![]() It comes in a “D” version (for distance) or “F” version (for feel), but there’s plenty of D and F in either option. Translated to actual fishing, that means this rod literally negates the need for false casts, which spook fish. A simple, well-prepared backcast is all you need to launch a dead-on forward cast, at 15 feet or 45 feet. But here’s the kicker that sets this one apart from most other rods: it loads with ease, almost by intuition. It’s a fast-action rod, equally good at long and close ranges. Finally, its particular flashy look that will take a more or less important place at the time of choice, according to each other. On this specific point totally subjective, we have no advice to provide.Another major step forward for an established market presence, this third iteration of “Helios” packs all the attributes of its predecessors. We really feel the french touch from the world of competition: the first ring is located at an ideal distance from the handle and the downlocking reel seat offers an excellent balance. The attention to details is palpable in the static test whose functionality is close to perfection. Fast action and excellent maneuverability allow a fast casting when euronymphing (relative to its length). This moderate power can actually fish light without the risk of breaking the tippet (this is a worn manufacturing argument but that is not always true in practice!). It will therefore be intended for versatile fly fishing and especially for euronymphing in medium and large streams. Obviously, at nearly 849 usd, we were expecting a lot about the compliance of manufacturor data in relation to our measures: Well, it is a faultless! With an ERN at 3.42, this rod is a real #3 10'6". For Spanish nymphing, I use an ultra-thin Hydros Tactical line and a monofilament leader of 0.18mm diameter which works very well with this rod." I mainly use this rod on 10 to 30m wide rivers with a Scientific Angler VPT #3 line and a 12' leader. I managed to catch several trout over 20", two of which more than 25" on a 5X tippet ! This Helios 3F is very versatile. It was during a trip to Spain that I really realized the exceptional abilities of this 10'6 rod. But I missed the experience with big fish. I alternate spanish fishing, french nymphing and dry fishing during this competition. ![]() I was in charge with it when I went to the D1 round in the french Pyrénées and I had perfect confidence in it. I do not remember having breakage on the hook set even with 7X tippet (0.10 mm) and the hooks off rate is very low which for me is crucial in competition. It is a very reactive rod but which preserve light hooks and which bends well in tip with modest size fish. ![]() The fish holding of the H3 quickly bluffed me. I therefore passed all the techniques to know the capabilities of this rod and to my surprise, it was very performing in almost all fishing configurations I met during my preparation I walk these different kinds of rivers where most fish measure between 8 and 17". I made a lot of tests before my first round of competition. The length of this Helios 3 is quickly forgotten in action. Just like the 10 '#3 Recon, I was expecting from this Helios 3f the versatility necessary to avoid carrying two rods in competition. "I have been fishing with this rod since may 2018, which corresponds to the release date of this model in France. The opinion of Florian Caravéo, Orvis France ambassador and competitor of the french national flyfishing championship : After two years of development, we are proud of our tool and look forward to pushing Orvis rod designs even further." Most of all, we made a very accurate rod, allowing anglers to more efficiantly fish water. They said they wanted additional length, optimized balance, a profile designed to protect light tippet, quick recovery and control. We succeeded with this rod by listening to the anglers and their needs. We enlisted George Daniels to provide feedback on prototypes until atlast we had the current production model. By mid 2016, we added a Helios 3F 10’6” 3WT to the list of rods to be developed. The market responded extremely well to the Recon rod, which in turn increased our confidence that we were on the right track. Enter the development of the Recon 10’ 3WT. ![]() In 2015 we hired Jesse Haller (Product Developer) and right away he started asking for a euro focused tool to compete with. We ended up with a fantastic rod but missed the mark as a purpose built tightline rod. Being unsure at the time if the tightline market would sustain sales we opted to make a versitle rod that could also handle traditional indicator fishing. Customers were asking for a 10’ 3WT Helios 2, so we made one. In 2011 we identified a need for a tight line or euro nymphing rod in our line. "Six year journey to design the Helios 3 10’ 6” 3WT : The opinion of Shawn Combs, Orvis Director Product Development/Design : ![]()
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