I have the FSV, which one is better?
-The Great
The ADI is austempered ductile iron. It’s been used in the automotive world for years, iirc, for smaller components. Better process controls, automations, sensors, etc, now allow the austempering process to be reliably applied to large, heavy components like vise castings. Basically, its the real deal, despite being “cast” and “iron.”
The FSV is of course a “forged steel vise,” it’s excellent, and there are lots of reviews you can look to for reference. Although “forged steel” might give you the same confidence you have with a good wrench, there’s a caveat: the forged steel components are the. welded together, so the advantages of forging over casting are somewhat compromised.
This forged-and-welded approach is also used on higher end brands, so I wouldn’t worry too much. I bought a Bessey BV-DF5 forged steel vise last year from Amazon Warehouse for $200 — which is the most I would recommend paying for it — and it has welds in the same places. They cost a lot more than the Yost FSV, but the fit and finish are nicer.
