Orvis Helios D 9′ 11-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   A ripping tarpon rod built to shine on the A List flats of the Caribbean including Florida, Mexico and Belize, the Helios D 11-weight fishes high in its line class and offers all you will need in a rod for adult tarpon. There are lighter 11-weights on the market, but few that can match the Helios D for power and control. I threw it with an SA Amplitude Tarpon WF11. While it loads and presents the fly alright on short shots, the most impressive casting power comes from the middle of the fly rod once most of the line head is in the air. From 40-80 feet, it casts with unsurpassed power, tightest loops and supreme accuracy. The Scott Sector may feel lighter and slightly more progressive, but the Helios D 9 11-wt generates the highest line speed without any special requests from the caster. We’re splitting hairs, but this rod simply must be considered in any discussion of the world’s best unlimited 11-weight. It wants to cast long, strong and very fast.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)