Orvis’ original Helios rod series the standard for lightweight performance when it was introduced 2010 and version 2.0 moves that mark even further forward. It comes in just a quarter ounce lighter than the Sage One, but that’s nearly a 10-percent weight savings.

Casting Distance and Accuracy
The Helios 2 puts tons of performance in the hands of anglers. We found it perfectly suited to pushing line through the stiff winds that scour the basalt canyons of the Yakima River. It laid out line smoothly and accurately, besting all but the Sage in both distance and accuracy for all our intermediate to expert casters.

General fit, finish and feel
“Too pretty to fish with,” said one tester. Fortunately, she changed her mind after the first cast. It is a beautifully made rod, but that just makes fishing with it more fun. The reel seat boasts a California buckeye burl insert – the swirl of colors and patterns looks a little like an exquisite piece of Italian Marble – supported by a black nickel skeleton. The rich blue rod features a reverse half-wells cork grip that snugs into the hand comfortably regardless of hand size (at least for our team, which ranged from women’s small glove size to men’s XL).

Versatility
The Helios 2 proved incredibly adept at providing just what was needed, regardless of fishing style or condition. The stiff backbone made it a master of throwing big dry flies and weighted streamers, but the taper design also provides enough tip action to keep light dries and tiny nymphs moving softly and delicately.