GriffinOdyssey Spider Fly Tying Vise

This vise has so many reviews now that it seems superfluous to add another one, so I'll try to keep this short and say something new--The Griffin Odyssey Spider, for the mid-sixty-dollar price we paid (we bought two), is a solid value. I have to say, it performs even better than it looks. While it comes across as "spindly" and maybe a little cheap in some photographs, it is actually made very accurately, moves smoothly and with little "slop", and performs very well in all respects. Once assembled, it is obvious that it is a mature design and an example of solid engineering. Also, despite what some other reviews have stated, I personally think the use of plastic parts-- where Griffin has decided to use them-- doesn't detract from the vise's appearance or functionality in the least. If anything, it makes the vise more portable and the plastic thumb nuts don't come unscrewed during normal use like smooth metal might, unless you also used lock washers and/or thread lock. I actually bought brass thumb screws in advance to replace the plastic ones once the vises arrived and decided against it once I saw how well the vise performs. I read another review that complained about the "cheap" stamped steel plate that sets the vise jaw angle and want to say, again, that this feature functions perfectly. The plate only sets the jaw angle; the jaws don't rely on the plate to hold them in position once the allen head screw is tightened, which is entirely appropriate given how tightly the jaws attach to the bracket vs what you could accomplish with your fingertips and a thumb screw. It's a small thing to pick up an allen wrench/key make a height adjustment given how well the jaws are secured once tightened. You can tell Griffin has spent a lot of time, thought, and effort refining this vise and it is definitely an excellent value for the price I paid, in the mid-sixty-dollars or so. Finally, one of the two vises we ordered arrived with one of the jaw screws damaged--the little knurled plastic head of one of the screws had a crack in it. I shot an email to Griffin Enterprises over the weekend and they replied first thing the next business day and immediately sent out a replacement. Kudos to Griffin for their support. I own a few different fly tying vises and, while this is one of the least expensive, it's definitely a vise you can tie on without any regrets and I expect to get many years out of it as well as my full money's worth. (And, no, I don't work for Griffin; I'm just a happy customer who paid full price here on Amazon). Recommended.

Full disclosure first, I received this vice just yesterday...That said, this was money well spent.I'm fairly new to flytying. Tied my first one just a few years ago and then set it aside due to time issues.I picked it back up early this year and really got into it.I bought an Umpqua starter kit originally with the $15 lever action vice and while it was adequate it left a lot to be desired.As I got more into it this past year I watched more and more videos and the usefulness of a rotary vice kept jumping out at me but the prices kept me from upgrading.Finally, I found this vice. I tied about a dozen flies on it today and am amazed by how much I like this thing.It appears to be made well and functions as well as I had hoped (so far).If you're new to tying and are looking for a good vice I would recommend spending the money on this one.Once you know what you are doing the vice is a dream compared to starter kit models.Hooks are easy to get set in the vice and are held firmly, rotation is smooth, the vertical stem adjusts smoothly and easily and wont budge when tightened down and the c clamp looks like it could get run over by a truck and still do its job.If you're a beginner-intermediate, pretty sure you want to expand your capabilitiy and skills and are on the fence about spending the money, go for it.You wont be disappointed.

This is a simple design for a rotary vise that does the job. The vise jaws hold tight to hooks of all sizes. The clamp device is very handy for use with a desk or tabletop. The rotary handle will work but takes a little getting used to the tension adjustments. All in all a good entry level rotary vise without an overly expensive price tag.

The media could not be loaded. This is a great little vise. I didn’t know if I’d like fly tying, and didn’t want to pony up for a Regal if it wasn’t my thing. As a beginner, I DO recommend trying to get a rotary vise: it makes life easier when inspecting your handiwork from all angles. I also recommend the base that Griffin sells separately; it’s just heavy enough where it’s stable but not too cumbersome to use. The vise jaws hold tiny hooks like the zebra midge I tied (and included a picture of) as well as larger hooks. I find the bobbin holder especially useful when using the rotary function of the vise.EDIT 12/3/20As I’ve tried other styles of vises, I’ve come to appreciate this vise more, especially at this price point. The bobbin cradle is very handy as I have done more work with palmering and applying hackle to dry flies. Toss on a half hitch to save my work and place my bobbin on the cradle. Done!Also, the method that the jaws use to secure the hooks is quick and easy: just two roller knobs. Place the hook into the jaws at least a hook-width back from the jaw tips, turn the knob closest to the jaw tips so they are snug on the hook, then turn the rear knob to tighten everything down. Other jaw styles, like my HMH Spartan, are cumbersome to dial in quickly.A materials clip would be a nice addition too.

Much flimsier then my 30 yr old Griffin vice which still works fine by the way. Tied a few flies with it and it serves it's purpose well. Good value for the hobby fly tier.

The media could not be loaded. I am over the moon with my new vise, its simple to use and very well made.Rotary function is silky smooth.Jaws are brilliant and hold pretty much any hook you put in them.Working position just perfect.Most definitely worth the purchase.

I　replaced my tying-vice with griphin-spider for the tying of large saltwater-flies. Generally, this vise have good simplicity ,and more good mecanical construction ,but parts assembly are sligtly NARVOUS. And the"Cradle" could't adjusting with contact position .

Good quality and price!

It is sturdy, the rotary function is smooth although may need adjustment based on hook size to remain cantered for rotary function. Grips hooks very securely and is probably the best vice for the money!