Review: The NEW Orvis Helios 9' 4# F Fly Rod

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Get the Flies: bit.ly/FlyPacks Get the Merch: bit.ly/NewFishingMerch Get The Euro Kit: bit.ly/EuroNymphKit

[@philipnicholas9371]

You know me Andy, I’m a tackle tart and absolutely love my 10ft 4wt Helios 3. I wouldn’t bother replacing it just to upgrade. It was fascinating listening to your review, thanks for that!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

No need to upgrade just yet, Santa might be watching!

[@GingerNinja68]

I bought a Helios 4 7wt for bonefishing in Bahamas and salmon fishing in British Columbia. What an amazing rod. I’ve not seen too many in the UK and that maybe due to price point. It most certainly is great to fish.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I bet that's a phenomenal bonefish rod, one to look out for!

[@peterwelsh9509]

Purchased this week Andy, hope it will wean me off euro nymphing next season. Great review, Orvis should give you one.

[@Trazzt]

I never owned rods this expensive before, but recently I decided to treat myself and I purchased the 6wt D Helios model mostly for light streamer fishing. I havent regretted it for a moment and I really love how this casts,it feels light but has plenty of power. It somehow also feels sensitive enough that I would not shy away from throwing a nymph or dry fly on this if this was the only rod I was carrying. Is it a live-changing rod? I don't think so, but it is just really, really nice. As for the logo, I know it is divisive, but personally I think it is iconic. I'd for sure recommend this rod for anyone that can justify spending this much on their hobby. Thank you for the review!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

thanks so much bud! It's a treat, no doubt, but you're going to love fishing it for a very long time. Great to hear another opinion on the branding too, you're right, there's no mistaking which brand of rod it is in an angler's hand!

[@jm2953]

Best review of the new helios on the internet I've seen 😊

[@IBandAndyFishing]

That's really kind, thank you!

[@keithallan2606]

Andy, a great review, thank you. Living in Hampshire, within the Test and Itchen catchment, I’ve had a few opportunities to try the new Helios F&D rods, and as you say once you master the feel, they are spectacular. But, will they catch more fish, well I guess it comes down to the fact, if you love the rod and believe in it, yes you will; it’s like keeping the faith. I fish Helios 1 rods (bought a lot more cheaply when Helios 2 came to the market) but about 18 months ago I just wanted something that gave a “closer contact” feel with my rod and the fish. It had to be a Winston Pure 8’ 4wt, which to answer your question was around £700 at my limit. The strange thing is though, having mastered the Winston feel, I also enjoy my old Helios rods much better too … .. . Thanks, I love you pod casts Keith Allan

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks so much Keith, and great comments, I fully agree with you. So hard to find Winston rods in the UK, but they are lovely!

[@Full_on_flyfishing]

Great review! I have a 9’ 6wt Helios 3D and I’d say it’s my favourite rod shame I couldn’t afford all my rods to be a Helios hate or love it they are the best in my opinion 👌🏻

[@IBandAndyFishing]

cheers bud! No doubt about it, they make some fantastic fly rods!

[@craftytroutangler]

Thanks for the thorough review! That was a beautiful snake roll cast at 15:50! We’re using just one of the WF lines you commented on having used with it? I’ve practiced a snap t and Belgian cast several times w my rod and find it very useful. However I’m still working out the kinks. Any helpful tips for practicing the snake roll you used? Thanks!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

that's very kind, thank you! That's the SA MPX Amplitude yes, a great line, if a little pricey! I think with all the dynamic roll casts, it's about over exaggerating the movements, and slowing right down, to start with, and then once it's feeling more comfortable, start narrowing the movements and speeding up a little. Practice, practice, practice!

[@tobyroe9373]

it was an amazing rod when I got to use it, I would say the most I would spend on a rod without that 25-year warranty is about £600 but with Orvis and the 25 years I would easily do about £2000 because you have that security, ace video!

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks so much, Toby! That Orvis warranty is a total game changer, it makes it a lot easier to justify the cost. Treat yourself!

[@ShadyRiver-xu7kc]

Great Review Andy.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it! What's your limit on a single handed fly rod?

[@ShadyRiver-xu7kc]

@@IBandAndyFishing well 70 quid now beacause im currently using a shakespeare oracle river and i cant fault it really lol

[@swagstevo2442]

All I can say is that if you think the 4wt F can cast, then the 12wt is a cannon. If you ever get the chance to try one definitely try it out. Those rods are unreal.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

😂 it might be a bit overkill for our trout and grayling here in derbyshire 🤷‍♂️😂

[@paulbryan1094]

Excellent review Andy. Owning a variety of Orvis rods I don’t think they make a bad rod. I picked up a Helios 3 in a sale and it’s amazing. You should try one of the Superfine glass rods too.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

That's a great idea Paul, something for us to work on for next season!

[@ryantherock7664]

Great review thanks Andy

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks Ryan! Hand you handled one of the new helios?

[@ryantherock7664]

@ not yet I’m keen to try after watching this

[@grahamwaddilove7112]

Nice review Andy, I've been looking at these rods but been put off by that price tag, especially with all my DIY that keeps popping up around the house. I watched your last video with interest on how you fished with it, that was also very interesting. Shame about your laptop drive, if you haven't binned it already, let me know, i have some HDD repair recovery software? You never know your luck, can't promise it would work though 🙂

[@IBandAndyFishing]

This sounds like a great idea Graham, thanks very much! Every time you do some DIY, pay yourself £100 - you'll soon have the money for your new rod!

[@davidhumphreys7035]

Orvis are hard to beat and the 25 yr guarantee is an absolute winner. I'd be interested in you doing a AtomSix rod review, i thought it a fantastic rod for the money.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

That 25 yay warranty really matters, doesn't it? I've not seen much of AtomSix over the years, but I hear they're lovely rods!

[@davidhumphreys7035]

​@IBandAndyFishing it certainly does, esp when it covers damage/breakages by any means. Give Steve Parkes of Atomsix a bell, very obliging gent and see what you can fix up, he also does fly lines under the Celestial Fly Lines brand.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well I bought a 8'6" 4wt Orvis Recon. Its a lot of rod for the money and they are held in high regard here in the States. Its the first Orvis Rod I bought in 35 years. I spent most of September in PA with no complaints. Would I buy a Helios, yeah I think I will, but not with that white on the butt end of the rod. Then again the fish would not care a with.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

no doubt about it, that branding sure does divide folks

[@andysparks8245]

Great review, prob your best yet. I've toyed with buying the Helios but as you've suggested the white wrap is a bit of a marmite thing and despite the fact that I love marmite I hate the white wrap, feel like I want to peel it off! Maybe I can get past this with some counseling.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I honestly get it, it's a very striking rod, and you know they'll do a subtle version next season, too. You can't miss them on the bank though!

[@MidClyde-tt5hs]

If you make a warranty claim on an Orvis rod there's a £60 excess But as you say Andy they'll fix it or replace it. Great review.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks bud! I don't know how one managed to edit that out, I just checked, I did mention it when I filmed, but edited it out 🙈😂

[@michaelshaw8370]

An absolute weapon of a rod. Perfectly made for purpose. Yes it is not in anyway a cheap rod. However I would challenge anyone to find a better example at any price range.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

It sounds like you've handled one of these already, Michael?

[@Pacman27]

Hi Andy take your hard drive to curry's - they may be able to retrieve the data - often it is still there and certainly in most cases recoverable

[@IBandAndyFishing]

that's exactly the plan, thanks bud!

[@anthonyclark6118]

Awesome review. Just what I’m after a 9ft 4wt f for dry fly. Awesome to see rods evolve and developed to this standard. Im scared to even pick one up in the shop, as I know I’d want one!!! As you say it may not be quite 4X as accurate, but definitely up there with the best. I presented a similar review to the chairperson of the board…she said it was definitely 4X over my budget!!!😂😂😂😂

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Our Chief Financial Officer said she thought I was hitting 4x as many trees, because I couldn't get my range with it! 😂😂😂

[@anthonyclark6118]

@ you have a globally formidable CFO…could stare down Trump and Putin in negotiations I think! Stay warm mate ( top grayling fish in the snow vid). I’m about to go fish in 29C this afternoon in AuS.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

@anthonyclark6118 it's all melted now, back to floods for the next week! Have a good one buddy!

[@jameslisteroutdoors]

Really good review. I can't imagine spending that much on a fly rod, but then, since starting to build my own fly rods, I couldn't imagine buying any finished rod. It's a bit like with fly tying... I don't like fishing any fly that I didn't tie & I much prefer to fish rods that I built. I'm also a vinyl junky who needs that soul element 😂

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I wonder if Orvis will offer blanks for sale? It'd be interesting to see what folks can do with that blank!

[@jameslisteroutdoors]

@@IBandAndyFishing now that would be interesting!

[@marcgreen6829]

If you compare the price to a premium set of golf clubs, which will be probably changed within 5 years, the Helios is a bargain. I’ve only just changed my Hardy Ultralite rods which I bought in the early 90’s , so when you spread the cost of the Helios over that length of time, it’s not that expensive. Will definitely be trying one next spring when the weather warms up and the bugs start rising.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

It's a great point Marc, you can pay a lot of money for a golf club, cricket bat, hockey stick etc - and you don't get a warranty with any of these!

[@alistairglen3537]

@@IBandAndyFishing Interesting comparison with golf clubs. I've just spent about £3K on a golf club 'refresh' (newer tech and fitted to my ability...or lack of it) but that gets me 12 clubs (out of a maximum of 14 in a bag) to cover a range of scenarios I'll encounter during a round (driver, woods/hybrids, irons, wedges & putter). Is this rod versatile enough to cover 'most' river-fishing styles and requirements? Obviously, Euronymphing requires a more specialised rod (aka a putter) but do I just need a Hydros in my bag other than that?

[@nicholastully7865]

I had a new 5wt rod built for me that cost £750. Am thinking about buying a Helios 4.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Perfect, you can cast one in each hand! 😂

[@theclassiccountryman7484]

£1000 is a lot for a rod… but that’s getting you the best of the best. I do a great deal of shooting, and for the equivalent, top tier shotgun, you’re looking at £10,000 plus… Beretta’s new all singing and dancing clay gun is £18,000!! Which for me puts it into context. If you’re buying something that’s an investment, that you’ll keep for years and cherish, and then pass down to your kids or whatever, I don’t feel (personally) that £1000, or £1200 is too much to pay.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

The price of new guns is crazy these days, they went up faster than rods! I totally agree with you, it's an investment in your enjoyment, and like you say, if you'll use it for 20 years, it really isn't that hard to justify

[@theclassiccountryman7484]

@ I know! Yep, live within your means and all that, but if you can, you probably should! Great vids mate; keep the coming!

[@Noirdorn]

Whitch one you liked better? Orvis Helios F or Douglas Sky G? Btw. did you found Sky g #4 bit weak for bigger trouts?

[@IBandAndyFishing]

great question, quite different rods. If I had to choose to buy one with somebody else's money, I'd probably go Helios, but you sure can't ignore that price difference!

[@grahamwaddilove7112]

Forgot to answer your question on rods and price we'd pay: for my 60th birthday I bought a Hardy Ultralite LL 9.9ft 3wt, mainly just to see what all the hype was about, believe me when I say it makes my bad casting look great, is it worth the cost ⚖️ - it's a wonderful rod, i thought that was expensive at £799 i think it cost over 2yrs ago, i just don't get to use it as much as i should like to 😞

[@IBandAndyFishing]

It sounds like the solution here is more fishing, Graham!

[@grahamwaddilove7112]

Haha I'm trying - just time, always against me, "if" you have a spare day over the festive period 20th December -to- 5th January, let me know. Let's hope the weather doesn't be against us like last time, but what a day it was, mad dogs & English men, is always in my mind when thinking about that day 🙄🤣

[@dongustafson2304]

I cast a Helios 5 F at the show in Pleasanton California . The casting pool was short, maybe 60-70 feet and I could cast the entire length of the pool with a single back cast, but the rod/ line combination did not feel right to me, I would have liked to try the rod with a heavier line. If I had spent more time with that setup I may have been able to feel the rod work. It is definitely a fantastic rod, except for that horrible white branding, yuck. Edit, I'm a lover of bamboo fly rods and have spent considerably more on a rod than the cost of a Helios, many times.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

they've made a fantastic fly rod, that's for sure. You certainly can't miss that branding, but you sure do feel like you're casting something special!

[@kennethfriedl3428]

Here in the States Orvis is regarded as the rich man’s fly rod. Something of a luxury status symbol like say Rolex, or Ferrari. A brand reaches this type of status and reputation only after many many years of proven history.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

they sure do make fine fly rods, no doubt about it!

[@rob3518]

So this will be your absolute go to for this length and weight for personal use from now on ??

[@IBandAndyFishing]

In truth, I don't really have a go-to outfit these days - because we're always reviewing stuff, I rarely get to use the same rod for more than a few months. For context, at the start of the 2022 trout season I bought myself my "dream" outfit from when I was younger - a Sage ZXL 9' 4# and a Lamson ULA reel - and I've still not used it yet! 😂

[@rob3518]

@ yes I get it 👍what your saying is it’s the best in its class right now. Thanks for the clarification 🙏🎣

[@JWhite-Fishing]

Is it £300 better than a Douglas Sky G? From what I remember, that was your previous winner.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

It's a very different rod to the Douglas, and of course, the Douglas is made off-shoreso you've got a manufacturing difference. In truth, you couldn't go wrong with either, it'd be a lovely choice to have to make!

[@peterdavies4273]

I thought the same John, and that’s coming from a Orvis fan. I’ve had a Helios 2 for about 6 years, and absolutely love it. I keep thinking of a new rod, and put the H4 9ft #4 the Douglas Sky 9ft #4 and the Sage R8 9ft #4 to the test at this years BFFI it was a very limited test, and couldn’t believe how good both the Helios and Sky where, but as you say £300 is a big difference in 2 very nice comparable rods. Having had a couple of mishaps with my Helios 2 I can vouch for the brilliant Orvis 25 year warranty and on the basis, I’d probably go for the Helios 4. Just got to convince the boss I need one. Great review Andy, was really interested in your thoughts 👍🎣

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Thanks Pete! Not much between the rods, one is US made and has that very transparent warranty, probably hence the extra money. Both excellent rods, a nice problem to have!

[@gordonmillsjr.1957]

Thanks Andy - a really great review. I am thinking of dropping the cash for a premium dry fly rod - any chance of you guys getting hold of a Winston Pure 2 to review? I can’t find any UK Winston dealers to try the rod for myself! Thanks again for all your hard work.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

It's so hard to get Winston in the UK these days, in not even sure where to start on that one!

[@scottfuhrer7488]

I would love one BUT i can't afford a $1200.00 rod.

[@blackline66]

Buy a Synology NAS back up.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Not a rod I've come across on the bank, I'll look in to them 👍

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Maybe that cork looks so good because it is BLEACHED😅😅😅

[@AboveAverageAngler]

I'll ask my missis😅

[@IBandAndyFishing]

No need, it's what she'd want you to do. It'd be a nice surprise for her, that you instinctively understand what she'd want you to do 👍

[@paulcarter5731]

@@IBandAndyFishing Andy did you ask IB before typing that reply?

[@olivertwist4407]

This is not a light rod, neither in weight nor in swing weight. Go test the Hardy Marksman, that's a light rod designed in England

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I agree to an extent, it's not the lightest rod on the market, I will say I didn't find the swing weight to be an issue though. More broadly, do we think that a 9' rod of 80g is not a light fly rod these days?

[@rangerwhite5165]

It's the logo. Horrendous.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Do you reckon they'll do the more subtle version, line they did last time?

[@rangerwhite5165]

I'd hope so Andy. The Blackout range were very tastefully done. I think they were Helios 4 prototypes. I would find that logo very distracting. Look at Sage, Loomis, Scott, Guideline etc, very subtle logos. I don't buy the Orvis theory of "people will know it's a Helios on the water". I do have Orvis gear and it's great. I just don't get the idea behind this, that makes it look cheap in my opinion.

[@glenndotter5065]

Not worth the money

[@IBandAndyFishing]

they're a lot of money, no doubt! Which model did you try Glenn?

[@glenndotter5065]

I build my own.​@@IBandAndyFishing

[@howie8582]

OMG! Is a trout rod really worth a £1,100 +? I suspect not. This is about catching fisherman not fish.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I guess value is in the eye of the cash-holder! How much do you think a top end fly rod should cost?

[@howie8582]

@ Good question. I’m not sure I know the answer. My most expensive trout rod was a Hardy Marksman. I remember being so happy when I took delivery of it up then being so disappointed when I found a small label saying “made in China”. I think now it is difficult to find a bad rod and no doubt the Orvis is superb in the right hands but would it really make much of a difference to the average fly fisherman. I find that I use and go back to rods I bought years back and feel comfortable with and enjoy using. I can’t believe an £1,100 rod would increase my joy of fishing that much more. Love your channel BTW.

[@MrKveite1]

Might well be the best orvis but it is still just an orvis...

[@IBandAndyFishing]

I guess you're maybe not a fan, then?!

[@MrKveite1]

@@IBandAndyFishing oh they are great rods but i am more into the harder faster rods so dont take it the wrong way.

[@IBandAndyFishing]

Are you in to the super fast Sage and Scott models instead, then?All great rods!

[@MrKveite1]

@@IBandAndyFishing Not a fan of scott either but the igniter and the method and the nam rods are my choices atm. it's very hard to find fast hard rods theese days.

[@4492573]

@@MrKveite1, get a Sage Sonic , it’s high octane