| As with any set of hobby tools, or anything for that matter, quality is the most important thing. There is a large range of products from the terrible to the over-priced. It's best to go to a reputable dealer. A novice will have many questions, and knowledgeable people are a must. Bass Pro Shops has always filled the bill for me. Always try to get the best equipment you can afford.
The thing to do is start with the basic tools needed.
Vise
Bobbin
Scissors
Bodkin or Dubbing Needle
Hackle Pliers
Vise: Probably the most important piece. And most expensive. There are 3 basic types, and range anywhere from $10-$500.
The standard vise just holds the hook in a fixed spot as you tie the fly. These are the least expensive.
The rotary vise allows you to rotate your work to see the backside. A little more expensive.
The true rotary will hold the hook shank in line while rotating the hook with 1 hand and applying thread or other material with the other. Most expensive.
Some things to check for are; Does it rust or will the inevitable glue-drip gum-up the works? Does the construction interfere with your rotation around the fly and will it hold accessories? Will it accept a wide range of hooks, like from 2/0 to the 20's? A little better quality vise can reduce the effort needed to maneuver around the work and make your experience more enjoyable for you.
The Bobbin Holder: They hold the spools of thread, applying enough tension for tying. They are easily adjustable by bending the arms in or out to compensate for differences in spool sizes. They should be able to hang from the work without uncoiling. There are different sizes depending on the kind of flies you'll be tying. For larger hooks; longer, fatter tube ones are the best. Small hooks; shorter, thinner tubed ones are probably the best choice. Try to buy bobbins that have Teflon, ceramic, or other inserts in the end. They are smoother are less likely to cut the thread.
Using the Bobbin: Hold the tube between you thumb and 1st finger. The arms and spool should rest in the palm of your hand. This allows you to control the spool with your fingers. Always pull the bobbin with the tube and not the arms so the tension is not increased. This is important when you're using small, light threads that can break easily.
If you only have 1 bobbin and want to change colors, a bobbin threader will come in handy. Besides, sooner or later, the thread will fall out and have to be pulled back in anyway.
Scissors: You'll need a good, sharp pair with pointed tips. They'll let you get into tighter spots to trim the wings, body or whatever. Slightly larger finger holes will allow you to tie knots and still be able to hold them. Remember, cheap ones dull quickly.
Bodkin or Dubbing Needle: This is a needle with a handle. It's uses are picking-out body or wing fibers, splitting multi-strand fibers, holding loops in place for tying, applying small amounts of glue, among other things. One with a flat, square, or hexagon handle won't roll off the table. Some of them have a bobbin threader on the other end.
Hackle Pliers: They are used to hold the thread snuggly in place, freeing your hands for other things. Nice ones have rubber tip grips for better holding and a larger loop for 1 fingered winding.
Tweezers: A fine-tipped, good pair is useful for many things. Applying eyes, plucking out hairs or fibers, etc.
Loop Spinner: Used for dubbing or adding hair or fiber to thread.
Hair Stacker: Used to align the ends of hair to form wings and tails.
Hackle Gauge: This tool measures the proper size hackle for the size hook your using.
Cement Applicators: Although you can apply cement with a bodkin, there are other ways. Some cements come with a brush or needle built-in to the top. You can also get plastic-needle applicator bottles and fill them your favorite cement.
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