Orvis Helios D 10′ 7-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is exactly what the 10-foot angler needs from a 7wt. It doesn’t have the raw dagger-throwing capabilities of a rod like the NRX+ 7100/4, but it is more of an even flexing rod that will roll cast and mend like a champ. This is a great rod for the single hand Spey technique and would be an excellent steelhead nymphing rod. It feels pretty light for a 10-footer and is a great overhead caster. I cast the SA Amplitude Infinity WF7F line on this rod and was very pleased with the results. It will also handle a heavier nymphing-specific line like the SA Amplitude Anadro WF7F just fine.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   A great 10’ rod for the 10’ rod angler. Light for its length, easy and intuitive with instant engagement with the tip. I found the Helios D 10’ 7 weight to have a pleasantly noticeable load point with a perfectly matched turnover, automatic enough to be predictable but not so automatic that you feel like you’re in a casting simulator, just right and expected and in a manner that masks the length and substance of the 10 foot 7 weight. The rod casts nicely off the upper third and has a statuesque lower that proudly keeps the tip and casts high. It’s a smartly built, efficient and purposeful long 7 weight to handle long distance and big water conditions with aplomb.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   I love this action for a single-handed steelhead rod, whether swinging or nymphing. The rod is “medium fast” with a lovely progressive flex, a limber, sensitive tip and plenty of power in the stern for playing heavy fish. It feels light for its length and possesses a magic wand wand err when reaching, mending and steering the fly, as well as ideal sensitivity for maximum successful hookups when the line comes tight on the swing. I loved it with the SA Infinity WF7 and could tell that it possessed plenty of power for working with heavier nymph lines, such as the SA Anadro Indicator/Nymph or Rio Gold Max. This is an outstanding angling tool, elegant in long casts but unafraid of doing the dirty work.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)