Hey Nick (and all)-
Currently, I tie on one of two vises- a Griffin Odyssey Cam-lock
(for my size 2/0-28 or so trout and "small" fish ties) and a
super-cheap, super-bulky, oversized imitation of a Regal vise (Crown?
I think that's who makes it...) for my "larger" flies (spey, etc).
The Griffin Odyssey is a great vise for the money, emphasis on "for
the money"; i'm not loaded with money and it's the best for MY tying
styles. I have found that the crank for the true rotary isn't
practical in the least, and it gets annoying when trying to rotate
just to see the underside. I love the Norvise, but it's just way out
of my price range... for now... Same with the LAW vise - love it,
plenty of room around the jaws, and the jaws hold almost anything in
them - but the price would require a second mortgage on my house! On
the bright side, the jaws of the griffin odyssey has a wing- nut
adjustment that is great for setting up a "true rotary" for multiple
sized hooks. The holding power is mediocre -- it serves its purpose,
but I snap thread and dislodge hooks often... not its strong point.
The crown (cheapy generic) is bulky as can be -- 2" by 5" for the jaw
assembly alone - but is GREAT when you're tying 10/0 flies. I've used
some others, but they're worse yet. I doubt that that helps any, but
I guess my point is to say that the odysey is good for a broke college
student like me, but I can't recommend it to those with a few extra
bucks to spare... get a Peak vise if you're just barely over the price
bracket, or a Norvise if you have the money. Just my 2 cents worth,
no affiliations, etc. - take it or leave it...
Pete
