Anybody know when Helios blanks will be available?

Last I heard it will be a couple years before they look at the blank market, they never have been a big blank selling company. Can't imagine the average working class family angler finding $755+ for a fishing rod right now.

I think Orvis has pretty much gotten out of the blank business. But you could call or email them and ask. They have a pretty good customer relations service and I think they'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

..........................

A couple of months ago I chatted on-line with someone in their Customer Service department regarding the Helios. I was told that the blank will be available for sale, some time in the future, after the demand for the rods goes down. Orvis manufactures their own blanks in Vermont. The Helios is selling so well that they cannot make the blanks as quickly as they can sell the rods. I can't imagine what that blank will sell for...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/17/2008 02:03AM by George Forster.

George,
I did not know that orivs still had any manufacturing capacity - for any product. Blanks included.
Herb

Herb, all I know is what the guy at Orvis cutomer service told me. I specifically asked him where they got their blanks. He told me flat out that the blanks are made by Orvis, in Vermont. I thought the same as you, before contacting them. Go to the Orvis website-Customer Service tab. On the customer service page, you can go to a chat-room and have a live Q&A with one of their reps. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, except for the part where I found out that I can't buy the blank any time soon.

Hi guys,

Saw the post here and will add an obscenely obvious plug for American Tackle's "Titan Ringlock" guides. Orvis does indeed make these rods and blanks here in the states and from what I know they are in high demand. They utilize our "Ringlock" guide style as do many other high end fly rod companies. Choosing the titanium frames for light weight, shorter foot print, and durability, they have added the best possible guide for a truly high end rod. (I love them for it)

Even if you don't have a chance to build a rod on a Helios blank you can still use the ultimate guide, "Titan Ringlock" from American Tackle.

End of commercial, thanks for your time.

Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company