Best Fly Tying Bobbin Reviews | Updated List 2021
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How We Found the Best Fly Tying Bobbin
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Fly Tying Bobbin Tested
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Models Considered
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Hours Researched
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Experts Interviewed
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BOTTOM LINE
Rite Bobbins are easily identified by veteran fly tyers for their gold cross design on the dial. The first of two Rite branded bobbins does not come very cheap, but is made of strong and comfortable materials all around for a desirable fly tying experience.
It is the most popular of Rite bobbins you can buy, and that is mainly because it works well with any sort of fly pattern imaginable.
With this bobbin, spools can easily be taken on and off by adjusting these spindles made of brass.
Although the wiring may seem a little bit thin, and you may have a fear of breaking the bobbin by pulling it apart too far, it manages to do a great job securing any sized spool and maintaining a silk smooth tension.
Rather than using a traditional dial for housing spools, this bobbin takes a more unorthodox approach, and uses two spindles to attach your selected spool.
Whether you are using a big spool or a small one, you can easily attach it to the bobbin with ease and security. This way, you are not limited to only using one size of spool. This bobbin caters to what you prefer when tying flies, so that you do not have to cater to what the bobbin requires.
Right out of the gate, it is easy to look at the fly tying bobbin holders from Xfishman and think they are basic. In many ways, they are.
However, if you are just starting out, basic is best. Its compact shape allows for a good grip. Additionally, the fact that it comes in pairs adds additional value for its price.
While the Rite bobbins are connected from one side of the dial, this and the other bobbins will be connected from both using spindles.
This Griffin bobbin is very affordable and that does its job: it secures the thread and does not damage it in any way. It is compatible with all kinds of threads, and the long body makes it easy to tie large flies, streamers and large hooks.
PROS
- Made with excellent quality
- Great for any fly pattern you want to use.
- Tension can be adjusted with a strong, brass arm.
- Ceramic tube feels comfortable and secure, and won’t damage the thread.
- Costs very little.
- Straightforward bobbin that works well.
- Can be used with any sized spool available.
- Has very sturdy steel wiring.
- Costs very little.
- Straightforward bobbin that works well.
- Can be used with any sized spool available.
- Has very sturdy steel wiring.
- Affordable
- Comes in a pack of two
- Can use different silk colors without changing spools
- Costs very little.
- Straightforward bobbin that works well.
- Ideal for tying large ties and hooks.
- Ceramic insert is very stable.
CONS
- Changing thread is very time consuming.
- Might snap finer thread.
- Might snap finer thread.
- Bobbin is basic.
- Wiring may be too thin.
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For those who may not be aware, fly tying is the process of creating an artificial fly lure in order to attract fish. Bobbins are one of the more reliable methods to help fishers tie a fly. A good bobbin must come with easy-to-use features, a reasonable size for spool and threading, and long lasting materials for and after use. We will review the following bobbins and determine which is the best of them all.
Rite Ceramic Standard Bobbin
Best of the best
Bottom Line
Rite Bobbins are easily identified by veteran fly tyers for their gold cross design on the dial. The first of two Rite branded bobbins does not come very cheap, but is made of strong and comfortable materials all around for a desirable fly tying experience.
It is the most popular of Rite bobbins you can buy, and that is mainly because it works well with any sort of fly pattern imaginable.
PROS
- Made with excellent quality
- Great for any fly pattern you want to use.
- Tension can be adjusted with strong, brass arm.
- Ceramic tube feels comfortable and secure, and won’t damage the thread.
- Pulls away moisture
CONS
- Changing thread is very time consuming.
Summary
The standard Rite bobbin features a high quality tube made of ceramic that feels very firm and immovable. Yet it is not capable of fraying or cutting the thread that you would use along with it.
The bobbin also features an arm made of brass to allow you to control the tension as you tie flies. Using the bobbin feels very smooth and easy, so there is no huge learning curve if you are learning how to tie flies for the first time, or switching to a new bobbin.
The one caveat to this bobbin is that changing thread can be a hassle, but if you are used to using the same type of thread, you will greatly enjoy using this.
Dr. Slick ECO 4″ Bobbin
Best for the Price
Bottom Line
With this bobbin, spools can easily be taken on and off by adjusting these spindles made of brass.
Although the wiring may seem a little bit thin, and you may have a fear of breaking the bobbin by pulling it apart too far, it manages to do a great job securing any sized spool and maintaining a silk smooth tension.
PROS
- Costs very little.
- Straightforward bobbin that works well.
- Can be used with any sized spool available.
- Has very sturdy steel wiring
CONS
- Might snap finer thread.
Summary
The insert allows for a smoother threading when tying flies, and is built to last. One thing to note though is that you have to use finer threads very diligently, or you are sure to cut them.
Dr. Slick’s bobbin has a lot in common with Creative Angle’s bobbin. The key difference however, is that Dr. Slick’s may be a little bit too small. If you have a large pair of hands, you likely will not enjoy working with this bobbin. However, unless you are using gigantic flies or hooks, working with this bobbin will be fairly simple and straightforward.
Creative Angler Fly Fishing Tying Bobbin and Wire Threader
Bottom Line
Rather than using a traditional dial for housing spools, this bobbin takes a more unorthodox approach, and uses two spindles to attach your selected spool.
Whether you are using a big spool or a small one, you can easily attach it to the bobbin with ease and security. This way, you are not limited to only using one size of spool. This bobbin caters to what you prefer when tying flies, so that you do not have to cater to what the bobbin requires.
PROS
- Costs very little.
- Straightforward bobbin that works well.
- Can be used with any sized spool available.
- Has very sturdy steel wiring
CONS
- Might snap finer thread.
Summary
The steel wiring of this fly tying bobbin is very flexible and sturdy. Like the bobbins from Griffin, it is fairly inexpensive and serves its purpose. However, this fly tying bobbin is significantly thicker and doesn’t look too vulnerable.
This bobbin features a ceramic tip that is sure to keep the joint in the middle protected over time. The feet that connect with the spool are also made of brass, so you know that using thread will be smooth during each use.
But be careful, though, as it may not be safe to use with thinner thread; the bobbin has been known to cut and snap.
XFishman Fly Tying Bobbin Holder
Bottom Line
Right out of the gate, it is easy to look at the fly tying bobbin holders from Xfishman and think they are basic. In many ways, they are.
However, if you are just starting out, basic is best. Its compact shape allows for a good grip. Additionally, the fact that it comes in pairs adds additional value for its price.
PROS
- Affordable
- Comes in a pack of two
- Can use different silk colors without changing spools
CONS
- Bobbin is basic.
Summary
If you are thinking about procuring maximum value in your fly tying bobbin, then the XFishman bobbin holders should be considered. While mostly basic, the product comes with two thumb fit ceramic bobbins and one bobbin threader.
It is user-friendly, durable, and fits in the palm of your hand. While small, the thumb fit design makes it easy enough to change threads and do what you need to do. All in all, a great product for getting maximum value.
Griffin Tying Tools Bobbin Ceramic Supreme
Bottom Line
While the Rite bobbins are connected from one side of the dial, this and the other bobbins will be connected from both using spindles.
This Griffin bobbin is very affordable and that does its job: it secures the thread and does not damage it in any way. It is compatible with all kinds of threads, and the long body makes it easy to tie large flies, streamers and large hooks.
PROS
- Costs very little.
- Straightforward bobbin that works well.
- Ideal for tying large ties and hooks.
- Ceramic insert is very stable.
CONS
- Wiring may be too thin.
Summary
While threads of any thickness will work just fine with this bobbin, small, fine thread works very well, and will not fray or break. This bobbin also includes a ceramic tip for minimal tension.
The problem with this bobbin is that it may be too strong. You will need some very big muscles to open it up and get a spool fastened in there for the first several times using it.
With all things considered, the supreme bobbin is considered a beefy upgrade from the regular and bass/saltwater version. They are both the same price, so I can only assume that both of them serve different purposes, although the “supreme” version is very durable and works with thread of any thickness, but is shorter than the Bass-Saltwater bobbin.
Norvise Fly Tying Bobbin Kit
Bottom Line
Looking at Norvise’s product, you will immediately notice that it doesn’t look like your typical fly tying bobbin. It is a beautifully designed product that almost borders art. Moreover, its functionality matches its aesthetic.
PROS
- Excellent drag
- An arbor is included for you to load your spool
CONS
- Pricey
Summary
The Norvise Fly Tying Bobbin Kit is a product that has been developed with great care and passion. The sleek and aesthetic design almost looks like a piece of art. It is compact, light, and feels good to use. The fact that it comes with its own arbor displaces many spool problems that other fly tying bobbin products experience.
FAQs
By chance that you need more information about fly tying and how to use a bobbin, here are some answers to common questions.
How are fly tying bobbins used?
Fly tying bobbins help regulate the tension of the thread. The bobbin is also responsible for holding the spool of thread in place as you tie a fly. This way, the furs or feathers on the fly do not come loose. Despite their appearance, they do not attack to any fishing rods of other equipment or play a role in catching fish.
What are some other tools required to tie flies?
Besides bobbins, fishers are required to have a pair of small scissors, a whip finisher, and a hair stacker.
There are many different scissors used specifically for fly tying. The blades on these scissors can be straight, serrated, or curved, and can be made of metal, steel, or tungsten.
Fishermen regularly keep at least two pairs of scissors with them: One to cut tough fly materials, such as feather stalks, which the other is made for trimming hair or fur.
A whip finisher is a tool to assist fisherman in tying knots for their flies. Knots can be tied by hand, but there are many products out there to make it easier and simpler during such a task.
A dubbing twister creates dubbing loops which can be easily wound around a hook.
A pair of hackle pliers made it easy for fisherman to firmly hold the tips of hackle for you to cut them or wrap them around a hook. There any many different shapes of hackle pliers to best suit the technique of a fisherman.
Hair stackers are tools with the purpose of bundling hair in one direction. Such hair and fibres include animal hair as well as synthetic materials. The user first puts a bunch of hair into the funnel tip of the hair stacker, and then the stacker is tapped forcefully against a table, desk, or any other hard object. This makes it easier to tie a patch of hair in order to create a fly.
Final Verdict
After close deliberation, we deem the best fly tying bobbin as the Rite Ceramic Standard Bobbin.
Rite Bobbins are easily identified by veteran fly tyers for their gold cross design on the dial. The first of two Rite branded bobbins does not come very cheap, but is made of strong and comfortable materials all around for a desirable fly tying experience.
It is the most popular of Rite bobbins you can buy, and that is mainly because it works well with any sort of fly pattern imaginable.
We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
I love to write for readers with a genuine interest in enjoying the fishing. Hence, I started this blog to provide you guides so that you can have a better and more pleasant fishing experience.
James Williams
Staff | FishingLab
We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.