Orvis Helios F 9′ 8-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   More anglers will choose the Helios D 9’ 8-weight for saltwater because the Helios F is characterized as slower action, or even as a “freshwater 8-weight,” but this stunning fly rod will impress even the most experienced flats angler. I cast it with an Infinity WF8 and was blown away. It is a superb caster with elite feel, slightly slower than the Helios D 9’ 8-weight but perfectly tuned to a long headed fly line, flexing just a little deeper, engaging a few more inches of graphite, supporting and shooting the line with such natural ease it seems they were made for each other. Although the casting cadence is slightly slower than the Helios D, line speed is equal and loop shape extraordinary. I even noticed that the trajectory of the loop/leader/fly was exceptional. The leader unfurls above the water, extending and settling like a perfect dry fly cast for trout, a bonefish rod with unusual presentation capabilities.

   On the freshwater side, I would recommend this rod over the Helios D (or just about any other 8-weight) for bass, pike and salmon. It will cast a wind-resistant fly better than it’s faster action cousin, naturally forming those long, semi-open, all day casting loops without taxing the caster with frantic, ineffective strokes while trying to shake the first 30 feet of line out of the tip.

   This is a lovely and lethal fly rod.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a very fun 8wt rod. It isn’t quite as stiff as the Helios D 9’ 8wt, but you could argue for having it in any saltwater quiver. This would make for an incredibly fun bonefish rod; it has the sensitivity and feel of a 7wt but still has the power to toss flies into the wind on the flats. From a casting standpoint this is a rockstar. It throws wonderfully tight loops and is very easy to manipulate. This is an incredibly intuitive fly rod that virtually everyone will cast well. It takes a little bit of line to really get the rod going, but it comes to life with 30’ or so of fly line out. I cast the rod with the SA Amplitude Infinity WF8F and thought it performed very well. If you plan on fishing this rod in the saltwater consider a traditional Bonefish taper like the SA Amplitude Bonefish WF8F or Rio Elite Bonefish WF8F.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Helios 8 weights are world class and it is going to be hard to not tell anglers that they ought to just go ahead and get both the Helios D and Helios F 908s. The Helios F 908 is a remarkable caster and not a tuned down version of the D meant solely for warmwater purposes. The Helios F 908 is not a moderate rod, nor a slowed down rod, it is a fast action rod that is maybe a half measure off the overall speed of the Helios D 908. The taper is different and that is where the subtle sweetness lies. As light in the hand and lovely with a line in the air, the 908 F has a slightly fuller bend that feels like a smoother curve to the blank with the line behind my head. I had a little more time to savor the load and more control over what I did with it. That same electric stringer springiness into the butt section is highly present, but a hair less directed than the 908 D.

   The 908 D feels more classically fast and that ever-so-slightly stouter butt section gives a bit more automatic line speed. The 908 F feels progressively fast, a rod that an experienced caster will have no trouble using to fight any wind. The 908 F is the better Helios 8 weight for a bigger fly, in my opinion, and has the better taper to handle the shorter headed heavy lines these flies require. If you’re in the market for a lighter touch bonefish rod and aren’t sold on a 7-weight, think about this rod. If I had the pair in my personal quiver, I would have a SA Bonefish Plus WF8F on the Helios D 908 for permit and a SA Bonefish WF8F on the Helios F 908 for bonefish. This gives you specific versatility: one line weight, 2 rods with a complementary performance set. The same reels work on both and both lines are interchangeable, allowing you to change the characteristics of either rod by simply switching the reel over. Think about it.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Helios D and Helios F 9′ 8-weights:
   Why put these two models together for a review? To start, I love 8 weights . I fish 8 weights quite often for bonefish, permit, triggerfish etc. It is difficult for me to choose which model I prefer because I was blown away by both of them. The D certainly brings a bit more power with a stiffer butt section and softer tip while the F has a progressive taper that allows the power to be transferred along the entirety of the rod. Both of these rods allow for tight and controllable loops at distance but if the majority of your shots are inside of 40 feet I would probably give the F the edge. These rods would be equally effective as Alaska streamer and mousing rods.

   Troy Youngfleish (Telluride Angler)