The guys at the Orvis rod shop have been on a roll for the last couple of years.
Some of my favorite rods of late have come out of that shop, including the Helios 2 and the Superfine Glass. For 2015 Orvis has a couple of new offerings that caught my eye. The new Recon and the H2 One Piece both look very promising. I haven’t fished these rods yet, but I will be very soon so stay tuned for full reviews on each.
The Recon is Orvis’s new mid-priced offering. Retailing for under $500 this rod is a great value. I honestly can’t see it as a compromise. It’s a beautifully made rod with a light, crisp action. The hardware is excellent and whole rod, even the tube, is made in the USA.
The Helios 2 One Piece is the next evolutionary step for the award winning H2. It combines the thermo-plastic design of the H2 with the accuracy, cast-ability and strength of a one piece rod. It feels amazing in the hand. Extremely light and lively. I’m really looking forward to trying this rod out.
Tom Rosenbauer took some time to talk about the new rods with me at IFTD. Check out the video.
Louis Cahill Gink & Gasoline www.ginkandgasoline.com hookups@ginkandgasoline.com Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!
I am also looking forward to the Recon. I have two H2s and I love them both. That said, I do not have the money to add an H2 in every size to my collection. I would like to add other Orvis rods – here an there – to the selection of rods I fish.
The one piece H2 will surely be sweet. I’ll be anxious to cast the new Recon. I like that even a mid-level rod will be 100% made in USA.
You can say that again. More US made the better.
Just in time for Christmas! I love both my H2, both my zg Helios rods, and the superfine touch. Not sure I’ll get a recon, but the one piece sounds intriguing. Never owned one, now may be the time. Any thoughts on WHY the one piece was developed? Fill a need? Trying something new, start a trend?
When can we see the write up on the Recon, Louis? I have cast the Helios 2, and it’s an amazing rod – – very similar to the Sage ONE, but maybe even better when it comes to tracking, accuracy and feel?