Although the Renzetti Traveler is the bottom of the Renzetti line, it is by no means a bottom-end vise. It is a no-frills tool and it is not very pretty to look at, but it performs its function well. The older model Traveler was my first vise upgrade, and it served me well for many years until a friend talked me out of it. The addition of the cam lever jaws to the Traveler line is a welcome improvement.

The jaws of the Traveler are slightly wider than those of the Presentation 4000 Cam. Because they offer more surface area, theoretically, they will hold larger hooks better than the Presentation 4000 Cam. In my testing, the Traveler performed well from sub-20 trout hooks through a size 4/0 Tiemco 911S. After proper adjustment of the forward thumbscrew, lock up was quick and secure. Like the Presentation 4000, the arm of the Traveler is nonadjustable. Adjustment between hook sizes and placing the hook shank on the axis of rotation is accomplished by repositioning the jaws in one of three available positions on the arm. Hook access is more than adequate. A bobbin cradle is included as a standard accessory.

As one would expect at this price, the finish of the Traveler is crude compared to Renzetti's higher- end vises. Rotation is on a plain bearing and was less smooth than the Presentation and Master. Machining of the brass parts (limited to the collars that secure the "rotary actuator") is coarse.

Verdict:

For the majority of tiers who want a true rotary, the Traveler Cam is all you will ever need. The design is simple and functional, and at $160 with pedestal base, or $155 with C-clamp, this vice is a great choice. For bass bugs and saltwater tying, the Saltwater Traveler for an additional $30 provides a somewhat more robust, and more stable platform.