Orvis Helios 3D Fly Rod Review

The Orvis Helios 3D is accurate, fast and can handle some pretty hefty rigs. I almost felt like it was the perfect fly rod but there is one thing I can't stand about this rod. The feel of actually catching a fish, it just feels like a water jug tied to the end of my line. Compared to my Orvis Clearwater, the Helios 3D lacks character. Great performance but when fighting fish, it's lacking. Watch when I catch the fish, it looks like a great fight but the feeling is dampened considerably. Maybe it's just me and I am used to cheaper rods?

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi, when I bought this Orvis rod a few years ago it was the most expensive rod I had ever bought, I thought, what the hell at 86 it will be the last rod I will buy, I deserve it! I bought it to replace my No. 8 Sage that I broke and needed a good rod whilst mine went back to the States to get fixed. Anyway, I hooked into a nice fresh run Tongariro River Steelhead which promptly headed back to the lake using the opposite bank for deep water leverage. I had all my WF line + 12’ leader trying to stop the fish getting to the rapids. Yep, you guessed it, the rod snapped on the second part of the tip and a good size trout broke off and decided to give this year a break from its breeding cycle. I changed rods and carried on fishing but a bit pissed off. Took the rod to my local Orvis agent who welcomed me with “ not you too, you are the second broken rod today”! It was the third Orvis rod broken at the tip that week. I got a replacement in a few weeks as the local agents keep spare tips in store. I now use it only with my shooting head line to swing my Wooly Buggers on my down river fishing and it seems to handle that ok. Still at 86, I find it hard going on my shoulder but it’s worth it when you get that contact with an angry fish. So, I am back to the old faithful No. 6 line weight Sage that has only been smashed twice in 15 years of fishing! One winge, Orvis could have put a hook keeper on the rod like every other rod I own. Cheers mate. Harera

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thank you for sharing your story and watching my review! After handling that rod for awhile, I can understand the rod tip breakage problem. It’s just a really light, fast rod so with that comes the compromise. I sold the rod because it just didn’t do it for me. Good on you for fishing at 86, hopefully one day I can say the same!

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi, for me angling is life, as I go river fishing for our rainbows (introduced from the Russian River in California) in our winter months and for our browns (introduced from Scotland) in the summer months I think and plan for each trip and obviously tie my own flies. I am lucky by my choice of living in anglers Eldorado. For the sum of NZ$ 250 I can fish virtually every river and lake in NZ. Now in my old age I just fish my favourite spots on the Tongariro River. As long as the body is willing my mind will back it all the way? Cheers mate. Harera

[@andrewmcdowell1291]

I have no experience with the Orvis rods but I did enjoy the review. Have a great weekend and may your lines be lively.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thank you Andrew! Currently tying flies for tomorrow. Can’t wait. Best of luck this weekend🤘

[@ashleyevans3330]

I have this rod in a 4 and a 5wt. I LOVE them! Well done, ORVIS!❤

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Nice!!! Happy fishing and tight lines👊👊

[@JamesDay-qr5oj]

I love this rod. I bought the 6 and the 8 for a trip to Alaska and plenty of fun catching some large fish with it. Again they cast amazing and I love them. I too had a problem spending a $1000 on a rod. I was reicently looking for a new 5wt and was not not going to spend the money on an H3 but discovered that Orvis had them on clearance for $598. So, I picked up. It is fantastic as well. If you can still find them it is a hell of a good deal! I think they are the best rod that Orvis has ever made.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Fantastic! Glad it’s working out for you🙂

[@athanasiossclavos2760]

Great video thank you

[@c11235]

Nice video. You made an interesting observation. Thank you for the review. Do you ever do any single hand Skagit for steelhead? I’d like to learn more about that.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Yes i have. I do have it on my steelhead video unfortunately I got too excited on camera and set the hook way too early! The best tip for swinging for steelhead is this>>let them hook themselves. I was practicing all this summer catching brookies and rainbows in anticipation for the steelhead next month. So excited! I will definitely film my experience. Thank you for watching and good luck!

[@ryantherock7664]

Great honest review,I feel your pain.Maybe post in some ff forums and see if others have the same issue.I have Scott rods and love each and every one.They have fast rods but with feel.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Been hearing a lot about the Scott. Definitely gonna check em out. I do enjoy the helios, the accuracy and fast tip just makes it ideal for streamers and my fatter rigs. Anyways, maybe it needs a break in period or something

[@ryantherock7664]

@@greenhornflyhorn keep the detailed reviews coming...

[@profpigeon5441]

Nice listen and I agree. I got one of these as a gift from a client, and in the same config. Where it shines for me is saltwater and super windy conditions. Its also deadly accurate, you can drop a fly in a bucket with it. Thing is, for most freshwater fishing, I am really not in need of being that accurate or casting that far. A majority of the fishing takes place within 30 feet at the most, unless i am bass fishing and trying to hit the banks on the other side of a river. That being said, it loses its magic on the fight for sure, but for saltwater its awesome. You can fish it like a 7 or 8 weight in the wind and actually enjoy the fight with a redfish. The good thing is now these rods are showing up in the 700s on sale with line included sometimes. Still a lot, but you are getting American made, excellent guides, and crazy good distance and accuracy. I personally probably wouldn't spend that much, but I have spent up to 600 on a rod before, and am pleased with it. In summary for the helios I find it best for salt and chucking bigger flies / rigs / poppers on fresh.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thank you for watching. I am relieved that someone else has experienced the dampening feeling fighting fish. I honestly thought i was going crazy. Unfortunately it’s a full days drive to the saltwater for me so I stick to the great lakes. That being said, I may try it on steelhead on some north tributaries (they’re smaller there so I won’t get into a mess). Appreciate your insight and thank you again for watching.

[@profpigeon5441]

np, keep up the good work. Helios excels for me for hitting redfish on the head with flies, but for freshwater I don't find myself ever using it unless its super windy. I usually fish a 4 or 5 anyhow@@greenhornflyhorn

[@GuentherSehnBR]

I just found a crazy promotion here in Sweden for 600ish USD. Bought a 5 and a 7... both arrived this week, and unfortunately the 7 came with a micro crack in the first section after the blank, where the blank fits, so I will return. Will test the 5 this weekend hopefully. I have a ClearWater 7 which I just can't adapt and cast well... too wobbly and soft, which is interesting because I have a cheap Orvis Encounter 5, and I love it... but now let's see what the H3D #5 does.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

That really is a bummer about the 7wt. I had a similar situation with my 8wt and Orvis sent me a new section in the mail for free. Took about a week to get up here. About the Clearwater, maybe it’s me but I have found that not all clearwaters are alike. My 6wt clearwater is much faster than a few of them i tried in the store. I guess that’s what you get with overseas manufacturers at times. Anyways, tight lines and good luck this weekend!

[@user-ii6hb2rl7u]

hey I was wondering if you have tried fishing with it for steelhead yet? and if you have tried the 3F and felt different about that rod, thanks for the content.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I sold the rod not so long ago. I only caught one steelhead on the rod but it wasn’t enough to test it out. I continued to use it for large mouth bass but just lacked the fighting feel i was after. I will say that it was a hard decision to sell as it’s super accurate and casts relatively heavy flies like nothing. As far as the 3F I only tried a 5wt(at the store) and couldn’t find enough of a difference between my clearwater to justify the cost. Hope this is helpful.

[@cliffhutch7789]

I have had 3 different orvis rods still have 15 year old i guess clearwater and a recon 2 4wt. I traded my orvis sf glass 5wt to get a scott centric. I tried alot of different rods in that price bracket liked the orivs but felt the centric was going to be a better fishing tool. Love the centric and will be getting another scott in the future. It was a tough call but i made the right choice for me

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely a lot of Scott users in the comments section. Sounds like for good reason.

[@freightlinerfisher3830]

Absolutely love my 5wt blackout……which is pretty much the same. I almost think it’s too sensitive and soft. I have got a few steelhead on mine and it’s rough getting them to the net. I don’t feel the “non feel” you seem to speak of but could be the slight difference in model

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Somebody mentioned that I need to be on larger fish with this rod so when the steelhead move in I will see if it livens things up. Also, not sure if this is true but i was told by another angler it needs to be broken in. Never heard of such a thing but I am open to suggestions. Thanks for your input brother, appreciate it👍

[@freightlinerfisher3830]

@@greenhornflyhorn LoL 😂 maybe I broke mine in early! I did use it first for steelhead n got one that ran me everywhere for a day until I could net it! LoL 😝 then used it for other species…….

[@richarde1355]

Using your 5 weight on steelhead is like bringing a knife to a gun fight. While it can be done (obviously, to the extent you're doing it), it's not really the right tool for the job. A higher weight rod would likely help you land the fish more quickly and, if you ever tie into a big one, give you that extra oopmh to land that fish. Where are you fishing for and catching steelhead? What size range are the fish? That Blackout is a fine rod, for trout, and you don't want to break it on steelhead.

[@freightlinerfisher3830]

@@richarde1355 I have a couple 8wt rods, including a blockout 8wt that I used in most conditions. I have used my 5wt on tribs off tribs that are pretty small. I can fight the fish just fine but the 5wt is a bit soft when it’s time to push that little extra to net the chrome.

[@richarde1355]

@@freightlinerfisher3830 you wrote " but the 5wt is a bit soft when it’s time to push that little extra to net the chrome." There's your answer. It's not that the 5 weight is too soft, it doesn't have the power to bring the fish to net. Use that 8 weight! 🙂

[@self-taught_angler]

I don't own that rod. However, 6wt rod for trout and 2-pound bass seems overkill. That is probably the reason you do not feel the fight. If they tapered the rod for distance, most likely the lower 3/4 of it will be very stiff, that also reduces the sensitivity during the fight. I would drop at least 2 size down for trout. I design my own single hand spey lines. You can easily spey cast a 150grain full sinking line to 50ft using a 8ft 3wt rod. Every trout would feel like you are fighting a barracuda.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thank you for your input! When I did A/B/C testing with other six weights. I found the Helios was just very dampened. Yes the butt section is stiffer for sure but the clearwater was wonderful even on smaller 12” trout. The Aetos(by Fenwick) and TFO Pro 2 both were similar to the clearwater. But that dang Helios is a completely different beast. Even a 20” brown trout felt off. A few bass i caught were in the 5lb range(majority were 2-3pounds)but still the same thing! A 6wt is perfect for these fish in my opinion but everyone has their opinion and I respect that. Thank you again and tight lines this weekend 🤘

[@richarde1355]

The need for a 6 weight isn't always a function of the size of the fish, but also the conditions and the size of the fly. Bass often prefer a large(r) fly that often is not aerodynamic (by fly fishing standards); a 6 weight will help turn over that fly. There's a reason Sage, Ross, Orvis, Redington etc, when they brought out bass-specific fly fishing equipment, that the rods were/are generally in the 8 weight category. To turn over the fly and the conditions...

[@Sochmo18]

Lol how many 6wts do u have!! I just got an older Orvis Trident TLS 6wt tip flex for $120, and the thing is amazing. Love orvis.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I have one 6wt. Thinned out the quiver…..for now😆Happy Holidays!

[@avid.venture]

Just snapped my $50 rod on Friday 😅 went back out and bought another $50 rod hahaha. I think you’re right.. I can’t be doing these bass fishing hook sets on trout 😂

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Buddy. Those hooksets are legendary! Haha.

[@avid.venture]

@@greenhornflyhorn big hookies for big fish 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@avid.venture]

Just posted the video with the rod snapping in it. Check it out 🤣

[@greenhornflyhorn]

@@avid.venture on it!

[@thatonebeone]

any idea how much weight on the scale is the 6wt 3D ?

[@greenhornflyhorn]

No idea. I will be making a video on why weight doesn’t matter in the coming months. Still writing the script. Thank you for watching.

[@montgomerymontgomery570]

No doubt... it's a stiff, ultra fast rod. It's a specialized rod designed to cut through wind (20 mph gusts) and chase down big fish with big flies (articulated streamers) on a big Western river. It's not a utility rod and was never meant to enjoy leisurely fishing for 10-16in trout... that's where your 4 wt, medium-fast 5 wt or perhaps even 6 wt H3F would thrive. That said, the H3D should almost come with a disclaimer... even the 5 wt variant is a total beast lol

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Sweet! Well, I am anxious to get a few greatlakes steelhead on it to see how she fairs. Largest fish was a 20inch brown so far with it. Great rod but the dampening is a tad too much so far. I do agree that it loves large articulated streamers. Thank you for your insight! Tight lines

[@richarde1355]

I own this model rod, same line weight. fighting butt and all. It’s an awesome rod. If your Clearwater fits you better, use your Clearwater. It ain’t the rod that’s the issue.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I find this fascinating. I have to ask as I need to understand your logic. You already own the rod, you think it’s “awesome “. Yet you watched my review of this rod after owning it. Now, I believe you might have watched it because you have doubts about your purchase. Your comment is defending your purchase, which is brand loyal marketing(forgive me, i forget the actual term, it’s been awhile since I was in the “bizz”), this is what companies want. Or…….You watched my video review for the pure entertainment that I brought you. One of these is true. But of course, me being the curious guy I am, I just have to know your take on this……🤔

[@richarde1355]

@@greenhornflyhorn your ambiguous video title doesn't indicate which model 3D you're testing; I watched the video initially to see which version you are/were testing. I eventually found out the one 3D Helios I own happens to be the one you are testing. I own several ZG Helios rods, but only one 3D. Knowing what a great rod my 3D is, out of curiosity I stuck with your video to find out why you are unhappy with it. I also happen to own several Clearwaters, from 4 weight to 9 weight, as my loaner rods when my loaner rods. My comment still applies; if you prefer the Clearwater, for whatever reason, use the Clearwater rod. Pretty simple logical conclusion.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I can understand the title but the first 6 seconds of the video I explain which rod/model I will be reviewing. Anyways, I am just glad you stuck around for the review. It really helps out the channel. Tight lines

[@guenaelbezely7016]

Have you test the sage R8 to compare with the helios 3D ?

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I have not. Thank you for checking out the review! :)

[@guenaelbezely7016]

@@greenhornflyhorn ok, so now I’m waiting for the 4D review 😉

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Trying to get one from Orvis but, unfortunately I am a small channel so it's doubtful I will get one :(@@guenaelbezely7016

[@sethleavitt985]

Sounds like, you need a Scott! That way you can feel the fight

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Always heard good things about Scott. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@NDFlyFisher]

Good, objective review. For $1000, that dead response is really disappointing. I would probably pass on this rod . If possible, do more rod and gear reviews.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

It’s got a lot going for it but that dampened feeling is very noticeable. I wonder if the 3F is the better choice? Anyways, many more honest reviews coming down the pipe!

[@kkswain96]

Try Scott rods man. I own two Scott radians and a Scott centric. I absolutely love them, and I will have more.

[@ryantherock7664]

I have Radians too also wondered How the centric compares?

[@rhonda837]

centric is quite different from the radian but in a good way bends deeper but has good power a great all around rod. centric is more forgiving in casting than the radian is, the radian is probably the smoothest rod i own but after you get used to casting the different action of the centric it is also a great rod. if you get a chance test cast one. i tested mine out in the rockies and both rods are keepers.@@ryantherock7664

[@flipstars]

A 6 wt for rainbow and browns?... and you wonder why it feels dead in your hand? Try a 4-5 wt.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Curious. What do you use a 6wt for? 🤔

[@barry4fish]

You brought up something many of us old-time fly rod collectors have known for years. Most of the high end rods of today lack fish-fighting feel. You are paying for durability, the high tech blanks are to reduce breakage, and have fast recovery. I have several high end rods (Sage and several other brands) that are fast and definitely dead-feeling with fish on my line. I agree the Scott rods are overall better for this, especially some of the older series they don’t make any more (the A4 was unreal especially in the shorter models, feel the fight all the way to the cork). In general, several more moderate action rods seem to transmit vibration to your hand better - Find a moderate action rod with an IM-6 blank, or one of the early Fenwick graphite rods (Eagle or HMG) and you will feel what I mean. Most young fly fishers have never fished with any of these to be able to feel the difference, so they don’t know unless they tried someone’s Radian. Another thing, I have several Helios 3 rods including that 6 weight and generally like them, but I think the Helios 2 rods had even less fish-fighting feel than the new ones. I hate the lack of a hook keeper on these Helios 3 and I also have proof that the white label spooks fish during some fishing scenarios (wave that white flag - it’s the contrast that makes the movement more visible to them while casting).

[@greenhornflyhorn]

You know where the issue lies? Is with demoing these rods, you can cast them all day long and yes they feel great. Then, you take them on the river and catch a beautiful trout and realize its just dead! I wish there was some metric we can use to determine if we got a live one or not. Also, I can’t believe how hard it is to find a rod that is better than an Aetos or Clearwater. Just outstanding rods for not much investment. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, i really do appreciate it and maybe I will look into a Scott one day. All the best, Milan

[@markm417]

I have noticed this same thing, like there's good feel until it loads up, and then it sort of 'stabilises' and i just feel load not action. I personally think fiberglass rods are better about this because the blank deflects all the way down into the grip. But they get heavy and wobbly when they get big. So I'm using fiberglass for my small rods and cf for bigger ones, is the best I can figure.

[@4492573]

How much was it ?

[@greenhornflyhorn]

$1299.00CAD plus tax of course!

[@springteen3743]

You didn’t feel the fish cause a 16 inch trout is not enough fish for the rod.?you need to have a running fish and strong fish as a bonefish then you feel the energy of the fish through your rod.😊

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I don’t really make it down south bone fish. I enjoy the cold too much!

[@jorgeramos141]

Hard disagree on that lack of fish fighting feel. I fought a nice trout and I felt every single thing that fish did just as well as I did on my Clearwater. Maybe you have a bad model because I have the exact same H3D.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

That's awesome! I hope you get on em this season :)

[@springteen3743]

You must selling the rod cause that white paint is distracting to me and not to mention it takes the beauty of the rod taper. Terrible. However the rod is well build 😉

[@greenhornflyhorn]

After numerous fish caught and some were just pigs! I decided that I prefer a rod with feel. I actually enjoy the white label, about time somebody goes against the grain! And yes, the rod is built exceptionally well. Definitely do not regret selling it.

[@RoryLynott]

I'm sure that this is a very fine performing and casting stick. Boy is it ugly? I think so 😅

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Casts like a dream but that white label can turn a lot of folks off!

[@DavidStanleymusic]

the im 12 carbon rod on amazon for 125$ is much better

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I will have to take a look. Thank you

[@gurumagoo]

I freaking hate the label. It's such an eye sore and the main reason why I refuse to buy one. I mean come on...a lot of fly fishermen are stuck up and pretentious enough already. Some are worse than golfers. So Orvis is going to be the Abercrombie & Fitch of fly fishing, where everyone steals covert glances ar your labels to see if you're as cool and sophisticated a fly fisherman as they are. It's tacky. I really wanted one too and came awefully close to buying a 3D when I handled it at the fly shop, but I hate the label so bad. I'll just keep using my helios 2 or buy a Sage R8.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

They do make a blackout version and a blue label if that works for ya. I have noticed on the river how divided anglers are on the white label. Its either you like it or hate it. Thank you for sharing your input, you’re not alone on this one👊

[@Slickheadhunter]

I also ended up not buying a new Orvis because of that white hideous emblem. I ended up getting a Winston TMF which is a medium soft action.