Orvis Helios D 8’5″ 8-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   I like the balance of this rod a little better than the 8’5” 7-wt because there is less of a difference in stiffness between the tip and butt. It swings a little more naturally and with more polished use of the whole rod. All of these 8’5” saltwater rods are best paired with short-headed fly lines a little on the heavy side, such as the SA Grand Slam taper or Rio Bonefish Plus. Once again, the design of this rod features a light tip and very stiff butt, so it would support a heavy streamer line, if called upon. If you like the SA Grand Slam line, this rod casts it very well, with better presentation than longer rods. This pairing would make a stealthy light permit rig for Mexico or Belize.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 8’5” 8wt Helios D from Orvis is a rocket ship! Just like the other shorter saltwater rods in the series, the 8wt is insanely light in hand and feels like a 6wt. This is a rod that will be happiest on a boat but if you’re not wading super deep you can also use it on foot. It throws extremely tight loops and will cut through the wind better than most 8wt rods out there. I was very impressed with the accuracy and control you have with this rod. I cast it with the SA Amplitude Grand Slam WF8F. This is not a line that I traditionally like but this rod handles it better than almost any other rod I’ve thrown it with. If you want something a little lighter give the SA Amplitude Bonefish Plus WF8F a go.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   I found the flex profile in the 3rd blank section, with a snappy and smooth line pop out of the rod. This rod will load and cast line beautifully and should combat windy conditions quite well. I cast the SA Grand Slam line and enjoyed the pairing quite well. This rod will take to the saltwater flats or marshes like a dog to the dinner bell & make for a great bone or redfish rod. Expect quick response and immediate line speed out of this stick and enjoy the light loops that roll out time after time.

   Wes Yarnell (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Wow, these 8’5” Helios rods are light in the hand. Freakishly light. I preferred the Helios D 858 with a light and long bonefish taper. My first impressions were these rods would be a little more heavy streamer leaning, but when I had on the short, heavy headed lines I felt like it forced the delivery point too low down the blank and made the rod feel a little hollow. I did not have a lead-eye articulated ear-threatening fly on there and I imagine the extra weight will sort all of that out. Expectations and ideas. In reality, with a Bonefish taper, the Helios 858 is a line speed machine and simply rips loops that have a tough time letting daylight between them. They stay tight and close and hot to the tip. The Helios D 858 could keep the 9-weight out of your hands on a wind slapping day on the bow of a bonefish skiff. This rod plays into the story of the Helios 8-weights. They’re all very good and purposefully built. The 858 would get more of my attention honestly if the 9-footers weren’t so good. If I’m pairing this rod with the 908 D, I’m putting a SA Bonefish on the 858 D, keeping the SA Bonefish Plus on the 908 D, and reaching for the 858 when the wind gets past the dealing point.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a sick rod, my favorite in the D line up by far! It is very powerful while remaining smooth and light in hand. It was very accurate at distance, absolutely bombs line and was still awesome in close. With this rod being of the 8’5” variety, it throws tight loops and would perform very well in windy conditions.

   Curtis Nelson (Telluride Angler)