Introduction

The four sizes of the Odin anchor has now been under real-world field testing for two months now, following extensive in-house trials by Viking Anchors across various locations. This report is based on feedback provided by some of the boaters who tested the anchor in diverse conditions. The primary focus of this test was to evaluate the anchor's holding power, structural performance, ease of use, and its ability to manage environmental factors such as changing winds and currents. We also assessed its adaptability to different bow roller setups and the practical advantages of its weight. Below is a summary of the testers' findings, providing insights into the Odin anchor’s performance so far.

Design and Material Performance

Weight and Strength:
A consistent observation from testers is that the Odin anchor is significantly lighter than its steel competitors, while maintaining exceptional strength. Despite weighing almost the same as aluminium anchors with similar holding capacities declared, the Odin demonstrates superior durability. This is due to its high-tensile steel construction-same as its older brother the Viking, which balances reduced weight with remarkable robustness. The lightweight nature of the Odin simplifies handling during deployment and retrieval without compromising holding power and strength, a significant advantage highlighted by many testers.

Bow Roller Compatibility:
Another key feature of the Odin anchor is its versatility in fitting various bow roller designs. Testers reported that it worked seamlessly with multiple roller setups, including boats with bowsprits and the unique hull shapes of certain catamaran designs. This universal compatibility makes the Odin a highly appealing choice for boat owners who may have faced challenges with anchor fittings in the past.

Holding Power and Stability

Quick Hold Development:
One of the most impressive results from field tests was the Odin anchor's rapid holding ability. In one test, the anchor was dropped in 8 meters of water with 30 meters of chain, while the boat reversed at one knot. The anchor dug in almost instantaneously, bringing the boat to a sudden halt. This fast engagement shows that the Odin anchor is highly effective at gaining hold within a short distance—a crucial feature for situations requiring quick anchoring.

In another test, the anchor was dropped in 5 meters of water, and the boat reversed at 3 knots. The Odin held firm once again, stopping the boat abruptly as if anchored to a solid surface. As one tester put it:
“At 3 knots, the boat came to a sudden halt. It felt like I was moored to a concrete slab, and I had to brace myself to stay in the helm seat.”

Wind Veering Resistance:

A standout feature of the Odin anchor is its ability to maintain stability during veering winds. The design of the wings and shank, which act like vertical flukes, provides superior stability even when wind and current directions change. This reduces the risk of the anchor losing hold during significant shifts in weather conditions. One tester observed a forecasted wind shift from North to South and expressed confidence in the Odin’s stability, which was confirmed as the anchor held its grip. This reliable performance under shifting winds further sets the Odin apart from other anchors, especially in high-wind or unstable weather conditions.

Practical Use and Handling

Reduced Weight Advantage:
The reduced weight of the Odin anchor has proven to be a major benefit for users, same it is with the Viking design. One tester, using the Odin 50 model, compared its 15kg weight to a 38kg Mantus anchor previously used. Despite the Odin’s lighter weight, the surface area of its blades was comparable to larger anchors, allowing it to deliver similar—if not better—holding power. The lighter design significantly improved ease of handling, particularly when replacing heavier anchors.

Another tester appreciated how easy it was to maneuver the Odin when swapping it with a bulkier model. The minimal differences in blade size made the transition seamless, and the Odin's lighter construction did not affect its performance in any negative way, further highlighting its practicality for regular use.

Conclusions, So Far.

After two months of field testing, the Odin anchor has proven to be an outstanding performer, consistently meeting or exceeding expectations in several key areas. Its rapid holding capabilities, resistance to veering winds, lightweight design, and impressive strength place it ahead of many steel and aluminium made competitors. While further tests, particularly in reset scenarios, are still pending, early results suggest that the Odin is well-suited to a wide variety of environmental conditions and boat types.

As the testing continues—especially in more extreme weather conditions—we expect to gather additional data on the Odin's long-term reliability. Evaluations of larger models, such as the Odin 70, will further expand our understanding of its performance across different boat sizes. Based on the current feedback, the Odin anchor is shaping up to be a highly effective and dependable solution for modern anchoring needs.

Marketing of the Odin design is expected to start in spring 2025.