turn.
The second one is a turning vise. These hold the fly with a spring clamp, allowing it to be turned for inspection.
The third and final one is a rotary vise. The Renzetti Traveler 2200 and 2300 vises both fall into this category.
Rotary vises allow the user to inspect the fly from any different angle by simply rotating it.
Another benefit to using rotary vises is that it is much easier to apply specific materials such as hackles to flies using a rotary vise.
The rotary function of vises will not be used on every occasion. However, when you need to apply a hackle or inspect the fly, it could prove to be a very useful feature.
- Vise Bases Availablity
Renzetti Traveler offers two types of vise bases for both the 2200 and 2300.
The two available bases are a 5’’ X 5’’ black powder-coated pedestal with a 7-inch aluminum stem and a coated C-Clamp with an 8-inch stem.
The C-Clamp version of the vise is better for the more casual fly tier. It can easily clamp onto any raised surface at any time.
It is important to clamp one in the most ergonomic position possible to maximize efficiency.
On the other hand, the pedestal version of the vise works well for more serious tiers. Putting the pedestal on an even and stable surface allows for easy fly-tying.
- Vise Material
This is where the main and pretty much the only difference between the Renzetti Traveler 2200 and the 2300 lies. Other than the slight difference in appearance, both the products are the exact same thing.
The Renzetti Traveler 2200 is made of high-quality, anodized aluminum parts. The anodized aluminum gives the whole thing a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish.
The only way the Renzetti Traveler 2300 differs from 2200 is that 2300 is made of black anodized aluminum instead, giving it a blacked-out look over the more silvery appearance of 2200.
- Additional Vise Features
As already mentioned, both the Renzetti Traveler and 2200 and 2300 are the exact same products so they also have the same features included.
Both vises come with a bobbin cradle and black oxide-finished cam jaws. Past models used to utilize rubber O-rings in the vise. However, the newer versions such as the 2200 and the 2300 use O-rings made of polyurethane instead.
Where rubber degrades and gets damaged more easily, polyurethane gives the O-ring a more durable, long-lasting build.
Both vises also come with rotary tension screws. The vises are available in both right and left-handed variants.
- Vise Price
Even in the pricing, the vises do not differ at all. Both vises can be bought for 249.99 dollars.
Which Vise Should I Buy?
Now, we come to the question that most people wanted to know the answer to from this article. Which fly-tying vise should you pick? The answer to this question depends entirely on you and your aesthetic preferences.
As has been mentioned many times in this article, from a feature and specifications standpoint, both the Renzetti Traveler 2200 and 2300 are the exact same products. The only difference is that 2300 is the ‘blacked out’ version of 2200.
So, if you prefer a silvery appearance for your vise, pick 2200. If you want a vise with a darker, black coloring, you should choose 2300. Here is why I like the 2300 model!
Also Read: Should YOu Redington Field Kit?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Renzetti Traveler vises are the best.
First, you clamp the fly onto the jaws and from there, you can build it however you wish.
Renzetti Traveler vises are manufactured in the USA.
Renzetti Traveler Inc. is a family-owned business that started in the 70s in Romansville PA.
Final Words
To sum up, in this comparison of Renzetti Traveler 2200 and 2300 series vise, it is clear that both products are pretty much exactly the same with only a small difference in appearance.
So, if you are a fly fisher looking for a vise to make your own flies with, you can pick either the Renzetti Traveler 2200 or 2300 without missing anything.
