Orvis Helios D 9’5″ 5-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Another excellent long rod in the series, this model fishes beautifully with an SA Infinity Taper which loads it naturally for short casts and offers outstanding loop control with above average line speed at distance. It’s a rod that exemplifies the Helios D series: fast and powerful but not “stiff,” light and easy-loading but impressively stable. It has a progressive character, fishing from short to long, flexing incrementally with each additional length of line. It is a rod that demonstrates “balance,” both in terms of lightness and also, most importantly, in the amount of work it does for the angler. The Helios D 9’5” 5-weight is best tuned for dry flies, dry-dropper and nymph indicator rigs. It will handle size #10-#12 streamers but lacks the extra-stiff butt section of a heavy streamer specialty rod.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 4 out of 5

   The 9’5” 5wt Helios D is a great western big water nymphing rod. It doesn’t possess the raw power of a rod like the 9’6” 5wt Centric from Scott, but it is more sensitive in the tip and will perform better in technical nymphing situations. With a lighter nymph set-up this rod roll casts and mends exceptionally well. If the heads come up and fish are rising it will also throw dry flies with the best of them. It is a wonderfully smooth casting rod that fishes well in close and has excellent touch and feel for its length. I cast it with the SA Amplitude Infinity WF5F and thought the rod handled the line pretty well. If you’re fishing really light flies consider something with a less aggressive taper like the Rio Elite Technical Trout.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   This rod was super fun to cast, making long line presentations easily achievable. The 9.5’ rod models on the market have grown on me over the past year, allowing walk wading anglers the ability to cast dry flies on larger rivers less cumbersome. The advantages of a 9.5’ over a standard 9’ rod are found when mending, roll casting and adding elevation of your casting loop over the water, especially when hauling line for a long cast. I cast the SA Amplitude Infinity WF5 and liked the relationship the rod and line formed. I have a feeling a Rio Gold or Gold XP line would be a good fit as well. If you’re looking to add casting distance and deepen mending ability, then consider picking up this 9.5’ 5wt.

   Wes Yarnell (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   I like a long 5-weight for big river work with droppers or nymph rigs. The Helios D 955 is an excellent choice for a large river trout rod that calls for varied techniques and a wholistically different tactical approach over the course of the day. Nymph rigs from light to heavy and complicated, big and long dry dropper rigs, streamers on floating or sinking lines, dry flies from large terrestrials to little midges: a very tall order for a single fly rod. The best nine and half foot five-weights are expected to do all of the above and the Helios D 955 is absolutely capable and eager. A steep taper that feels appropriate to the length and line weight keeps your backcast high and in a confident position of control. The tip is soft and affords precision and a high level of fine tune control. I can feel the butt section being longer than the 9-footer and shorter than the 10-footer, while maintaining that same feeling: long and stable off the cork with a nuanced rock back to the lower that drives upward towards a fine and supple tip. This rod is absolutely my speed with power and control at distance with myriad flies, touch and finesse when you’re lucky enough to find the stars align. It is a perfect one rod for a river like the Gunnison Gorge. Hiking in to a big old handsome piece of trout water where you don’t know what you’re going to get? Why not take a rod that can do damn near all of it? Take a Helios D 955 with you and a SA Infinity WF5F.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)