Author Topic: Let's Talk Bobbins (Read 1121 times)

Josh McFadden · « **on:** December 15, 2009, 12:41:58 AM »

I've tried all manner of bobbins from el cheapo bobbins to Ceramic Ones. None have really suited me in the thread tension department. I have been thinking about The Rite Bobbins with the tensioner. Can anyone recommend these or others I may be missing.
I'd like to find a good bobbin and work on accumulating a slew.
Thanks

Josh

Todd Huber · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2009, 08:09:27 AM »

I would highly recommend them. Quite a bit of tension control - each click of the brass spindle adds about one ounce of tension. They also have a good feel in the hand. I prefer the longer tube seems to give me more control. Only issue is swapping out the thread - have to unscrew the spindle. I picked up 7 of them changing thread isn't a big deal any more.

Adam Wellington · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2009, 08:55:04 AM »

I own 1 rite bobbin, and hardly ever use it anymore. The ceramic tube always slips in towards the spool, and I have problems with thread breakage (i have tried everything to fix the breakage problem, cant find a burr or anything). I have been using the ceramic tipped tiemco bobbins for a while now and haven't looked back. If the thread is too loose, I will wrap the thread around one of the bobbin legs to add some tension.

Kevin Compton · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2009, 08:26:51 PM »

Marc Petitjean of Switzerland just introduced a new stainless bobbin at the NJ FF Show. The piece between the bobbin arms slides to adjust thread tension.

Rich Strolis · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2009, 08:33:42 PM »

Tried the Rite, and I concur mine is collecting dust too. I am a big fan of the Griffen bobbins, I have about 12 loaded at all times...

David Homrok · « **Reply #5 on:** December 24, 2009, 03:00:30 PM »

This is probably one of the most highly engineered bobbins out there:
http://www.automaticbobbin.com/index.htm

The only problem for me is the price. I saw it demonstrated - it is very cool.

Daniel Podobed · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2011, 10:20:23 PM »

I am curious to try the Petitjean bobbin for a while after it appeared online. Currently, I have about 5 bobbins that I use, and a cermaic one that just holds gold ribbing wire as I cannot stand to tie thread with with.

I just started fly tying 3 months ago, but I've found the biggest difference *3 different bobbins*, isn't the bobbin, but the thread. I have a definite preference of which threads I tie with, and will begin scaling back on the manufacturers I carry once I'm out of said manufacturers. None of them are ceramic either, and cost anywhere from 3 to 20 bux.

I think someone should sell a 12 bobbin bulk pack, you really can't have enough.

Last note, that $100 dollar bobbin is interesting, but out of my range.

Rob Twombly · « **Reply #7 on:** April 02, 2011, 01:56:11 PM »

I really prefer the Matarelli bobbins from a price/quality/ease of use standpoint. Basically almost all bobbins are a take off on this design to one degree or another. I have tied commercially with these as well as for my own use and really have never seen it improved upon. Some of mine are 25 years old and none have ever caused thread to break. I think the benefit to these over the Griffins are the feet are brass vs. plastic. The plastic can wear down but they are about half the cost of a Matarelli. I have some Tiemcos and I think the whole ceramic thing is way over rated. Drop one and it can break. The old S&M's were actually really good. Kinda ugly but never breaks thread and they had a good weight and were easier to adjust than even the Matarelli. I think they were somewhat homemade looking and never took off like they should have. The Rite is too much of a pain to fiddle with although for certain uses, I can see the application would be good. Such as saltwater or deerhair work.

Jason Baker · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2011, 08:29:38 PM »

Quote from: David Homrok on December 24, 2009, 03:00:30 PM

This is probably one of the most highly engineered bobbins out there:
http://www.automaticbobbin.com/index.htm

The only problem for me is the price. I saw it demonstrated - it is very cool.

I have two of these bobbins and after i got used to them, I do feel they are "nearly" worth the price. The only cons in that it is a little hard to load thread in the bobbin. The tension control is excellent and the ability to "suck up" thread is a huge plus.

Daniel Podobed · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2011, 11:25:50 PM »

Is anyone familiar with the J-Bobbin, the same guy that makes the JVise

Definitely a radical shape. I'm thinking of buying one to try along with his visce