Cottarelli fly tying vises
Unique design, technically sophisticated and highly professional
It is impressive what Franco Cottarelli has achieved with his fly-tying vises. The Cottarelli fly tying vises have a distinctive and unique design and are made entirely in Italy. Although these fly-tying vises may don't seem cheap at first glance, their price is absolutely justified when you look at the quality of the materials used and the first-class production. Aluminium, steel and brass are used to forge what we believe is the world's most functional series of fly-tying vises. The entire line of Cottarelli tying vises is modular (with the exception of the Pocket), so that you can combine the different vise bases and the available accessories according to your personal preference. With the numerous accessories, which are also available separately, you can simplify even the most complex tying steps on your vise. Both the fly-tying vises and the available accessories are constantly being further developed in order to continuously supplement the already very extensive product range.
COTTARELLI FLY TYING VISES
A SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ADAPT TO THE FLY TYER, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND
One of the main strengths of Cottarelli fly tying vises is the modularity of the entire system. The 3 bases – ALFA, STANDARD and TRAVEL – and the 5 jaws – CLASSIC, SHUTTLE REGO, T-REX, MAGIC PLUS and MICRO PLUS – are interchangeable and can be freely combined to suit the fly tyer's individual needs.
Choosing the right setup therefore comes down to two simple steps. The base primarily determines how and where the vise can be used, while the jaws determine how the hook is held and the range of applications the vise is suited to.
A particular setup is not permanent either. You can change the jaws, use a different base or add new components over time without having to purchase a complete new vise each time. The same jaws can be transferred from one base to another, while different jaws can be used on the same base depending on your needs.
This allows the Cottarelli system to evolve along with the fly tyer, adapting over time to new techniques, different hook sizes or changing tying situations.
Note: the Cottarelli Tascabile is the exception to the modular system described above. Due to its extremely compact dimensions and unique design, it uses dedicated components that are not interchangeable with the ALFA, STANDARD and TRAVEL bases and jaws.
THE 3 COTTARELLI BASES
The Cottarelli system offers three different bases: ALFA, STANDARD and TRAVEL. All three are compatible with the jaws of the modular system and offer numerous adjustment options. Choosing the right base therefore mainly depends on where and how you intend to use your vise.
ALFA BASE
The ALFA BASE provides a large support area for excellent stability without the need for a heavy pedestal. Its structure is fully foldable and highly adjustable.
It also features integrated tool holders and magnetic holders, keeping your most frequently used tools and accessories conveniently within reach.
STANDARD BASE
The STANDARD BASE uses a solid clamping system that attaches directly to the table, making it the ideal solution for a permanent fly tying setup.
Ideal for fly tyers who mainly tie in the same place and want maximum stability.
TRAVEL BASE
The TRAVEL BASE stands out thanks to its unique fully foldable tripod, which significantly reduces its size for transport while still providing excellent stability once set up.
It offers numerous adjustment options and can be used practically anywhere, even when the available surface is not perfectly level.
Ideal for fly tyers who travel or take part in fly tying competitions.
THE 5 COTTARELLI JAWS
The Cottarelli system offers five different jaws: CLASSIC, SHUTTLE REGO, T-REX, MAGIC PLUS and MICRO PLUS. Each uses a different hook-holding system and is designed for specific fly tying requirements, from the smallest flies all the way to large streamers.
CLASSIC JAWS
The CLASSIC represents Cottarelli's traditional hook-holding system. It uses a fork that accepts interchangeable heads in different sizes, allowing you to choose the most suitable head for the hooks you are using.
It is a simple, robust and versatile solution, suitable for tying a wide range of artificial flies.
SHUTTLE REGO
The SHUTTLE REGO allows you to quickly clamp and release the hook using its unique mechanism, while the clamping force can be preset according to the size of the hook.
Ideal for fly tyers looking for a powerful yet fast hook-holding system.
T-REX
The T-REX is designed for tying large streamers on big hooks. Its unique hook-holding system uses a double head mounted on the dedicated long fork, providing an exceptionally secure hold without having to overtighten the jaws.
Ideal for streamers intended for large predatory fish and, more generally, for tying on large hooks.
MAGIC PLUS
The MAGIC PLUS is an extremely versatile set of jaws designed to secure hooks of very different sizes using a single head. Its unique geometry provides different gripping points depending on the size of the hook, from small hooks all the way to large ones.
Ideal for fly tyers who tie many different types of flies and want a single set of jaws with a particularly wide range of applications.
MICRO PLUS
The MICRO PLUS uses a unique tension-based hook-holding system. The hook is inserted into the dedicated slot and secured by turning the knob, providing a stable hold through a mechanism that differs from conventional vise jaws.
It is particularly suitable for hooks approximately from size #18 to #6.
TRUE MADE IN ITALY CRAFTSMANSHIP
Behind every Cottarelli vise is genuine craftsmanship and entirely Made in Italy production. This is not large-scale industrial manufacturing, but a small family business where Franco, his wife and his daughter are directly involved in the development, design, production and assembly of the products.
Every vise is born from Franco's experience in precision engineering and is produced in limited quantities, allowing direct control over the different stages of production. It is precisely this hands-on approach that makes it possible to continuously develop, modify and refine every component over time.
Choosing a Cottarelli therefore means choosing a product designed, manufactured and assembled in Italy, backed by decades of mechanical expertise and a way of working that remains deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship.
If you would like to learn more about the craftsman behind the Cottarelli brand, read our blog article dedicated to his story.
