My Favourite Gadgets

THE EKICH AUTOMATIC BOBBIN

After waiting almost 3 weeks, the long awaited parcel finally arrived. I ordered both the Salmon and Trout models with ceramic tips.

I have been using an automatic bobbin for a few years. They are an invaluable partner to a rotary vice as the thread rewinds to the desired position automatically after being stored on the bobbin rest. (or any task that requires a lot of thread between the bobbin and the fly such as hand whip finishing etc) Gone is the tedious task of rewinding the spool by hand.

There were two major problems with my previous model. Firstly the thread has to be wound onto a special spool for use with the bobbin and the second problem which made it virtually unusable for me (because I love tying with really fine thread 6/0 and thinner) was that when the spring length is exhausted one has to pull more thread off the spool. This requires additional force with a result that the thread often broke at this point. Not Good.

The Ekich solves both these problems. Firstly it takes standard spools. Just pop them on. Thread the bobbin and you are in business. The perfectly calibrated spring balances the bobbin at any point. Secondly and this is the most important feature is that when the spring reaches the end of its range simply move the thread spool a few mm away from the bobbin body. This action disengages a locking pin allowing the spring to rewind. Then reseat the spool. This operation takes about a second to perform.

Automatic bobbin's do take a bit of getting used to. The main thing to remember is to re-set the spool before cutting off the thread when the fly is complete as well as resetting it before the spring reaches the end of it's range. Once you get into this habit it is an absolute pleasure to use.

Fly tying is all about thread control specially when tying in delicate materials and flaring buck tails that need to be tamed. The Ekich Bobbin performs these tasks perfectly. When zero thread tension is required pull away from the hook releasing the desired amount of thread, trap the spool with the 4th and 5th finger and then do that first critical soft wrap. When more thread force is required simply apply additional tension to the spool using the 4th and 5th finger. This control technique can easily be mastered in ones first tying secession.

The bobbin is very comfortable in the hand because of the wire loop on the open side. See picture above which is the correct grip when tying except that the 4th and 5th fingers would close around the spool to control thread tension.

Yes this is a pricey item retailing at $90.00 US but if you are a serious fly tyer and own a rotary vice it is a gadget that is invaluable, beautifully crafted and performs superbly. You will never regret this purchase.

Pictures courtesy www.automaticbobbin.com website