Saltwater 8 wt – helios or other?
- This topic has 13 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated May 7, 2010 at 2:47 pm by
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Hey guys, i had gotten an email on a special orvis is running with 20% off helios and hydros rods… that got me thinking.
Eric-
You’re probably about to get a lot better advice from others, but I felt like I could chime in as I’ve been using my 8 wts almost as much as I use my 5 wts.
I think it’s a pretty safe general assumption that any company’s “Saltwater” 8’s are going to be among their fastest-action rods.
Eric, I have a Helios in a 7 wt and have been extremely pleased with the performance in windy conditions. It hands down out performs my Loomis GLX. I also have a Hydros in a 10 and 12 wt. which I fell in love the first time I cast them. I know they’re heavier rods but I can only imagine an 8 wt would be a dream to cast, as is the 10 and 12. In my opinion if your only going to use it a couple times a year, if your going to go with Orvis, then a Hydros would be your best bet.
As far as flylines go I would say a Clouser would be the way to go. I have a RIO Redfish on my 7 wt and probably push it for using it late into the year but I’m happy with it. Hope this helps,
Dave
I have owned a Helios for a couple of years now, and I have fished it in countless fishing situations half way around the globe from the flats of Hawaii to the mangroves in South Florida to Lagoons in Hilton Head, and the rivers of Georgia.
I wouldn’t pay too much attention to what that test showed. I have seen an expert caster cast 70 ft. with just the two top sections of an 8 wt. In fact it was my Orvis Rod, called a Silver Label. At that time, I couldn’t cast that far with an eight. I can now throw a line further than that with any 8 wt. rod. That rod was broken and Orvis replaced it with a T 3. Great service and a very nice rod. I believe most 8 wts. are salt water rods, especially 9 footers.
If you like the Helios get it. Put the right line on it and it will be a great casting tool. Seems like everyone likes that Clouser Line.
No, I am not an expert caster, but can throw 70 ft with a six wt. I did this the other day with an inexpensive rod that I won in a raffle. Not nearly as nice as a Helios. Have fun with your new toy.Eric,
Try a couple different lines on the T3, and I bet you’ll be able to find something that you like.
Eric, Ditto what Tim said.
If I were you, i would try casting a newer taper fly line and or up-lining before you scrap your T3. Personally, I like Rio’s tapers a little better than SA but they seem to constantly 1 up each other with new designs (which is great for us as consumers). It seems like there is a specific line and fly size combination that can make even mediocre rods sing.
Helios are super nice to cast though and feel near weightless IMO!
Eric –
There’s two ways to skin this cat.
(1) Yes, you could go to a medium-actioned rod or re-rig to over line the rod (even the T3).
Tim – good suggestion, and it was something i have been thinking about, in fact almost all my rods except this 8 wt are over-lined by at least one size.
I fished Orvis rods for years and I found the tip flex rods like to be overlined by one size. Mid-flex rods do well with the heavier lines like a gpx taper. T-3 is probably one of the better rods Orvis had, and when they discontinued them I moved on. I did try the Helios :-X
Eric,
Buy a Helios, Hydros or TLS from Orvis.com before May 31st and they’ll throw in a Battenkill reel at no charge.
Eric –
I wouldn’t go so far as to label yourself broad-brush as a ‘medium action’ caster. I really believe you can quickly teach yourself to make in-close casts using just the tip of a fast action rod.
See, guys who cast over the shoulder can basically just do this; they already make such a tight, controlled movement when they move their rod tips, that for them they just have to back off the power a bit and they’re tip-casting no sweat.
Those of us who throw ‘side-armed’ or with a wide-open stance just need to convert into tip casters for this one application. You can still throw short with your regular open stance-stroke, but you really have to watch how much area your tip is covering. Personally I find it to be easier just to convert to an over-the-shoulder cast for anything under 20 feet.
Practice is really the answer. I promise it won’t take much of it. Probably a couple hours and you’ll be able to make that cast whenever you want.
Zach
A free reel with purchase of select Orvis rods going on now, that should help with a final decision.
I miss my old orvis t3 906-4 salt water rod. That thing was my favorite, in fact, I had two so those were my favorites. Both were broken and no current model available to replace them in a salt version with mid flex. I liked the larger guides which did not freeze up in wither and the full wells grip. The rod(s) was used for fresh 90%
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