If you’re looking for a high-value yet reasonably-priced rotary vise, the Griffin Odyssey Spider would be an excellent option for you. It utilizes advanced technology that makes it quite efficient.
Its wide array of hook positions and fine-tuning adjustments won’t hold you back from any fishing endeavors.
Performance and Jaws
The Griffin Odyssey Spider comes with a C-clamp base to allow you to attach it to a table or desk. This gives you superb stability to do all your tying before you set out on your fishing trip.
The high tempered steel jaws effectively hold hooks of sizes 28 and up to 4/0, so you get a lot of versatility out of this vise.
And whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fly angler, you’ll appreciate the versatile performance as this vise can tie midges as well as more articulated hooks.
Full-Rotary Action
To provide you with convenient use, the Odyssey Spider comes with a 360-degree rotation capability that enables you to spin the fly in whatever direction that you prefer.
And to enjoy a true-rotary capability, you can adjust the height of the jaws with the included Allen wrench. The hook shank can be aligned perfectly in-line with the horizontal rotating axis of the vise.
Bobbin Cradle
Moreover, the vise comes with a bobbin holder –a feature that is often not included on more expensive vises and quite underrated. A bobbin holder or a cradle is a spool that holds your fly-tying thread in order to facilitate the process of fly tying as well as allow you to take breaks in-between flying sessions.
Dimensions and Weight
The Odyssey Spider weighs only 0.95 pounds, which is pretty light for portability. It’s also quite compact as it measures only 13 x 1 x 1 inches. However, this may not be very relative since it only comes with a C-clamp that you have to fix on a working table. This means you likely won’t actually carry it with you into fishing action.
Durability
However, the Griffin Odyssey Spider does have some downsides. For one, it comes with a few plastic fittings and knobs. Its aesthetics are also not the best, but that matters little when you consider the fact that it’s a US-built vise and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
So while it won’t feel as rock-solid and sturdy as other high-end vises such as the Regal Vise. But it still functions quite smoothly and will last for a long time thanks to the durable steel and aluminum construction.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Comes with a DVD that acts as an instruction manual for set up
- Holds a wide variety of hook sizes
- The 360-degree full rotation feature enables users to turn the fly over without taking if off the jaws
- Lifetime guarantee
- Superb value for the price
- Very easy to set up and use
Cons:
- The bobbin cradle is a little too small
- Jaws aren’t the most powerful
- Plastic parts reduce its durability
- Only has a clamp base
Can I Tie My Flies Using the Griffin Odyssey Spider While Fishing?
It’s better if you use your Odyssey Spider before the fishing trip to tie all your flies and hooks. This is because the C-clamp has to be attached to a stable work table in order for the vise to function most efficiently.
However, the dimensions and weight of this vise make it very portable and easy to carry around. So, you can take it with you to tie hooks during your fishing action, but you have to make sure that there will be a stable area available where you can attach the clamp. And it’s always better if you’re prepared with pre-ready hooks.
Final Thoughts
Although the Griffin Odyssey Spider is marketed as an entry-level vise, I think the only thing that’s entry-level about it is the price. Otherwise, it has amazing performance, an ergonomic design, and great features. And its pros definitely outweigh the cons.