For some years now, several major american brands have begun to design tools for modern nymphing approaches. The prestigious Orvis company took part in this initiative, particularly under the initiative of its french partners. This is what we have already checked with the Recon 10 '# 3 review and we'd want to introduce today the latest top range model designed for euronymphing and still entirely manufactured in the USA : the 10'6 #3 Helios 3f.
Static test
To say the least, this Helios series has an original look ! Certainly, it won't please everyone, but it has the merit of offering an alternative to the eternal black ornaments that most models wear today. The white base of the first piece and its green inscriptions bring a touch of color that does not go unnoticed, while the rest of the blank is matt gray. The SIC stripping guide is followed by 11 Recoil snake guides. The alignment of the guides is facilitated by two classic white dots. The Half Wells cork handle overcomes a down locking black anodized aluminum reel seat with carbon insert. This first piece ends with a fighting butt. It will be delivered in an aluminum protection tube, also Made in USA.
Measurements
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of this rod :
Regarding the power, 30 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 3.42, giving it an ideal line number 3, as expected. With an AA of 73°, the action is fast (AA > 66°). The frequency at 72 is high and will allow dry flyfishing. Note that the weight announced by the manufacturer is strictly identical to the weight we have measured (3.46oz). The lightness will make all kind of cast easy : the balanced total weight (BTW) is only 9.56oz. The down-locking reel seat and the fighting butt are an important part of this very good balance ! Also, the first guide is located at an ideal distance from the grip : 16.53i (the same as the 10' #3 Recon).
Orvis Helios 3f 10'6 #3
The opinion of Shawn Combs, Orvis Director Product Development/Design :
"Six year journey to design the Helios 3 10’ 6” 3WT :
In 2011 we identified a need for a tight line or euro nymphing rod in our line. Customers were asking for a 10’ 3WT Helios 2, so we made one. 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. We ended up with a fantastic rod but missed the mark as a purpose built tightline rod. In 2015 we hired Jesse Haller (Product Developer) and right away he started asking for a euro focused tool to compete with. Enter the development of the Recon 10’ 3WT. The market responded extremely well to the Recon rod, which in turn increased our confidence that we were on the right track. By mid 2016, we added a Helios 3F 10’6” 3WT to the list of rods to be developed. We enlisted George Daniels to provide feedback on prototypes until atlast we had the current production model. We succeeded with this rod by listening to the anglers and their needs. They said they wanted additional length, optimized balance, a profile designed to protect light tippet, quick recovery and control. Most of all, we made a very accurate rod, allowing anglers to more efficiantly fish water. After two years of development, we are proud of our tool and look forward to pushing Orvis rod designs even further."
The opinion of Florian Caravéo, Orvis France ambassador and competitor of the french national flyfishing championship :
"I have been fishing with this rod since may 2018, which corresponds to the release date of this model in France. Just like the 10 '#3 Recon, I was expecting from this Helios 3f the versatility necessary to avoid carrying two rods in competition. The length of this Helios 3 is quickly forgotten in action. I made a lot of tests before my first round of competition. 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".
The fish holding of the H3 quickly bluffed me. It is a very reactive rod but which preserve light hooks and which bends well in tip with modest size fish. 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.
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 alternate spanish fishing, french nymphing and dry fishing during this competition. But I missed the experience with big fish. It was during a trip to Spain that I really realized the exceptional abilities of this 10'6 rod. I managed to catch several trout over 20", two of which more than 25" on a 5X tippet ! This Helios 3F is very versatile.
I mainly use this rod on 10 to 30m wide rivers with a Scientific Angler VPT #3 line and a 12' leader. 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."
The opinion of the editor
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". It will therefore be intended for versatile fly fishing and especially for euronymphing in medium and large streams. 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!). Fast action and excellent maneuverability allow a fast casting when euronymphing (relative to its length). The attention to details is palpable in the static test whose functionality is close to perfection. 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. 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... However, let us conclude thus: would not it be a pity to miss a so accomplished rod because of a color choice a bit daring?
