I'm still a fan of the Rite, but I've been using the basic ceramic tiemcos lately because they're just so simple. Easy to change thread and you can just sqeeze to add extra tension if you need it.
I learned some things about bobbins! Yeah... accidentally hitting the tensioner and not being able to hold the thing however I want without worrying sound like the two things that would drive me up the wall crazy, since I can't handle small life difficulties that simply 'should work' and then don't... haha. Great review and B roll!
It's definitely something to keep in the back of your mind when you start tying this year :wink: :wink: Keep in mind there are a myriad of other bobbins to choose from. Thanks for watching :D
Great summary of both these Eric. I've got both and agree 100% that the Rite comes out on top. The Stonfo does feel good but I have to readjust the tension far too often. And I have the same problem with the Smhaen. But my current favorite, and what I keep spooled with black 70-denier at all times is the C&F. That doesn't even have a drag but somehow the tension is perfect at all times. 🙂
Thanks for that feedback. I was worried about how the Smhaen would feel in the hand, it's all a bunch of rough edges. I have recently tried the Stonfo "Adjustable Tension" bobbin which doesn't use a drag. I've been enjoying it a lot.
Thanks for the review Eric! I own a few Rite bobbins that I'm very satisfied with, but have been eying the Stonfo recently (grass is always greener, I guess). In theory I like the "easier" adjustability of the Stonfo. But as you pointed out, it cuts both ways when you're tying. I think I'll stick with Rite.
Exactly, I love the Stonfo's feel when the drag is where you want it, but when it's getting changed all the time, it gets frustrating and slows you down.
I love having the extra weight too, but I don't like getting frustrated with the drag coming open on me. I think I may start migrating away from bobbins with a drag.
Good call on the C&F. It's been my go-to bobbin holder for the last couple of years and even without a drag it's always had the perfect amount of tension.
I'm not certain, but the Salt Water version with the blue plastic is bigger. Bigger meaning the tube is thicker, it may also be longer. Might be worth looking at.
Let me know if you want to sell your Stonfo bobbins. I tried Rite bobbins, but the ceramic barrel came loose and the local fly shop owner told me it was a common problem .....but just wrap the barrel in thread to secure it ..... but after doing that I decided a better solution was trading or tossing all my Rite bobbins and buying more Stonfo bobbins. A tension lock for the Stonfo would be a nice enhancement but it doesn’t come loose very often unless the thread was recently changed. It’s not perfect but it’s the best bobbin I’ve ever used. If Rite redesigned their barrel it might be a closer match. Has anyone tried a Jvice bobbin ? It’s made by Jay Smit in South Africa..... he also makes a fantastic vise. I’m considering buying one of his bobbins.
I have several Rite bobbins that I have been using for over 10 yr and thousands of flies-and none of the ceramic tubes have come loose. You may have just gotten a lemon, happens with everything.
Rite Bobbin is the WORST buying experience I have ever had! Received a Bobbin from manufacturer himself, that looked like it was made is a ghetto with no QC. Worst of all, owner is on vacation until mid-January and does not respond to email of Voicemail. Rite Bobbin ups their price because it write “Made in the USA” on their item but sent cap to their customers and have no customer service. Stay away from this company !
@@driftstone I wish I could have posted a pic to show what I received. I do not like to post negatives, but this went too far, not only in QC that can happen to any company but especially the inexistant customer service and total lack of customer respect & response. Some company like Rite make money on “Made In The USA”. I rather buy from a company in the USA that makes products abroad and has QC and good customer service. Rite Bobbin = Shameful business practices 😢
Thanks for the info, I have used a Rite bobbin for several years and I really like it. And thanks for hint about adding tension, I did not know that.
I'm still a fan of the Rite, but I've been using the basic ceramic tiemcos lately because they're just so simple. Easy to change thread and you can just sqeeze to add extra tension if you need it.
Very helpful Eric. Thanks. I like the simple Stonfo bobbin but want a clutch type bobbin. Looks like the Rite is the way to go.
I still use both bobbins, but I have a color of thread on the Stonfo that I use less.
I learned some things about bobbins! Yeah... accidentally hitting the tensioner and not being able to hold the thing however I want without worrying sound like the two things that would drive me up the wall crazy, since I can't handle small life difficulties that simply 'should work' and then don't... haha. Great review and B roll!
It's definitely something to keep in the back of your mind when you start tying this year :wink: :wink:
Keep in mind there are a myriad of other bobbins to choose from. Thanks for watching :D
Great summary of both these Eric. I've got both and agree 100% that the Rite comes out on top. The Stonfo does feel good but I have to readjust the tension far too often. And I have the same problem with the Smhaen. But my current favorite, and what I keep spooled with black 70-denier at all times is the C&F. That doesn't even have a drag but somehow the tension is perfect at all times. 🙂
Thanks for that feedback. I was worried about how the Smhaen would feel in the hand, it's all a bunch of rough edges.
I have recently tried the Stonfo "Adjustable Tension" bobbin which doesn't use a drag. I've been enjoying it a lot.
Thanks for the review Eric! I own a few Rite bobbins that I'm very satisfied with, but have been eying the Stonfo recently (grass is always greener, I guess). In theory I like the "easier" adjustability of the Stonfo. But as you pointed out, it cuts both ways when you're tying. I think I'll stick with Rite.
Exactly, I love the Stonfo's feel when the drag is where you want it, but when it's getting changed all the time, it gets frustrating and slows you down.
The best bobbin is the one each individual likes.
Thanks for the video, I've been looking to update my Dr. slick for awhile.
Awesome, hope it helped give you some things to think about.
I'll stick with Rite.
Learned something.
Thanks !
Still on the Stonfo elite, but looking forward to getting my hands on that C&F bobbin. Heavy bobbins ftw.
I love having the extra weight too, but I don't like getting frustrated with the drag coming open on me. I think I may start migrating away from bobbins with a drag.
Good call on the C&F. It's been my go-to bobbin holder for the last couple of years and even without a drag it's always had the perfect amount of tension.
I really enjoy my rite bobbin!
Nice, you really can't go wrong with it. What's your favorite thing about it?
@@driftstone The adjustable tension and the ceramic tube are fabulous.
I have the same problem with the stonfo. I wish the tube was longer too
I'm not certain, but the Salt Water version with the blue plastic is bigger. Bigger meaning the tube is thicker, it may also be longer. Might be worth looking at.
@@driftstone could be
Let me know if you want to sell your Stonfo bobbins. I tried Rite bobbins, but the ceramic barrel came loose and the local fly shop owner told
me it was a common problem .....but just wrap the barrel in thread to secure it ..... but after doing that I decided a better solution was trading or tossing all my Rite bobbins and buying more Stonfo bobbins.
A tension lock for the Stonfo would be a nice enhancement but it doesn’t come loose very often unless the thread was recently changed. It’s not perfect but it’s the best bobbin I’ve ever used. If Rite redesigned their barrel it might be a closer match.
Has anyone tried a Jvice bobbin ? It’s made by Jay Smit in South Africa..... he also makes a fantastic vise. I’m considering buying one of his bobbins.
I have several Rite bobbins that I have been using for over 10 yr and thousands of flies-and none of the ceramic tubes have come loose. You may have just gotten a lemon, happens with everything.
Norvise bobbin system is slick
Have you tried it? I assume there's a learning curve yeah?
After using both of these for dozens of hours, I am also on team Rite.
I was curious what your preference was. Glad we're in agreement 👍
I have several Rites but lately I am team C&F
My rite ceramic bobbin seems to peel off the wax on my wax threads which drives me nuts. Anyone else have this issue?
I personally haven't noticed it on Semperfli's waxed thread, but I'm not sure there's enough there to peel off. what threads are you seeing this on?
@@driftstone utc
Rite Bobbin is the WORST buying experience I have ever had! Received a Bobbin from manufacturer himself, that looked like it was made is a ghetto with no QC. Worst of all, owner is on vacation until mid-January and does not respond to email of Voicemail.
Rite Bobbin ups their price because it write “Made in the USA” on their item but sent cap to their customers and have no customer service. Stay away from this company !
Huh that's interesting, I would have assumed they were big enough to have a dedicated person to handle these kinds of things. Thanks for sharing
@@driftstone I wish I could have posted a pic to show what I received. I do not like to post negatives, but this went too far, not only in QC that can happen to any company but especially the inexistant customer service and total lack of customer respect & response.
Some company like Rite make money on “Made In The USA”. I rather buy from a company in the USA that makes products abroad and has QC and good customer service.
Rite Bobbin = Shameful business practices 😢
Stonfo is overpriced