Review retrieval timed out
I was the owner of an access fly rod and I was very happy with it, but in the back of my mind I really wanted the Orvis helios 2 rod. Just when it looked like I would never get my hands on one, the dealer where I originally bought my access rod called me at home and I got my hands on the fly rod of a life time. I am so happy with my helios 2. It does everything they advertise and then some. Loads fast,accurate and effortless to cast! I looked at other fly rods but none compare to this rod. GREAT JOB ORVIS YOUR THE BEST, BAR NONE!,Simply amazing, I used hardy zenith, sage one, I have boron IImx and boron IIIx, but this rod, its incredible...Awesome.
You can cast where you want how you want, easy...easy!
The best fly rod I ever had and tested.,A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to take the new Helios 2 5wt with me to Alaska. I always like a 5 or 6 for the smaller stream bows, but am always a little worried that I might be undergunned in the event I hook that monster in some fast current. This rod not only throws line like a dream but I can tell you that it never even whimpered while under the strain of a wild Alaskan Rainbow. It didn't matter the circumstance or size of fish...the fly went where I wanted and how I wanted and so did the fish after a hook up. This is a casting, fish fighting stick that everyone needs the chance to throw. I couldn't be happier with the improvements that Orvis has made to this line up of rods. It didn't matter if I was throwing dry flies or swinging 5 inch streamers...this rod got it done!,If you are looking for a rod with a beautiful blue blank, great casting ability and one of the nicest reel spacers and reel seats on the market, not to mention some of the most beautiful and often overlooked high end components available, then look no further than the Helios 2.
I recently purchased a Helios 2 and can attest to its fishing prowess and overall great looks. The rod tube alone is in a class by itself. The rod casts on par with the hyperbole generated by Orvis; the rod, in my opinion is a step up from the original Helios in fishability and looks. However, the original Helios seems to take a higher place on the podium in terms of workmanship/craftsmanship, which I found to be impeccable on the original Helios.
The Helios 2 arrived and, of course, the first thing I did was rig up. Immediately, upon close inspection, I noted that the wraps on the rod were a bit crooked, but more than that the thread (a nice silver that offsets beautifully against the midnight blue blank) had frayed ends with obvious tails which were somewhat magnified by their placement on the top of the rod blank. This same fraying was evident on every section of the rod. Disappointed, but feeling like a few errant threads were not a big deal I proceeded to place my Orvis Hydros reel on the aforementioned reel seat. The fit was snug and the balance was spot on. As I started to put the line through the stripping guide (again, a wonderful high end component) I noticed that something was way off, namely the reel seat sat approximately 1/2 inch left of the alignment dots (another nice feature present on the Helios 2). By the time the guides reached the tip top component of the rod the misalignment was even more pronounced. Not one to be deterred by such “minor” non-fishing problems, I simply eyeballed the guides and the reel and went out to fish the San Juan River in New Mexico. The rod held up against some fine fish, two of which were over 20 inches, and the rod never lacked for power or sensitivity (i.e. all the fish were landed relatively quickly and returned to the water in excellent shape, and I never broke off despite using 6x).
While none of the aforementioned problems affected fishability or overall looks from afar, the obvious rush or oversight in putting the rod together is not on par with what Orvis clearly states is their flagship fly rod model. In that vein, similarly priced, high end rods, would/should not have similar defects in workmanship. Put another way, your top of the line model should be impeccable and this particular rod was not in that category.
I struggled with whether or not to recommend the rod, but two lukewarm interactions with Orvis customer service left me frustrated in my attempts to return the rod; one of the drawbacks of living in a rural setting is that it is difficult to return the rod to the Orvis retailer where you purchased it because, as rural life would suggest, it is a 250 mile drive. Alas, a helpful customer service agent did his utmost to make things right and let me return the rod to Orvis, directly. As the saying goes, third time is the charm. Despite the efforts of this helpful gentleman I was firmly in the non-recommendation camp by that point.
Overall, I was disappointed with the craftsmanship and the customer service I received. As for the fishing portion of the equation, the 9' 5 wt. tip flex model handled nymph rigs and an indicator with aplomb and mended effortlessly; I am not a world class caster by any means, but my casts were easily 10-20 feet longer than usual and with no obvious drop off in the rod's ability or power at longer distances. From a fishing standpoint, the Helios 2 is a lightweight wonder with heavyweight power.
In closing, if you want a top flight rod in craftsmanship and in fishing prowess I believe you have to look somewhere else.
If, however, you are willing to spend a high dollar amount on a rod that fishes with the best of them, and you are not 100% committed to the idea t,The first time I tried the rod I could not believe how accurate and far I could cast. I have several rods including Helios 1 but this Helios 2 is a different rod! If you have not tried it yet, go to your nearest dealer and try it out. I think you will agree.
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