Anyone have any input on these two blanks? I'm looking at a 8'4" 2 weight in the Orvis blank and a 8'0" 2 weight in the Sage. They both look like outstanding rods, so I'm looking for some info here that might help me break my deadlock. Thanks!

Go to a dealer or 2, and test cast them. Orvis will even give you a cap or t-shirt, just for trying the Helios.

I did a head to head comparison between an Orvis Helios and a Sage SLT. Both were 9'- 4wt - 4 piece factory built rods. The ZXL replaced the SLT with a graphite scrim material making it lighter and thinner. I handled one later and found it to be a wonderful rod.

The Helios was definitely lighter than the Sage SLT.. but the ZXL is also lighter than the SLT. The Helios seems like an incredibly powerful and light rod. I could not have been more impressed with a graphite rod.The Helios I tried had the slower action. They offer two versions.

The only thing I will add is that I am spoiled now by bamboo fly rods. I am a die hard lover of slow to moderate actions and bamboo really excels in that realm. I might even sell my almost new Sage SLT as it just cannot compare to the pleasure of a quality bamboo rod.

David,

I would be going with the mid flex 6.5- I'm building this rod to fish on mountain trout streams for native brookies where a delicate yet accurate cast is required at 10- 30 feet. I'm leaning toward the helios because it's 4" longer making it easier for me to keep more flyline off the water and I love daping with a nymph, the 8'4" length makes it easy.

David,

Before you get rid of your Sage, try uplining it by 2 or even 3 line sizes - it will then start to feel much more like bamboo.

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

Thanks Tom. I'll give that a try. I like using a 9 foot rod on occasion and bamboo is too heavy in that length.

It that really a Helios blank or just a Zero G and where are you seeing this Helios blank? PM me if necessary

Gary,

It's really a helios blank, coming from mudhole. I spoke with Scott @ mudhole this morning, told me it would be shipped in 3 days as it had been backordered.

...