The Peak vise is a basic in-line rotary, inviting the tier to sit down and get busy tying flies rather than fiddling with a multitude of adjustments. It follows the classic lines of an in-line rotary design with the canted jaws, and is equally suitable for right handed and left handed tiers 'as is'. The standard jaws, supplied with the vise package are of the draw collet type, and securely hold a wide range of hooks. The Peak company suggests hook sizes #2-24 and in using the vise this claim is supported. Using smaller hooks is no problem either, though the optional midge jaws offer superior clearance when working on the really small stuff. At the other end of the hook scale tiers working with large saltwater or pike hooks will be best served with the, again optional, stubby looking saltwater jaws which comfortably hold big irons due to an increased surface area. The inside faces of all three jaws have a finely pebbled finish. The cam lever is wide and comfortable, and the action features a positive lock.

Peak Vise

Exchanging the jaws, while not very difficult, requires a certain comfort level with tools. It involves loosening a grub screw (Allen key provided with the extra set of jaws) and removing a small E-clip (tier has to find his or her own sharp implement). Two spare E-clips are provided with each extra set of jaws.

The Peak vise is available as both a pedestal or C-clamp. The pedestal has a lot going for it, with a combination of weight (5lbs) and footprint (6"x6"x1/2") it provides a solid base even when cranking deer hair bass bugs. The finish is a slightly pebble-surface powdercoat in a very functional white color. A shallow pocket has been machined into the top surface of the pedestal to conveniently hold small items such as hooks, beads, etc. The white color of the base provides a good contrasting background for the items stored, but under strong overhead light the finish reflects a little more than I care for. The pedestal rests on four rubber feet offering a decent, non-slip hold on most surfaces.

Peak with Pedestal

The bearing housing is a polished brass cylinder with rounded corners, providing a very comfortable resting place for the non-bobbin hand. Tiers with small hands may find the reach to the hook perhaps a bit of a stretch, but for most the proportions work very well.

The standrod is a standard 3/8" in diameter. It fits into the pedestal, a metal ring around the stem acting as a stopper, with a recessed set screw threaded into the side of the pedestal operated by the supplied Allen key. This low profile design allows for convenient disassembly and transportation, but at the same time means no vertical adjustment is possible to vary the height of the jaws over the pedestal. With 8" clearance between the jaws and the pedestal I found there to be sufficient work room.

Rotary tension can be adjusted with a white nylon thumb screw, located under the bearing housing. While it performs its function adequately, I consider it a visual dissonant in an otherwise quite elegant vise. A metal knob and screw, tipped with Delrin, would raise the perceived quality of the vise considerably, well ahead of the actual component cost increase. The tension range provided with the nylon thumb screw is rather limited and it took me a few tries to find the tension setting I felt comfortable with. An identical nylon thumb screw is also present on the included bobbin cradle.

Peak offers an upgrade set of metal thumbscrews as an optional retrofit.

Verdict:
The machining quality reflects very well for the price bracket in which the Peak vise operates. While there are minor tool marks present on most of the machined surfaces they do not detract from function. The aim of the designers has clearly been to produce a clean lines, no frills tying tool at an attractive price. Overall this target has been met, positioning the Peak vise (MSRP US$144) as a strong contender in the $100-$200 bracket. The optional midge and saltwater jaws retail for $35.00 each. The Peak vise comes with a life time warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.