Orvis Helios

[spike-2]

Any opinions on this rod. Thinking of an 8wt for steelies in Great Lakes tribsand stripers in the salt? Thanks Dave

[Bobinmich]

When upscale flyrods passed the $500 mark, I lost interest. $800 is definitely pricey but it is your money. And there is no substitute for owning the finest.

Bob

[Orthoman]

I don't have one; however, I have cast them before --- very, very nice. If you can afford it, I say go for it -- you only live once and there is no guarantee how long.

[MR.JML]

I do not own one (they are pricey) but if I had the money, I would get one. I have tested both the Orvis Helios, and Hydros Rods (with their reels), and their Switch Rods in both the Helios and Hydros Models (the 5 and 6 weights, and even the 8,10, Saltwater and Salmon Switch Rods). They are light, very accurate casting, and Throws a lot of line out with little effort. For those people with Shoulder and BAck Problems, the Switch Rods in these models are fantastic. I was with Orvis guide and casting instructor Hutch Hutchinson while testing these Rods, and I was super impressed. Again, it is very pricey though (at least for me), and may be awhile before I own such a rod, but hey...Hardy Reels, Sage Rods, The original Boo Brothers Bamboo Rods, and Gary Lacey's Granger Boo Rods are very nice and worth owning if you ever get the money for such. I am lucky to have the quality Graphite Rods I have; and even a 4 weight Shay Bamboo Blank that I am trying to finish (stick on a Belanger reel seat, Wrap the guides and Dip, etc.)
Everything in Fly Fishing anymore is pricey (even the materials I use to tie and design my Fly Patterns).

[DickM]

The guides in the Seychelles say it is the MOST broken brand of rod that they have seen.

[Longs for Cutts]

I have a 9' 5-weight and a 9' 6-weight, both mid-flex. I immediately ordered them after casting the first one we got into the shop. They are excellent wind and drift boat rods. One thing to consider is that Orvis dramatically altered their tapers, so that the new mid-flex is faster than the old tip-flex rods. In fact, I'd strongly suggest against the tip-flex versions unless you plan to overline them or use one of the new half-weight lines (Rio Grand, SA GPX). For small streams or short-range fishing, I'd up-line even the mid-flex. Actually I'd use a different rod, which is why I have three five weights and at least four six weights at last count...

[BlueDun]

I have a 5 wt Helios that I love, so when I was looking for a new 8 wt, I tested the Helios. It is a great rod, but for my casting skills, I found that it took more effort to cast any distance than rods with more power in the butt. I ended up getting a Sage Xi2 (this was before the Xi3).

[whatfly]

Astounding rods. Expensive as heck, but a real pleasure to cast. Nothing else like it. Haven't got one as heavy as an 8 weight, but have thrown that weight and it is a cannon. Oh yeah, you did hear they are expensive, right?

[cycler68]

I have three of them, a rarely used 8 wt., a 7 wt. that I use a lot and a 10 wt. that is my pike & musky rod. I like them all a lot, but as been said earlier, they respond best with lines that are a bit on the heavy side. FWIW my 7 wt. has suffered more abuse than it should have including being whacked with clousers and other misc. weighted flies, yanked on while trying to free a snagged fly and run into the ground while landing the kayak with only minor damage. The only damage I can see is a small cut on the windings but no cracks or other problems so far. I don't recommend this kind of abuse but they are tougher than the listed weights might lead you to believe.

[deathb4disco]

I don't have one; however, I have cast them before --- very, very nice.

Ditto. I cast the 9wt, and it was sweet.