5 Best Fly Tying Kits Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Fly Tying Kit Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

We know that when it comes to finding the best fly tying kit, this is a process that takes a lot of time, and not all of us can afford the luxury of spending hours reading reviews. That’s why we’ve decided to bring you in this very paragraph the answer you need. We’ve carefully considered the benefits offered by the top-rated fly tying kits and went through a lot of data, which led us to the conclusion that the product you should bear in mind as the first choice is the Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit. This set contains everything one needs for this activity, and all the tools are made of high-quality materials, for enhanced durability. The unit is also lightweight and delivered with a convenient case, which means that you can easily transport it whenever necessary. In case this unit is not available, the alternative you should consider is the Creative Angler Zephr Travel Fly Tying Kit.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

5 Best Fly Tying Kits (Updated Reviews) in 2023

 

 

If you’ve been going through fly tying kit reviews trying to figure out which alternative is the right one for your needs, then you’ll be happy to know that the next selection contains our favorite picks out of the top-rated products in this category, so you can safely choose the one that works best in your case.

 

 

1. Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit 

 

This Colorado Anglers product is an affordable fly tying kit that is specially designed to fit the needs of both beginners and pros, which is only one of the characteristics that make it an excellent option. The kit is easy to store and thanks to its convenient carrying case, you’ll be able to carry it around wherever you need to use it.

The case is made of wood, so you can be sure that it does a great job of protecting the tools included in the kit. Speaking of the tools included, you should know that there are 7, besides the vise with base, namely scissors, a hackle plier, bobbin holder, whip finisher, dubbing twister, bobbin threader, and a bodkin-cleaner.

Furthermore, this fly tying kit is both robust and elegant, so it will definitely become one of your favorite items to take with you when you are going outdoors for some fun. Of course, it can also be a great gift for someone who is passionate about fishing, so if you are not sure what to get for your friends, this is definitely an option.

In terms of construction, you should know that it’s made of high-quality stainless steel, which prevents any potential corrosion.

Pros

This compact kit is very easy to store around the house, and it can also be used pretty much anywhere you need to given that it features a vise with a base.

The tools included are made of high-grade materials, which makes them reliable no matter the user’s level of experience, thus making this a highly versatile alternative.

You’ll be happy to know that it’s also a lightweight alternative, so you can have all the necessary tools without having the kit become a burden when you go fishing.

Thanks to the built-in base, this portable and cheap fly tying kit can be used anywhere you need to.

Cons

You may want to take a closer look at the measurements, as this is a compact set, which means that it might seem a bit small at first.

The locking tension lever can be a bit difficult to use at first.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Creative Angler Zephr Travel Fly Tying Kit 

 

In case what you need is a durable and effective fly tying tool kit, then this Creative Angler product can certainly be the right solution for you. The first thing you should know is that this a Deluxe product that includes 12 different tools. This means that you will have everything necessary to enjoy your time fishing to the fullest.

Of course, the kit includes a very nice and handy traveling bag as well, so you won’t have any difficulty in taking it with you wherever your outdoor adventures might take you. The list of tools that this set comes with includes two bobbins, two scissors, a hair stacker, rotating hackle pliers, as well as tweezers, among others.

You might also be happy to know that the vise comes with an interchangeable clamp, and that the model included in this fly fishing tying kit is the EZ Rotary Vise. This particular feature allows users to rotate the hook while it’s placed in the vise, thus making this a very nice design that ensures enhanced usability.

Thanks to the high-quality materials included in this set’s construction, you can be sure that you are going to use it for a long time.

Pros

This unit comes with a durable carrying case that is going to do its job for as long as it’s necessary, no matter how often you are using the kit.

The high-quality tools included, as well as their number, makes this a reliable alternative for both experienced users and for those who are just getting the hang of this activity.

The sturdy yet elegant design makes this particular set an excellent gift idea for a friend or someone in your family who is a fan of fishing.

The fact that this model includes the EZ Rotary Vise makes it a handy option that allows you to use it according to your preferences.

Cons

The vice can sometimes be a bit difficult to set into the base.

The bobbins might need to be smoothed out a bit in certain cases, but this also depends on the thread you are using.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit 

 

This Scientific Anglers product is the answer you’ve been looking for if you’ve found yourself looking at fly tying kits without being sure which one offers both a reliable construction and all the tools you need to get started right away. This Deluxe set is specially made for those who want to discover this art.

All of the materials, tools, and hooks that you need are included in this kit that also comes with a traveling case. This means that you can have all the necessary resources on the go, as the compact design allows you to take it with you on your fishing adventures. Anyone who is passionate about this activity knows that fly tying is sometimes quite complicated.

This fly tying starter kit includes everything necessary for you to create your own effective dry flies, nymphs, wet flies, and streamers. There are 12 different tools included, such as scissors, hooks, wire, tinsel, and thread, among many others.

Thanks to its solid construction, you will be using it for a long time before needing to buy a new one. Moreover, the vise is made for heavy-duty use, and you won’t have any trouble figuring out how to use it right away.

Pros

This kit includes multiple useful elements, such as the solid starter vise that features a fixed angle head, as well as a highly versatile c-clamp base.

In case you are looking for a beginner fly tying kit, then you should know that this product comes with the “Introduction to Fly Tying” DVD by Greg Vinci.

Thanks to the clear instructions and great tips offered for beginners, it can also make a very nice gift for someone who is interested in giving this art a try.

Given that the tools included are made for heavy-duty use and that the carrying case does a great job in helping you transport the kit, you can safely take it with you on any fishing trip.

Cons

Make sure you check the measurements before ordering your kit, given that it might be a bit smaller than expected.

Some devices might have a hard time playing the included DVD.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Umpqua Feather Merchants Fly Tying Tool Kit 

 

Umpqua’s product is one of those great fly tying kits for beginners that do a great job in providing all the necessary tools for anyone who wants to give this activity a try, so it’s definitely one you may want to take a closer look at.

One of the first things you are probably going to notice is the elegant wooden box the set comes with. This is a very nice way to transport your tying kit, and even though it might not seem so at first, it’s also a very convenient one. It might take up a bit more space in certain situations, compared to cases made of other materials, but it also ensures the tools’ protection.

Furthermore, the tools themselves are made of top-quality materials, specially selected to render them reliable for a long period. That’s why, you can safely assume that if you give this set a try, you are going to use it for quite some time before needing to get a new one.

Besides the fact that you are going to have useful tools, such as hackle pliers, scissors, a long bobbin, or a finish tool, within the same box, it’s also good to know that the kit comes with a sturdy AA vise.

Pros

You can use this very nice tool kit to tie flies on the go, as this is a solution that makes this job a lot easier and definitely enjoyable.

Thanks to the sturdy carrying case, you are going to be able to take the entire kit with you anywhere your fishing trips might take you.

This a great kit for beginners, but you should know that the quality of the tools included make it a suitable choice for experienced users as well.

You can create the tie flies you wish you had using this kit.

Cons

The lever might be a bit stiff, so you may need to do some adjustments during the first uses to get it to work the way you want to.

You should check the details on the kit’s size to make sure that it’s what you need.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. XFISHMAN Fly Tying Tool Kit

 

When it comes to finding a good fly tying tools kit, XFISHMAN’s products are a good place to start looking, especially since the manufacturer offers a complete solution suitable for users of all experience levels, such as the one we are going to discuss in the next lines.

If you decide to give this set a try, you’ll get the most essential tools to create your own fly ties, and it doesn’t matter if you are still a beginner, given that you’ll get the hang of doing this right away. One of the things you should know about this kit is that the materials used for its construction are of the highest level of quality.

That’s why you will be able to use it for as much as you need to, while the clever design used for the tools makes them suitable for both beginners and experienced users, given that these are both convenient and super functional.

As you can only imagine, such a kit can also be a very nice gift, if you have a family member or a friend who is passionate about fly fishing and would like to give fly tying a try as well.

Pros

There are two kinds of bobbins included in the set that suit any type of fly tying threads, which means that you can use these to improve efficiency.

The 7 essential tools included in this set are everything you need to get started on fly tying, which makes it a versatile solution for users of almost any skill level.

The fact that the set comes with a very nice and retro-cool bag that can be used to keep the tools organized is a useful and very elegant touch.

Thanks to the compact design, the kit can be taken on any fishing adventure that might require some fly tying as well.

Cons

The pouch doesn’t include elements that keep the items apart, so you may need to handle it with care as you are transporting the kit.

The scissors might need to be adjusted a bit at first to get them to work the way an experienced user would want.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

We know that you might be tempted to go through fly tying kits reviews from the beginning, but before you do that, it’s important to understand why people are actually spending time doing this. For some, it can be an art, while for others it’s a matter of being practical and even save some money in the process.

 

 

The advantages of fly tying

As you probably already know, you can find very nice fly fishing flies both online and in specialized stores, but this doesn’t mean that these are always the best solution. It’s true that these products are not the most expensive ones, but depending on how much you go fishing, the costs might start adding up after a while.

That’s why, if you decide to give fly tying a try, you will also notice that it’s a cheaper alternative that also allows you to create your own models, depending on any particular needs you might have. Usually, a fly costs around $3, but with tying your own flies, the materials can cost as little as $0.20. Of course, that’s besides the cost of the fly tying kit, but over time you can still benefit.

Furthermore, depending on the flies you find in stores, you may notice that these are not always made of the highest quality materials, which is something that can have an impact on your fishing experience. If that’s the case, they can also pollute the water, which is something that anyone who is passionate about fishing surely doesn’t want.

Last but not least, if you tie your own flies, you can choose from a much wider range of patterns and colors which enables you to create unique models that can better meet your fishing needs. While this might not be equally important for every fisherman, it’s certainly important if you are planning to participate in any type of fishing competition.

 

A bit about fly tying kits

As you are reading a particular fly tying kit review, the most important aspect you need to look for is quality. Low-quality materials are prone to breaking, and you’ll end up replacing the flies much faster than you should, which means that both your frustration and costs can get high.

Once you’ve established that you are considering a product that has every chance to be satisfactory from a quality point of view, you should also take a look at the tools included. There are a few basic ones that should not be missing if you want to get started right away.

The vice would be the first one to consider, given that hooks can easily slip into wrong places, even when experienced users are tying flies. To prevent this from happening, a vice is the way to go, especially if it’s wet as well. A good vice should be able to accommodate hooks of varying sizes.

When it comes to scissors, some might consider that having a regular pair in the gearbox is more than enough. While this is certainly useful, it’s a very good idea to have a dedicated pair of scissors specially made for fly tying, as these don’t get sticky from fish juice. Plus, this tool should also have super-fine points and be very sharp, in order to allow close cutting.

 

Other mandatory tools

The bobbin holder is another tool that should not be missing from your fly tying set, given that it does a great job of preventing things from getting tangled. Along the same lines, the bobbin wire loop tool ensures that the entire threading process takes place a lot faster. These two items also work together, as the bobbin holder protects the bobbin as you are getting the job done.

Furthermore, a dubbing twister is another tool that you need to have in your kit, as it’s specially designed to assist in the tying process by creating tension. This prevents fur and feather from falling around and out of place. Plus, this also allows users to properly twist the dubbing in order to create a rope.

The kit should also include a bodkin and hackle pliers. The former is actually an essential addition, thanks to its versatility which means you can use it to comb the underfur in order to prepare it for tying. In terms of the latter, hackle pliers work similarly to the vice in that they prevent pieces and elements from slipping away. You can use the pliers to tightly hold the tackle.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) How to use the fly tying tools

2) Fly tying history

3) Imitating the live food of gamefish

4) Take the Fly Tying Challenge