The Orvis Company was founded in 1856 by Charles F. Orvis in Manchester, Vermont. Today, it is a fly fishing institution beyond US borders. With 1700 employees dedicated to research and development, its impressive network of professionals, it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of fly fishing tackle. The Orvis know-how is still located in the United States, where many products are still handcrafted. The Orvis range offers a top-range rod for every declination of fly fishing. We are starting a presentation of these models with a reference born in 2015 and dedicated to euronymphing : the Recon 10' 3wt.
Static test
If Orvis rods sometimes feature original look (as we will see with the Helios 3 10'6 #3 review), this Recon is definitely sober. With its dark olive blank and its nice gray wraps, it remains discreet and classy. The rod presents 12 guides on the blank (the first SIC located on the first piece is followed by 11 chromed snake guides). The cigar grip is made of best quality cork and the gunsmoke reel seat with wood insert gives the set a very elegant look. A major effort was made to increase the balance : the reel seat is down-locking and the first piece ends with a thin fighting butt. Measurements will confirm the expected effect. This 4-pieces rod is delivered in an aluminum protection tube.
Measurements
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of this rod :
Regarding the power, 28 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 3.12 and a #2/3 line power. Indeed, the value of ERN is in the middle of the range [2.00 - 3.99]. So, anglers can use a #2 line or a #3 line, depending on their casting style and fishing conditions (wind, slyness of the trouts...), as usual. With an AA of 69°, the action is fast but remains in the bottom part of this range : the rod is not ultra-fast. The frequency at 74 is high and pledge of versatility. The weight announced by the manufacturer (2.5oz) is almost identical to the weight we have measured : 2.68oz. The impression of lightness when handling is confirmed by the numbers, since the balanced total weight (BTW) is 8.11oz, which ranks this rod among the best balanced of the market in this range of length and power. Also, the first guide is located at an ideal distance from the grip : 16.53in.
Orvis Recon 10' #3
The opinion of the manufacturer :
"For the anglers who chase blue lines on topo maps and spend their nights bent over satellite imagery, plotting the next day’s adventures. For those who manage riverside meals of granola bars and jerky, hastily consumed while watching rising fish. For anglers who would rather spend the day in the front of a skiff than behind a desk. Performance that charges off the beaten path with precision that gets the job done. Recon teams high-performance feel with lightness in hand. With close-in loading ability and the power for longer reach, the rod feature a modern shadow green blank and covert black nickel hardware. Proudly made in the USA by people who love fishing as much as you do."
The opinion of Florian Caravéo, Orvis France ambassador and competitor of the french national flyfishing championship :
"My experience with this cane goes back to its release in 2017. As soon as I handled it, i found it more delicate than the Helios 2 10 '# 3, which allowed me to fish better with light nymphs and reduce hooks off in competition. This is my favorite rod for 10m wide rivers, whether to look for trout or grayling! I use it with a Scientific Angler VPT WF3 line and a 12' Trout Hunter Finess leader. This association is really versatile. According to the reel, i like the Hydros SL 2 Orvis but I also use a JMC Yoto 30 (french euronymphing reel) with a #2 line and a long spanish nymphing leader. Spanish nymphing anglers will make beautiful casts with this rod. It is really nice to use all day long, in recreation as in competition, it is extremely lightweigh ! At the same time soft and accurate, it is possible to fish with very fine tippet. Minimizing the risk of breaking the line, the Recon 10 '# 3 has all the qualities required to have fun with fish of all sizes but it can even subdue trout over 20inches... "
The opinion of the editor
A high-range rod made in the USA that is to be used in light techniques (due to its moderate power). Its standard length allows to practice in all water profiles with a predilection for medium rivers. Thanks to its reactivity and easy handling, you can dry flyfishing or euronymphing effectively. It can do everything! Note that the manufacturer announces that the rod is built on effective spine, which should therefore homogenize the dynamic behavior of the different Recon produced. A refined rod which remains affordable (around 425 USD), especially as it benefits from the 25 years Orvis warranty.
