Orvis Helios D 9′ 9-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   While neither as light in hand nor sweet in the tip as the 9’ 8-wt, the 9’ 9-wt is primed for power and distance like few other saltwater fly rods. It casts with laser accuracy and shocking line speed in the hands of a strong angler. Using a heavy-ish line, like the SA Bonefish Plus or Rio Outbound, will load it for shorter shots and make it more user-friendly for a caster who is accustomed to the flex and feel of trout rods.

   Saltwater critics will absolutely love this thing. The command at distance is unsurpassed, a rod that asks for power and delivers power. On the water, the angler will have no problem picking up a long line for a second or third shot, which really counts when you’re working a permit or big bonefish at 50 or 60 feet. Some rods just can’t pick up and go with that much line on the water, but this one sure can. It’s suitable for juvenile tarpon up to 40 lbs and plays well into 10-weight fishing purposes for roosterfish, heavy striped bass, large barracuda and even king salmon. Also an ideal “9 ½-weight” for heavy permit, it will fish great with the SA Saltwater Infinity Plus, which is a full line weight heavy in grains but offers extra casting control and final fly placement thanks to its trout-like taper.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 4 out of 5

   This is right in the middle of the 9wt pack in terms of overall action and physical weight. It doesn’t cast as sweet as a rod like the 909/4 Scott Sector but is very easy casting. It is a nice and smooth rod that is fairly intuitive. Just like many other Helios D saltwater rods, the 9’ 9wt is a little dull in close but excels on longer shots. The overall action and sensitivity in the tip make this an excellent permit rod. I cast the SA Amplitude Bonefish Plus WF9F on this rod and was very happy with how the rod and line worked together. If you wanted to stiffen the rod up a bit consider either the Rio Elite Bonefish or SA Amplitude Bonefish lines.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   The Helios D 909 is a very good #9 saltwater fly rod. Even and easy, it is close to what I would call a standard for a saltwater 9-weight. I didn’t find the 909 D to have that same “something special” like the 908 Helios rods did. I don’t mean that as a detraction from the rod, but in my hands it didn’t come alive and leave me quite as giddy. It met my expectations completely, nothing for want, but not that little extra. Where the 8s are a little livelier and more springy, the 909 D is more solid and even. It is a rod you can rely upon to perform, a perfect tool that does its job as expected.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)