The middle of Renzetti's line is the Presentation series, consisting of three vises. All are finely machined pieces constructed of aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. The Presentation 3000 utilizes a push collet jaw design while the Presentation 4000 and 4000 Cam use lever-type jaws with the former operated by a large knurled knob, and the latter by a lever cam.

The recent addition of a lever cam to the jaws of the Presentation 4000 and Traveler models is a significant improvement over the thumbscrew design of the originals. Adjusting for hook wire diameter places the jaws in a near parallel position, and a quick flick of the cam lever results in secure lock-up.

The jaws of the 4000 models are smaller than those of the Master, sacrificing some surface area. However, hook holding power remains excellent throughout the range of freshwater hooks and suffers only with the largest saltwater irons. These relatively narrow jaws offer superior access to very small hooks.

The vise comes standard with either pedestal base or C-clamp. The supplied pedestal base is adequate for most freshwater tying needs, but those whose tying includes spun-hair bugs or large saltwater patterns would be well-served to opt for the "saltwater" pedestal base at the time of purchase for an additional $30. Purchasing the saltwater pedestal later will cost $140.

Using the vise is a pleasure. Tension on the rotary function is fully adjustable from free spin to lock and rotation is silky smooth. Machining is first rate and the combination of brass, machined aluminum, and stainless parts creates a cachet of high quality.

The jaws can be mounted in any of three positions on the arm placing them on the axis of rotation for a particular range of hook sizes. Final placement of the hook shank on axis is accomplished by the position of the hook in the jaws.

The "rotary actuator" and associated parts are needlessly complex and an internal spring to open the jaws, rather than an O-ring, would be a welcome improvement.

At $365 with either standard pedestal base or C-clamp, or $400 with saltwater pedestal base or C-clamp, this vise is not cheap. Many would say that the vise does nothing better than the Traveler-at less than half the cost-and they would be right. Nonetheless, this is such a finely built tool that it would be my choice in this price range.