Orvis Fly Rods

by | Nov 28, 2022 | Fly Rod Reviews | 0 comments

Here’s a comprehensive look at the full line of Orvis fly rods that are currently on the market. We’ve cut through all the marketing fluff and provided the essential details to help you zero in on which rod is right for you.

Orvis Fly Rods

Orvis Helios 3D Fly Rod

The Orvis Helios is the flagship fly rod that comes in two distinct flavors – the 3D and the 3F. The difference can be summed up in the name when you understand that 3D stands for Distance and 3F stands for feel.

This fast action rod focuses on strong performance to carry heavy flies through wind at extreme distances. It features a type III anodized aluminum reel seat with matte midnight carbon insert.

Now add REC recoil snake guides and SiC titatnium stripping guides and you have a powerhouse rod.

For a more complete rundown of this rod, check out our Orvis Helios 3D Review.

Available in the following models:

4 weight9′
5 weight9′
6 weight9′
7 weight9′
7 weight10′
8 weight9′
9 weight9′
10 weight9′
11 weight9′
12 weight9′

Orvis Helios 3F Fly Rod

The Orvis Helios 3F is the other side of the Helios Line. The F stands for feel, and the rod’s ability to deliver extremely accurate casts at short and medium distances.

It features the same type III anodized aluminum reel seat, REC recoil guides, and SiC Titatnium stripping guides as the 3D, but the blank is a medium action with a taper that maximizes fell.

Color options include black or olive green. And the available models offer more options to dial it in.

Available in the following models:

3 weight7’6″
3 weight8’4″
3 weight10’6″
4 weight8’6″
4 weight9′
4 weight10′
5 weight8’6″
5 weight9′
5 weight10′
6 weight9′
6 weight9’6″
6 weight10′
7 weight9′
7 weight10′
8 weight9′
8 weight10′

Orvis Helios 3 Blackout Fly Rod

The Helios 3 Blackout is very similar to the Helios 3D and 3F models with the same type III anodized reel seat, REC recoil guides, and SiC Titanium stripping guides. However the black is essentially the euro nymph version of both the 3D and 3F

You can choose between either the 3D or 3F form factors, but with the blackout color to minimize rod flash and longer length options to increase the reach.

It comes in the following models:

Helios 3F Action3 weight11′
Helios 3D Action5 weight9’5″
Helios 3D Action8 weight8’5″

Orvis Recon Fly Rod

The Recon is Orvis’ mid tier fly rod that features a pewter type II anodized reel seat, silver stripping guides and silver snake guides. It’s lightweight feel and Helios 3 taper technology enable the rod to provide a  feel and accuracy that is similar to the Helios.

The 2 through 6 weight options come in an olive blank with charcoal and spring green accents. There is also a saltwater version that utilizes a blue blank instead of olive for 6 through 12 weights.

This rod comes in the following models:

2 weight7’6″
2 weight10′
3 weight7’6″
3 weight8’4″
3 weight10′
4 weight8’6″
4 weight9′
4 weight10′
5 weight8’6″
5 weight9′
5 weight10′
6 weight9′
6 weight9′ Saltwater
6 weight9’6″ Saltwater
7 weight9′
7 weight10′
8 weight9′
8 weight10′
9 weight9′
10 weight9′
12 weight9′

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

The Clearwater is the more affordable option from Orvis. It features a nickel aluminum reel seat, chrome stripping guides, and fighting butt handles for models 6 weight and up.

While this model doesn’t feature all the bells and whistles of the higher priced models, it’s still a solid, affordable option for the angler on a budget who is looking for a quality rod.

The blank come in a chrome color with white accents. To learn more, check out our full Orvis Clearwater Review.

This rod comes in the following models:

2 weight10′
3 weight7’6″
3 weight10′
4 weight7’6″
4 weight8’6″
4 weight9′
4 weight10′
5 weight8’6″
5 weight9′
5 weight10′
6 weight9′
6 weight9’6″
7 weight9′
7 weight10′
8 weight9′
8 weight10′
9 weight9′
10 weight9′
11 weight9’4″
12 weight9′

Orvis Encounter Fly Rod

The Encounter is the entry level rod option for beginner fly fishermen. At the time of writing this article, it’s only available in a complete outfit with large arbor Encounter reel, fly line, and case. 

It features a graphite blank and medium action. While it doesn’t feature the same high quality components of the more expensive models, it does offer a lot of versatility to be able to throw everything from nymphs to big streamer patterns. 

This rod comes in the following models:

6 weight9′
6 weight9’6″

Orvis Mission Two-Handed Fly Rod

The Mission is Orvis’ two handed spey rod offering. It features the same chrome finish, nickel aluminum reel seat, and chrome snake & stripping guides as the Clearwater model. For all intents and purposes, it’s basically a two handed Clearwater.

Where it differes is that the spey version has a composite tip on the fighting butt handle as well as a compositie tip on the fore grip. 

This rod comes in the following models:

3 weight11’4″
4 weight11’4″
6 weight12′
7 weight11′
7 weight13′
8 weight11′
8 weight13’6″
9 weight14′
10 weight15′

Orvis Bamboo Fly Rods

Orvis 1856 Bamboo Fly Rod

The 1856 is Orvis’ top tier bamboo offering. And beware, the price is not for the faint of heart. However this rod was meant to be fished and not displayed like an antique. 

The 8′ 5 weight rod features a progressive flex, a hollow build, and a nickel silver reel seat with Vermont maple burl insert.

While other Orvis rods are about delivering performance, this rod is about delivering an experience.

Available only in 8′ 5 weight.

Orvis Adirondack Full-Flex Fly Rod

The Adirondack is the entry level bamboo offering, although the price is still fairly hefty. The rod is a classic 5 weight split bamboo design.

The swelled butt handle, full flex action, and optional customization contribute to a rod that would make even the most devout bamboo purist proud.

 

Available in a 5 weight, 7’6″ design

Orvis Penn’s Station Full-Flex Fly Rod

The Penn’s Station is on par with the Adirondack in price, but with alternative features. It’s a 7′ foot, 4 weight design with a fast action and full flex.

Add to that a swelled butt design and light action tip and you have a rod that provides something uniquely different than the Adirondack. Also worth noting is that this split bamboo rod comes with a second tip.

Available in a 7′ 4 weight model

Orvis Glass Fly Rods

Orvis Superfine Glass Fly Rod

The Superfine Glass is, yes, you guessed it, Orvis’ fiberglass fly rod offering. It features S-2 glass with a slower action that most glass rods are known for.

The reel seat is a type III anodized with wooden insert for the heavier models, whereas the lighter 2-5 weight models feature a burled hardwood reel seat. Also worth noting are the double foot snake guides.

It comes in the following models:

2 weight6’6″
3 weight7’6″
4 weight7’6″
6 weight8′
8 weight8’6″
8 weight8’8″

If you’d like more information on our fly flishing gear reviews, check out our Reviews Section.

Also, check out our Destinations Travel blog for tips and suggestions specifically tailored for fly fishermen and exotic fishing destinations.

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