Orvis Helios D 10′ 5-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   This is one of the slower action rods in the series, but quite pleasant to cast and easy to use for all-water techniques, including overhead casting, single hand Spey, roll casting and line mending, a terrific fishing tool in a surprisingly attractive package. There is nothing loose or sloppy about the action of this fly rod, but a moderately stiff tip and forgiving mid-section engages the middle of the rod on all but the shortest casts, so more patience is required on the backcast than with the Helios D 9’ 5” 5-weight. I recommend the SA Infinity WF5 for nymphs or the Rio Elite Gold XP for dry flies or swinging soft hackles. Optimal fishing range is 30-50 feet, or shorter when high sticking.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is an extremely castable 10’ fly rod. It feels like a shorter rod when you’re casting it, but it will fish like a traditional 10’ 5wt. It doesn’t feel as stiff relative to line weight as the 10’ 4wt in the series, but still has plenty of backbone for slightly heavier nymph set-ups. Just like the other 10’ rods in the Helios D family of rods, you don’t have to adjust your casting stroke much to produce nice loops. I cast the SA Amplitude Infinity WF5F on this rod and the longer rod pairs well with the long headed line. I wouldn’t be afraid to fishing something a shade lighter on there if you’re throwing smaller flies to technical fish. If this is your intention, consider the Rio Elite Technical Trout WF5F.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   This is an easy caster for those looking for a 10-footer in their lineup. This will be a phenomenal dry fly and nymph stick but not quite suited for streamer applications. The easy roll casting and mending ability of this rod speaks to epic dead drifts and a casting wheelhouse of 25’ – 60’. I cast the SA Infinity taper and found the medium action pace of the rod to enjoy that line pairing. If you’re looking for that extra reach and 10 footers are part of your trout game, then give this rod a look.

   Wes Yarnell (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 4 out of 5

   This is a fine long 5-weight, but I preferred the 4-weight and felt that rod had less limiting character. The Helios D 105 is a very specific rod in the way it casts and fishes at varying distances. That long stable butt section is a little tighter on this model and this does a couple things in my hands. In close, the rod casts off the tip nice and easy, very automatically and assuredly but the tip is light and easy to place line with accordingly. The rod feels stalwart and exact, with just the slightest little rock into the upper portion of the lower end of the rod. That butt section starts to drive when you get some line out and the stored power is noticeable.

   The rod preferred a tighter loop and then sizzled, but if you don’t meter the power a little bit with your haul hand you can get more line speed running out of the rod than the blank prefers. Sitting back on the rod a little gave me a bit more overall performance, though the blank likes to be pushed. I am also not a 10-foot rod aficionado in any manner. I would place this rod as best suited to exacting the utmost control over an unruly long indicator rig. It has a small-ish modified wells that I prefer for a rod of this length and like the 104, lacks a fighting butt.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 4 out of 5

   Why did I single this rod out as one of my favorites within the Helios lineup? I don’t fish 10′ rods but have had the chance to cast quite a few over the years for r&d purposes and had never really enjoyed the experience. While I understand their purpose and appeal, it never felt quite right. The taper and balance of this fly rod somehow mimics the feel of a similarly weighted 8 1/2 or 9 wt rod while allowing those that prefer a 10 footer for their particular fishing application a wonderful overhead casting option. Even in the midst of a raging snowstorm, I was reluctant to put it down.

   Troy Youngfleish (Telluride Angler)