Orvis Helios Rods & Sa Sharkskin Lines

[thenewflyfisher]

I was fortunate to have gone to the Fly Fishing Retailer show in Denver this past September. The big "buzz" was about two products, The new Scientific Angler Sharkskin flyline and the Orvis Helios flyrods.

 

First the Sharkskin line. Incredible...i was very skeptical about this line until I cast it. I consider myself an "average" caster and with this line I was able to fire 40-60 feet of line effortlessly. People were amazed at how well it cast. Of course everyone also noticed the "zipper" sound the line gives off as it shoots through the guides. When talking with some folks from SA Lefty Kreh came by and said "when am I getting some more of the Sharkskin? Everyone keeps stealing it from me!". It is hard to believe that there is now a $100 flyline. However, if it casts and lasts as well as SA states, it could be a great value. Can hardly wait to try it for stillwater fishing and for atlantic salmon where you often have to cast alot of line in high winds.

 

The Orvis helios rods were causing a great stir because of their lightness and power. An eight weight feels like a 4/5. The ten weight is like a six. Very very light and well balanced. Then I cast one. One false cast with a double haul, boom, cast the whole line! Incredible. Barry Stokes from Islander reels was there and I had him come over and cast the 10 weight. He couldn't believe it. He said it would be fantastic for firing big streamers for Coho. Usually I am not a big fan of Orvis rods, until recently. The Zero Gravity series was the best rod they have produced in a long time. The came the revised Superfine series in the Trout Bum mode. Again, great rods. The Helios series is unquesitonably the nicest rod they have produced. I think the saltwater folks will really jump on this rod.

 

My $.02 on a couple of new products I was really impressed with.

Cheers

 

colin

the new fly fisher

[toolman]

Thanks for the great review Colin. I wonder when these new products will be on the shelves?

Greg

[kungfool]

Sharkskin is already on Country Pleasures shelfs. And I know they are getting Helios soon. I'm goona demo one of those helios when they do.

 

Thanks for the reviews! Oh, and I also watch the show. Keep up the good work.

[kungfool]

Just checked country pleasures fly shop website again Greg and it says that the Orvis Helios will be available November 15th, 4 through 10 weights.

[thefisherking]

Westwinds carries it as well.

[grannyknot]

Tyson at Troutfitters was telling me the Sharkskin is the best line he's ever cast, I think I'll have to try some out, even at the high price it sounds like it's worth it. I've been using the GPX and I really like it, but maybe Santa will bring me a spool of Sharkskin this Dec.

[Guest bigbadbrent]

I've played around with the sharkskin on a Z-axis, was utterly stupid how good this line is...I'll be grabbing them in most sizes

[birchy]

Bump.

 

Looking into the Helios a bit more. Man.. looks like a sweet rod. I think maybe I'll get one of these for my "ONE really high end rod" instead of a Sage.. just out of principle.

[Guest bigbadbrent]

what principle is that?

[birchy]

what principle is that?

 

Since I always bash Sage just to bug people.

[Din]

what principle is that?

 

that sage is garbage and orvis is the only way to go

[Guest bigbadbrent]

ahhh..guess i missed that one

 

The Helios's are pretty dumb how light they are..

 

If i hadn't ordered my Z-axis, i'd be seriously contemplating a Scott S4....what a rod that thing is

[WesG]

I am still skeptical