Orvis impressed our review teams with the first three generations of their award-winning Helios fly rod series. The original Helios and the Helios 2 (reviewed here) made great advances in graphite rod design and construction. The Helios 3 (see here) created a whole new level of performance in flyrods. It also earned the highest score we’ve ever awarded a fishing rod. (99/100).
Today, Vermont-based Orvis introduced the latest generation, the new Helios! According to the brand, the new Helios is four times more accurate than the Helios 3 (H3) and 25 percent stronger while trimming 10 percent of the weight in hand. Like all their predecessors, the new Helios is made in Manchester, Vermont, where the product design team can monitor quality and control.
“The new Helios is a reimagining of what’s possible in a fly rod and its ability to deliver the best experience for an angler. Four times more accurate than the industry benchmark H3 is not hyperbole,” said Shawn Combs, director of fishing design and development. Combs also led the team that crafted the H3 series.
He continued, “We’ve built the tools to quantify what’s been measured historically in our industry through feel. This rod is where instinct and innovation meet. The result is the most accurate rod in the world. We know it when we cast it, and we see it in the data.”
The Helios is available in two distinct series, Distance (D) and Finesse (F). The D-Series offers increased line speed, lifting power, and stored energy and is available in a variety of sizes, from 4-weight for small stream trout to 14-weight for billfish in saltwater. The F-Series features increased sensitivity optimized for delicate presentations and tippet protection and is available in sizes ranging from 2-weight to 8-weight.
The Helios fly rod collection (MSRP $1098-$1198) is available online and at select independent fly shops and Orvis retail stores. To explore the Helios collection, please go to www.orvis.com/helios-fly-fishing-rods.
Gear Institute editors will provide a detailed review of the new Helios rods later this spring. Stay tuned!