Above, standard HMH Omni jaws (top) with a #12 hook, optional Magnum jaws (center) with a #6/0 hook, and optional Micro jaws with a #24 hook. the optional jaws are both $39.95.

The HMH Silhouette SX, which carries a MSRP of US$129, is based on HMH's entry vise, the Silhouette, with the expansion to accept the standard set of HMH exchangable jaws. The vise can be purchased with the jaws of your choice, where the Omni jaws covers the basic range of hooks from 2/0 down to the #20s. Additional jaws (Magnum or Micro, US$ 39.95 ea.) are available to cover either the very large hook sizes or offer superior access to the very small-small hooks.

Most of what this vise is about I covered in the HMH Silhouette review, so I will focus on the differences here, and become somewhat philosophical in the process.

Verdict:
After working with the SX I am left with mixed feelings. It offers additional functionality over the standard Silhouette, but at the same time I have to question the SX's viability in the present marketplace. It is substantially higher priced than the Silhouette (US$129, with a single set of jaws, vs. US$95), while not improving much on it. If the requirement is for the exchangable jaws, then the HMH Spartan at US$159 offers better quality of overall finish, adjustable angle, and a standrod tailored to pedestal or C-clamp use.

My recommendation would be to either opt for the regular Silhouette at the lower price, or move up to the mature and classy Spartan

HMH Silhouette