One or two twists of a knob should be the maximum adjustment required to set any vise to a specific hook. After adjustment, a good vise should clamp down on a hook with a simple twist of a knob, squeeze of a lever or push of a cam. If it s harder than this, let someone less informed monkey with the vise while you tie flies on your new, easy functioning vise. The size of the head and jaws of a vise will have an impact on how easy it is to use with certain size hooks. One specific vise on the market has a fast rotary feature that looks nice, but the jaws of the vise are so big it isn t feasible to use with small hooks.
Small jaws are easier to work with.
Another thing you need to consider is how the vise is supported. A clamp is nice if you have a permanent tying bench or you want a vise that just won t move while you re putting pressure on a hook. A pedestal base is convenient if you are working on the kitchen table or traveling. It supports the vise with a heavy base that sets on the table like a lamp would, and it s easy to move. Most vises can be purchased with either a pedestal base or a clamp.