Griffin Spider Vise

...also known as the Spider Oddesy Vise?

I've been browsing fly-tying equipment, and  it looks like most of the tools are actually fairly reasonably priced, as well as the materials (except some of that hackle that gets a bit pricey...).  The vise however, seems to be the biggest wallet-excavator.  Since I'm brand new at this, I want an inexpensive vise, but one that wont frustrate me away from the hobby by not performing adequately.

I've seen this Griffin Spider Vise advertised in several online locales, as well as a Griffin Oddesy Spider vise.  Are these the same thing?  Also, FishUSA sells a Griffin 2A (I'm not hellbent on getting a Griffin, but they seem to be the only big-name manufacturer with equipment in my price range)...anyone own any of these, or have past experience with them?  Are they any good?

I've read several descriptions and reviews of these, and read up on relevant posts in the forum over the past several months, but I wanted to see what you guys had to say about these.

I looked up the Spider vise, and one comment.  A friend has that vise, I don't like tying on it, he's fine with it.  My reason is, it's a **** getting hooks placed properly in it, because the jaws clamp down by turning the knobs.  It's sometimtes hard to get the hooks to stay put.  I'd recommend spending a couple more bucks if you think you're going to start tying and getting a cam type vise.  The kind that close the jaws by using a lever instead.  Hooks go in and out so much easier, and eliminates alot of frustration.  It's a real pain when you get part way through a fly and it slips out of the vise jaws.

But that's just my personal preference.

I've never used Apex, but this is the type I'd look into.  http://www.fishusa.com/Anvil-Apex-Vise_p.html?i=052F4BF5539E481E923329A78A2DA79A

My Patriot was $99 when I bought it. http://www.griffinenterprisesinc.com/images/vises/patriot.jpg

This one is a nice priced cam vise.  http://www.griffinenterprisesinc.com/images/vises/mt-pro-vise.jpg

http://www.griffinenterprisesinc.com/vises.html
 
I also prefer table top style to C-clamp.  But it depends on where you'll do your majority of tying.

It's probably a personal preference.  I'm not sure that there's an issue with one being inferior to another.  The cam probably locks hooks in there tighter than you could possibly lock them in with the threaded wheel.  You'll be surprised how much force can be applied with that thread when tying without the thread breaking.
 
But I'm used to the cam, it's really easy and quick to use.  And my buddy has no trouble with the treaded clamping. 

With the cam, say you're goint to tie a dozen #10 wooly buggers.  You use the wheels to get close to the hook size, and the cam to lock the hook in place.  Then all you have to do is work the lever for each fly.  The threaded wheel, you have to unscrew and rescrew each time.  Probably doesn't seem like an issue, and for many it probably isn't.  But for me, it saves time, and is simpler with a cam.

Just something to think about.

A new tier might also want to just go super cheap and buy a $20 vise first.  If they like it, spend $150 or more next year.  If they don't like it, or don't use it often, no big deal.  That's the route I took when I started.  But you'll get a bunch of different opinions on that probably.

I'll tell you how it worked for me. My better half bought me a fly tying kit for Christmas one year. It had the usual stationary vice with it and that was fine for a while (about 2 months). Then I just HAD to upgrade. Don't get me wrong, that vice worked just fine and I still take it with me to the tribs to whip out a quick fly or two when I need to, but I wanted a good rotory for home. I ended up getting a renzetti presentation 2000. It'll handle hooks from 4/0 down to 28 and has a cam lock. This is the best tying investment I've made yet. Just my 2 cents.

 

I bought a Dan-vise 5 or 6 years ago before that I used a regal and still do use it once and a while. But I leave the Dan-Vise set up all the time at my desk. For the price you can't beat it.

I love my Peak.

I didn't pay half that for my renzetti. My point was he would eventually want to upgrade. I would put my vice up against any other on the market. Choice of brand is totally up to you and a personal decision.

I also tie with an old thompson B vise that i've had since the 60's i think. It is far from the greatest but for tying the sizes i use 8's to maybe 16's it works fine. I often think about upgrading but don't tie enough to justify it in my opinion.

I'd say try some resonable priced vise's till you find what you like then go from there. From what i've read on several forums rotary is the way to go if you'll tie enough to justify it.

I really like those Anvil vices.  Rock solid.  There is video's of a guy using a drill chuck to tie some pretty good flies.  I guess as long as it holds the hook good any vice is ok.  For the money I like my Peak.  I paid $120 for it when Gander Mountain liquidated them.